Inspiration:
Lichens are a wonderful resource of natural dyeing, and the scent they add to wool is incredible. This weird and fascinating plant is a symbiosis between fungi and algae. Addition of specific bacteria makes lichens grow to many different unique shapes and colours just like adding unique stitches makes yarn bloom into unexpected knitting.

My home of Alberta, Canada is a fortunate source of alpine lichens. Growing abundantly, here in the Rocky Mountains, lichens can be found and gathered ethically after a windstorm right off the ground. Please always follow ethical guidelines for foraging.

This knitting pattern is totally all me, nature and knitting symbiosis. Like the lichens used, its unifying 2 passions. Hope you enjoy this serendipitous combo.

Yarn/Amounts/Colours needed:

Any worsted weight single ply yarn (alternatively multiply can be substituted)
3 full skeins for my version (220 yards per skein)= 660 yards (604 meters)
Use same colour throughout, or complementary fading colours as desired.
Modifications affect yarn usage.
In my exploration, I dyed 3 different skeins of single ply super wash merino worsted weight yarn using:

1. Letharia vulpina, commonly known as the wolf lichen (produces a bright yellow, using the boiling method), picture shows 1st dye bath result and 2ndary result. Labeled 1 and 2 in photo.
2. Phaeophycean produces a light golden brownish orange using the boiling method. Labeled 3 in photo. I do not claim expertise in this field, I am a lifelong student. Mention of this dyeing method is for purposes of exploration, discovery and inspiration for other nature/knitting lovers to try duplicate my colours. To unify the 3 skeins, I made a very pale blue acid dye bath (Tamiwi dyes) and placed all three in it for 20 min on low boil (with addition of vinegar). This produced a pale bluish glaze over each of the skeins creating a wonderful unison of colours (Picture 2). Top skein in photo 2 is skein 2 resulting in bluish colour with purple speckles, middle skein is skein 1 resulting in greenish with brown speckles, the bottom skein is skein 3 resulting in greenish brown with brown speckles.

Bare yarn was purchased from Amtech yarns (Elite spun) a Canadian mill in Ontario.

Sizes:
One size, modifications regarding waist provided. This is a versatile pattern, that can be made to custom fit. Layering piece with positive ease at widest part of waist.

Finished Measurements (as knitted by me):
Front width 18 in (46 cm)
Length 22 in (56 cm)
Waist circumference 42 in (102cm) customizable

Gauge:
After blocking: 22 sts/22 rows 4 in/10 cm on size 7 US knitting needles (4.5 mm) knitted in cable pattern as charted
Take time to achieve gauge, adjust needle size as needed.

Notions:
• Size 7 US needles, straight/interchangeable/circular (16 in/40 cm, 24 in/61cm cable), recommended 2 sets,
• Spare needles, sts holders, or spare yarn,
• Measuring tape,
• Stitch markers,
• Cable needle, or a single same size DPN, for making cables and 3 needle BO,
• Crotchet hook for provisional CO,
• Spare yarn for provisional CO,
• Safety pins,
• Blocking materials, mats and pins.

Skills required:
• Provisional CO,
• Cabling,
• Chart reading is recommended, written instructions are provided,
• Working short rows,
• 3 needle BO,
• Knits, purls, yo’s ,
• Increases,
• I cord BO.

Notes about construction:
This garment is knitted in 1 piece, starting with the bottom band. Bottom band is knitted from a provisional CO in 2 directions to create the cross of fabric at the back. Back shoulders are shaped using short rows and placed on hold for later attachment.

Subsequently the front is picked up (with the provisional CO serving as middle point) from the top edge of the bottom band and is knitted bottom up, shaping the neck line, finished by attaching front and back shoulders via 3 needle BO.

The neck and arm holes are finished in an I cord to stabilize the edge and connect the cross at the back.