Inspiration for Philodendron
Teen television dramas are one of my guilty pleasures. I also love watching period dramas, in part for the costumes and the knitwear designs they inspire. Reign, a show that focuses on Mary, Queen of Scots’ marriage to the Dauphin of France, offers the best of both of my TV watching passions. Even though the costumes aren’t completely true to the mid-16th century, they’re still fun to look at.
In one episode, Mary wore an ornately embellished doublet that caught my eye. With my trusty cell phone I snapped a few pictures and stored away the idea of having a knitted leaf motif traveling sideways from the central front opening.
That’s how the design idea for Philodendron, published in the Twist Collective Fall 2015 issue was born. I found the ideal leafy stitch pattern and after much swatching and experimentation, adapted it for my needs.
The fronts are each worked side to side beginning with the front bands. The back is worked bottom up, as are the sleeves with the leaf motif growing vertically up from the cuffs/hem. The fit is refined with waist shaping, English tailored shoulders and set in sleeves. The sample is worked in SweetGeorgia Yarns’ Trinity Worsted—a real treat with a blend of merino, cashmere and silk.
While not something suitable to wear at French court, Philodendron is imminently wearable on a casual weekend, dressed up with a skirt for the office or a pair of wool slacks for the upcoming seasonal house parties with family and friends.
Get the pattern: Twist Collective Fall 2015, $7 USD
Sizes: 31 3⁄4 (36 1⁄4, 40 1⁄4, 43 1⁄2, 48 1⁄4, 52 1⁄4, 56 1⁄4, 59 1⁄2, 64 1⁄4)” / 80.5 (92, 102, 110.5, 122.5, 132.5, 143, 151, 163) cm (bust, buttoned); intended to be worn with approximately 2–4″ / 5–10 cm ease.
Yarn specs: SweetGeorgia Yarns Trinity Worsted, Pistachio
Gauge: 19 sts and 27 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch, using 4 mm (US 6) needles.
