Happy New Year! The test knitting is coming to an end, and I have released the English version of the Regal Purple Jacket in my Ravelry Store. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my test knitters! The Norwegian pattern will be published in “Vårens Strikkebok”, a magazine by Familien, due out in March. I am thrilled that it will be accompanied by photos of dancer Francesca Golfetto by Kim Müller, see above. The tech edited pattern includes the cowl, and the English version have 3 different sleeve lengths, chart, schematic plus video links. Here is a link to where you can buy and download the pdf : ravelry.com/stores/linda-marveng.

This vibrant rich purple is regal to me. I choose a lace pattern called Flower Wave, which is half lace and half garter stitch, hence easy to memorize. The Regal Purple Jacket has an A-line shape with added garter stitches in the side for decreasing, short sleeves and a V-neck with a garter stitch then stocking stitch band. It is knitted flat, in a divine 4 ply/fingering cotton called  Perle/Pearl from Hifa, and then sewn together to give stability to the garment. Optional 3/4 length or long sleeves patterns are included in addition to a stripy stocking stitch cowl, knitted in the round and grafted together, to accentuate the lace pattern.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)

Finished Measurements:                                                                                                     Bust: 92 (98, 106, 116, 126, 136) cm/36.25 (38.5, 41.75, 45.75, 49.5, 53.5)”                               Hip: 112 (118, 126, 136, 146, 156) cm/44 (46.5, 49.5, 53.5, 57.5, 61.5)”                             Length: 60 (62.5, 62.5, 65, 67.5, 67.5) cm/23.5 (24.5, 24.5, 25.5, 26.5, 26.5)”                   Short sleeves: 14 (14, 16, 16, 18, 18) cm/5.5 (5.5, 6.25, 6.25, 7, 7)”                                           OR 3/4 sleeves: 36 (36, 33.5, 33.5, 31, 31) cm/14.25 (14.25, 13.25, 13.25, 12.25, 12.25)”       OR long sleeves: 50 (50, 47.5, 47.5, 45, 45) cm/19.75 (19.75, 18.75, 18.75, 17.75, 17.75)” Cowl: Circumference: 33 cm/13”, length: 123 cm/48.5″

Yarn: Hifa, Perle in red purple sh 18357 (100% Egyptian mercerized cotton, 670 m/732yds, 200 g cone), see ull.                                                                                                Jacket with short sleeves: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3) cones: 1005 (1172, 1340, 1507, 1675, 1843) m/1099 (1282, 1465, 1648, 1832, 2015) yds.                                                                         Jacket with long or 3/4 sleeves: 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4) cones: 1340 (1507, 1675, 1843, 2010, 2178) m/1465 (1648, 1832, 2015, 2198, 2382) yds. 3/4 sleeves version uses approx 135 m/147 yds less in each size.                                                                                                        Cowl: 1 cone: 600m/656 yds

Yarn alternatives: Filatura di Crosa, Dolce Amore (100% cotton, 181 m/198yds, 50 g), see tahkistacycharles.                                                                                                          Fyberspates, Vivacious 4 ply (100% superwash merino, 365 m/399 yds, 100 g), see fyberspates.                                                                                                                                      Anzula, Squishy (80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon, 352 m/385 yds, 115 g), see anzula or another fingering/4 ply (14 wpi) yarn.

Needles: 3 mm/US 2.5 circular needle (80 cm/32”) for jacket, (40 cm/16”) for cowl or size needed to match gauge.

Notions: 2 stitch markers, 5 stitch holders, spare circular needle in same or smaller size than working needles, yarn needle and waste yarn for cowl cast on.

Gauge: 24 sts and 34 rows in Flower Wave Pattern measures 10 cm/4″ square. 24 sts and 36 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 30 sts and 34 rnds in stocking st measures 10 cm/4″ square. Or size needed to match gauge.

Next is my first test knit of 2014: The Nora Sweater.