@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The submission call for Interweave Knits Winter 2017  with its Winter Bride theme, hit me hard. Or hit home, you might say. Since I had just finished photographing my own Bridal inspired series, I called Norse Goddess Collection, and there were more ideas filling my head. I wanted a lacy jacket with a long cowl collar and tucks at the bottom of the sleeves. I choose  an old favourite yarn the Jaggerspun Zephyr Lace 2/18 (50% tussah silk and 50% merino) held double for its crisp stitch definition, lusciousness and softness. I was delighted that my design was accepted by editor Meghan Babin. The winter bride story is stunningly styled  by Tina Gill, with beautiful hair & makeup by Kira Friedman and photographed by Harper Point Photography at – the commonly called – Chapel on the Rock in Colorado. Just look at the wedding bouquet! There are several lace shawls and a long lace bridal jacket to blow your mind in the issue with 18 designs especially made for the issue.

@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

This is my introduction to Djuser Cardigan, the working title for the design: A reversible lace pattern reminiscent of the step pyramid of Djuser in Egypt, is the focus point of this straight cardigan with a generous cowl collar and cuffs made of tucks. A fake garter stitch seam add a bit of structure to this cardigan. The cowl collar can be worn loose behind the neck, folded once around the neck or twice in front or three times around the neck in a ballerina style hence perfect for a Winter Bride. Here is Meghan’s introduction to the theme: “…Our “Winter Bride” story is ethereal, bright, timeless, and elegant. This story captures the sophisticated tone of the issue while being decidedly feminine. This all white story features cardigans, shawls, a magnificent veil, and show stopping lace bridal jacket.”

@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The Juul Cardigan is worked from the bottom and up. The body is worked in one part to the armhole and then separated into 3 parts. I worked the sleeves in the round but the technical editor at Interweave suggests only working the tucks in the round and add a seam for stability to the sleeves. The extra long cowl is knitted separately in two parts and then joined together and sewn in place around the opening.

@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

The sample is knitted in the third size, with a bust measurement of 104 cm/41″, worn with 18 cm/7″ of ease. So it came out looser than intended, the same with the sleeve length, that had to be pinned up during photography. The sleeve length has been adjusted in the pattern. The cardigan is available in six sizes. Here is the Interweave introduction to the cardigan:  “This unusual cardigan will draw every eye with its striking features. The tucked stitch cuffs and long attached loop collar add sophistication to the already beautiful lacework that adorns the back and sleeves.” Thank you so much, Interweave Knits team!

@ Interweave / Harper Point Photography

Here is a detail of the back and how I choose to end the lace pattern on the sleeve cap. It is knitted using a 3.25 mm/US 3 needle with a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in Lace pattern with 2 strands held together. The other story in the magazine is called “Whiskey and Wool” and you will find … “five rugged, sophisticated menswear sweaters, along with seven women’s wear design equal to their male counterparts”. The Donegal Sweater is my favourite among the menswear sweaters while the Bray Cardigan is the womenswear one, just in case you were wondering.

The Juul Cardigan is available as an individual download  pattern or as part of the Interweave Knits Winter 2017 magazine available both digitally or in print. In Norway you will find the printed magazine in the larger Narvesen, or order it from your local one.