Indigenous artists have always been resilient, maintaining many fiber traditions even through the process of colonization. This resiliency was not lost for Mexican American women, Chicanas, who wanted to embrace both “sides” of their cultural identities. These women fought in their own civil rights movement, protesting poor, segregated education systems with peaceful “walk-outs”. Chicanas openly confronted discrimination in all areas, from racism outside the home, to the sexism inside of it. This striped pattern aims to capture the duality of the Chicana, paying homage to the heavily structured traditions of Mexican fiber arts coexisting with modernization.

Difficulty Level: Advanced Beginner
Materials:
3 (S, M), 4 (L, XL) 5 (2XL, 3XL), 6 (4XL, 5XL) balls of We Are Knitters The Cotton (3.5 oz/100g , 232 yds/212m per ball) or equivalent weight.
US 8/5mm circular needles, 24” long (32” recommended for XL sizes)
(optional US 8/5mm DPNs for sleeves)
Stitch marker
Darning needle

Pattern is knit bottom-up, splitting into two panels to be worked flat into an i-cord bind off. Shoulders are seamed together. Optional ruffle sleeves are then picked up and worked flat.