INTRODUCTION
I started this project without any expectation of it becoming something let alone writing a pattern for it. At the time, I had just moved to a new state about 6 months and I escaped to knitting because I didn’t have anyone to meet up with or talk to in the area yet and it helped with the anxiety of starting over in a new place. Then Instagram connected me to so many other knitters and knitters who were in my area that I would talk to and see in person. It opened me to meeting new people and connecting on more than just knitting. It finally made me feel like I was home. So, I dedicate this to all my knitting friends, on and off line, who have helped me come out of my shell and inspire me to keep creating.

DESCRIPTION: A seamless garment/accessory using modular knitting technique, building each small piece at a time to create a bigger whole in different shapes, in different knitting directions, attaching pieces as you knit, no seaming, with I-cord border. Body stitch is all in garter stitch, striped or one color.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Intermediate

YARN:
DK weight, fingering weight held double, or thin worsted weight
Yardage Total: dependent on garment type, instructions for calculating yardage in pattern formula.

NEEDLE: US 6 / 4 MM or size to obtain gauge

NOTIONS: DPNs (for i-cord border if needed), gauge ruler, measuring tape

GAUGE: 19 sts by 40 rows = 4”/ 10 cm (in garter stitch after blocking)

ABOUT THE PATTERN FORMULA
I designed each patchwork piece as I knit, playing with different shapes, knitting direction, 2 color stripes or solid color. I selected a simple garment construction, an over-sized cardigan, so that the knitting created the interest in the fabric. I picked out leftover yarn from old projects. The feeling of using up a yarn was so rewarding to me. It meant yarn didn’t go to waste and then I can add something new. The whole process came very organically. I worked on it when I felt inspired. I thought about how I wanted to write a pattern for this design to share with all of you. So, I started to write down every stitch, every color change and every shape. After a while, it became tedious and boring, I didn’t want to work on it anymore. It wasn’t inspiring or natural to me anymore. I felt like I was writing a furniture manual instead of something that makes you want to knit and create. So, I decided to make it a formula. We spend so much time on hand knitting that the finished object should be something one of a kind, something you’ll actually wear, or give to someone else to wear. With this formula you can knit this oversized cardigan, the original design. You can knit a shorter version of it. You can knit short sleeves, no sleeves, a vest, a top, a dress, or even just a blanket or shawl. With this approach, the knitter would have much more freedom to create what you desire. I’m the type of knitter who always changes something about a pattern, either by accident or on purpose, big or small, but it makes it mine. I think that’s what makes knitting so unique. It’s not about following rules. It’s about knowing the foundations and letting your hands move with the stitches. This formula will include all the foundations you need to create your one of a kind piece and I’m so excited to see what all of you make from it!

HOME SWEET HOME COWL INTRODUCTION

An entire garment knit formula might seem intimidating at first. This cowl pattern will help you get started. At the end of the cowl, before the closing seam, you can decide to use it as a start of a cardigan, shawl, pullover sweater, etc. Or you can choose to finish up the cowl.

YARN used in Home Sweet Home Cowl:

Yarn A: Why Knot Fibers “Siren DK” col. Inara, 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere,
10% Nylon
Yarn B: The Woolen Homestead “Polwarth DK” col. Mitten, 100% Superwash New Zealand Polwarth Wool
Yarn C: Icemelon’s Stash “Atria DK” col. Auster, 100% Superwash Merino
Yarn D: Why Knot Fibers “Selky” col. Pewter, 40% Merino, 40% Alpaca, 20% Silk
Yarn E: Why Knot Fibers “Siren DK” col. Indigo Light, 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon
Yarn F: Why Knot Fibers “Sweetheart” col. Full Moon, 100% Superwash Merino
Total yardage: approx. 400-420 yds

Pattern has been test knitted.

Look up hashtags on Instagram with #homesweethomeknitformula and #tinatseknits to share your progress and FOs and to find other projects! Also tag me @tina.say.knits.