From Fabienne Gassmann, the designer: “I have a fondness for a good hoodie peeking out from under more formal outerwear. Foster aims to be just that, adding a bit of street cred to any outfit. On top of that, it’s perfect for an evening campfire. Remember the age old issue of being super toasty on the front, facing the fire and icy cold at the back of the neck? Pop on a hood, problem solved.”

Foster comes with two options, fitted more like a balaclava or a looser neck warmer with an attached hood. The pattern comes with an option to extend the collar into a chest warmer with the illusion of a raglan sleeve.

Both versions are worked bottom up, with a folded hem and integrated i-cord edge. German short rows are used to shape the hood much like a short row sock heel. This minimalist detail also serves the purpose of a fold line.

SIZES
1 (2)
Finished circumference top of hood: 49.5 (54) cm / 19.5 (21.25)”
Both sizes fit most head circumferences; Size 1 is fitted like a classic balaclava, Size 2 is worn looser, with approximately 10 cm / 2.5” positive ease around the head.

YARN
The Grey Sheep Co. Hampshire DK (98% Virgin Wool, British breeds, 2% Alpaca; 130 metres / 142 yards per 60g)

340 (380) metres / 370 (415) yards, including collar

Size 1 (without collar) shown is knit in colourway ‘Ruby Ruby Ruby’. Emma wears it with 7.5 cm / 3” of negative ease.

Size 2 (with collar) shown is knit in colourway ‘Barafundle Bay’. Paloma wears it with 2 cm / 0.75” of positive ease.

NEEDLES
3.5 mm / US 4 circular needle with a cable length of at least 60 cm / 24” (or needle two sizes smaller than main needle)
4 mm / US 6 circular needle with a cable length of at least 60 cm / 24” (or needle size to obtain gauge)
4 mm / US 6 circular needle with a cable length of 40 cm / 16” (or needle size to obtain gauge) or 4 mm / US 6 dpns

GAUGE
17 sts x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” (worked flat and in the round, in stockinette stitch, on larger needle, after blocking)

NOTIONS
• Crochet hook (for provisional cast-on)
• Darning needle
• Removable stitch markers (optional)
• Scrap yarn (for provisional cast-on)
• Stitch holders
• Stitch markers (different colours, optional)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
• Height of hood: 16 cm / 6.5”
• Neck circumference: 49.5 cm / 19.5”
• Circumference top of hood: 49.5 (54) cm / 19.5 (21.25)”
• Width of collar at shoulder: 34 cm / 13.5”
• Length of collar: 21 cm / 8.25”

DESIGNER & CONTRIBUTORS
Designer: Fabienne Gassmann
Models: Paloma Isa Mercado & Emma Fierberg
Photography: Melinda Dela Costa
Tech Editing: Jessica Schwab
Graphic Design: Camille Romano

Foster is one of the 13 cozy, campfire-inspired patterns featured in Issue 8 of Making Stories Magazine.

Issue 8 is available through our webshop in print and digital as well as in a subscription, through our Ravelry store as a digital version and our stockists.

About Making Stories Magazine

With Making Stories Magazine, we strive to feature companies and makers who focus on sustainability, transparency, fairness and equity in their work. We love telling their stories and hope to inspire and enable crafters to make conscious and informed decisions about the materials they use and the companies they support.