Ardea, first published in Pompom magazine, is now available as an individual pattern in an updated, easy-to-follow layout directly from the designer. The pattern file contains all the edits up to date.

Dancing great blue herons - birds from the Ardea genus - are an unforgettable sight. With their movements slow and enchanting, wings wide spread, the feathered creatures seem to exist in another timeline. All textures and subtle patterns of their intricate plumage are highlighted, and even the air around seems more crisp.

The movement, freedom, and expression of herons is the inspiration behind this top. Texture-centered, it is knit sideways with contrasting lines of Estonian braids, wrapped and slipped stitch patterns. The top features a straight silhouette with gently shaped shoulders, subtly ribbed neckline, cuffs and bottom hem, and three needle bind offs used as seams along the sides. The pattern is offered in two lengths - cropped and long.

Sizes

• 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
• Finished chest (fullest point) circumference: 30½ (34, 37½, 41, 44½, 48, 51½, 55, 58½, 62)“ / 77.5 (86.5, 95, 104, 113, 122, 131, 140, 148.5, 157.5)cm
• Sizes listed are actual finished top measurements. For the fit shown, choose the size that fits your chest circumference with up to 3½“ / 9cm of positive ease.
• Ksenia (model with pink hair) is 5’ 4” / 164cm, has 38” / 96cm chest, and is wearing size 5, cropped
• Heather (model with brown hair) is 5’ 7” / 170cm, has 43” / 109cm chest, and is wearing size 5, cropped

Yarn

• DK weight yarn
• Cropped: 490 (555, 625, 695, 765, 840, 915, 995, 1080, 1165)yds / 450 (505, 570, 635, 700, 770, 835, 910, 990, 1065)m
• Long: 710 (800, 895, 990, 1085, 1185, 1290, 1395, 1500, 1610)yds / 650 (730, 820, 905, 990, 1085, 1180, 1275, 1370, 1470)m
• Sample top yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (60% cotton, 40% linen; 284yds / 260m, 3.5oz / 100g), in color Taro

Needles and Gauge

• Swatch to determine your needle size that helps to fit the gauge of 24 sts and 32 rows in 4” / 10cm in Stockinette Stitch, blocked; needle size below is a suggestion
• US 4 / 3.5mm for the body
• US 3 / 3.25mm for the Estonian Braid (optional
• Body: long single points or circular needles on 32” / 80cm cable
• Sleeves and neckline: circular needles for the magic loop method or small circumference circular needles

Construction

• Ardea is knit sideways.
• The front and the back are worked separately and then seamed at shoulders. Gentle shoulder shaping is achieved by mirrored increases and decreases along the shoulder seams.
• The sides of the top are joined with a three-needle cast-off for added structure.
• Stitches for sleeve cuffs, hem and neckline are picked up and worked in the round in 2x1 Rib with twisted purl stitches.