Fans of Downton Abbey’s amazing fashions, rejoice!

Just in time for holiday gift-knitting, A Head For Trouble: What To Knit While Catching Crooks, Chasing Clues, and Solving Murders (20 Hats & Adornments Inspired by Lady Detectives of the Roaring Twenties) was released in October, 2014. It is available in both electronic and paperback format both here and on my website: www.julieturjoman.com

Knit something special for your inner flapper!

Dandelion “Dandy” Gilver (brought to life by author Catriona McPherson) applies her sharp wit to detective work after WWI leaves her family’s finances wanting. Wry, tart-tongued, and enterprising, Dandy’s investigative adventures sparkle with Roaring Twenties dialogue and local color. Her proper manners and wardrobe just barely disguise the fact that this capable, determined woman does as she pleases.

Any lady detective worth her salt carries high-powered binoculars in her bag, the better to observe a suspect’s movements from a safe distance. This handy bag, with its lace appliqué flap and velvet flower embellishment, is both small and decorative enough to arouse no suspicion, and slips into a larger tote with ease. For the modern knitter, it makes an ideal Kindle carrying case.

SIZES: one size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
6” (15 cm) wide and 7¼“ (18.5 cm) tall

MATERIALS:
Plucky Knitter Traveler Aran 220 yds (201 m)/3.5oz (100 g), 65% merino wool, 20% silk, 15% yak
Main Color (MC): Smokey Bear. 1 skein.
Contrast Color (CC): Plié. 1 skeins; approx 20 yds are needed for this project.
US Size 6 (4 mm) circ and set of 5 double-pointed needles, or size needed to obtain correct gauge
One locking marker
8 stitch markers
Curved tip tapestry needle
One ¾“ (2 cm) diameter snap fastener
One small velvet flower

GAUGE:
18 sts and 27 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Diagonal Lace patt.