Man of Letters is inspired by the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the quintessential “man of letters.” Molly Kent’s tribute to Franklin is worked in three simply shaped pieces; the colorwork is worked in intarsia. A skeleton key—a nod to Franklin’s most famous experiment—is worked in purl stitches at the back collar. The recommended yarn, Shelter by Brooklyn Tweed, is an all-American wool to reflect Mr. Franklin’s loyalties.

This pattern is in the book Stitching in the Stacks, which is available in both print and digital format via Cooperative Press (the digital edition was also available here on Ravelry).

Finished Measurements

Chest: 38 42, 46, 50“ / 96.5 106.5, 117, 127cm; designed to fit with 2” / 5cm of positive ease

Length (actual): 25 26, 27, 27.8“ / 63.5 66, 68.5, 70.5cm

Materials

Brooklyn Tweed Shelter 100% wool; 140 yds / 128m per 50g skein

• MC Pumpernickel; 3 skeins
• CC1 Nest; 3 skeins
• CC2 Woodsmoke; 1 skein
• CC3 Soot; 1 skein
• CC4 Faded Quilt; 1 skein

1 set US #8 / 5.5mm needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
1 set US #7 / 4.5mm needles

2 stitch holders or scrap yarn
2 stitch markers
7 7, 8, 8 ¾-inch buttons
Yarn needle