Updated, reformatted, and sized version of the Ladies Dressing Sacque, originally printed in the 1912 edition of the Columbia Book of Yarns and published in conjunction with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in celebration of their 200th anniversary.

H. Horstmann & Sons and Wanamaker collections in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s archives made this pattern possible. The Horstmann & Sons collection holds business records, sample books of ribbons as well as personal family papers. During the 19th century, Horstmann & Sons manufactured Germantown yarn, a high-quality, consistent wool, which came in many colors and at least two thicknesses.

The Wanamaker collection includes the 1912 edition of the Columbia Book of Yarns containing a Manual of Knitting and Crocheting, published by Columbia Yarns, a division of the Wm. H. Horstmann & Sons Company.

With Kelbourne Woolens’ revival of Germantown Yarn, it is now possible to knit this vintage pattern with authentic, historic materials.

Worthy of Note
The sweater is knitted in one piece from the back, over the shoulders and split in two for the front, each side worked separately. The side seams and arms are seamed using mattress stitch. Stitches are picked up along the fronts, around the sleeves for the cuff, and for a standing collar with eyelet.

Specifications
YARN
Kelbourne Woolens Germantown Bulky (100% wool; 123 yards/100 gm skein): 8 (8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12) skeins.
GAUGE
12 sts and 24 rows = 4” (10 cm) in garter stitch on larger needles, after blocking.
NEEDLES
1 – US 10.5 (6.5 mm) 24–36” (60–90 cm) circular.
1 – set US 9 (5.5 mm) DPNs.
1 – US 9 (5.5 mm) 24–36” (60–90 cm) circular.
Check your gauge and adjust needle size(s) accordingly if necessary.
NOTIONS
Darning needle, stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn. DPN one size larger than body for bind off (optional), 36” (91.5 cm) 3” (7.5 cm) wide ribbon.
SIZE
37.5 (41.5, 45.5, 49.5, 53.5, 57.5, 61.5, 65.5)” 95.5, 106, 116, 126, 136.5, 146.5, 156.5, 166.5) cm bust, after finishing. Please see schematic for more detailed finished measurements.
SKILLS
Backwards loop cast on, picking up stitches, decreases, mattress stitch.

Useful Tips
For a tutorial on counting rows when measuring your garment length, visit: kelbournewoolens.com/tips-and-tricks/counting-rows

For a tutorial on working the mattress stitch, visit: kelbournewoolens.com/tips-and-tricks/mattress-stitch