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AROHA1 - $7.50

AROHA2 - $9.00

AROHA3 - $12.00

NO CODE - $15.00

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Inspired by the same stitch motif I used for the Ocean Pathways cowl, the colors continue to be the first thing that jumps out at you. These color choices and inspiration come from colors used for the city of Atlantis in the 2018 movie Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa.

The neon hues of purple, pink and blue of Atlantis were so visually stunning on the big screen, I just had to replicate it as a point of reference in this stitch pattern. The colors were important to articulate because they also represent healing.

The theme of Aquaman for me is one of healing from disconnection. In his journey to reclaiming his birthright, Aquaman’s son Arthur Curry (who also happens to be Māori in this retelling) works through feelings of inferiority as well as imposter syndrome. For many living in diaspora, Arthur’s story pulls at the heartstrings.

As I was working on finding a way to communicate disconnection and reclamation in this piece, I came across the work of Kirsten Lyttle, a Māori-Australian artist, who describes the Aramoana motif as especially poignant for her as Māori diaspora. Her words were the answer I was looking for. Aramoana, or Ocean Pathways is the basis of the motif in this design.

I also included elements of the Pātikitiki (flounder fish) and nihoniho (teeth) motif to communicate a story of hope, resilience and strength. As Taika Waititi proclaimed during his 2020 Oscar acceptance speech, “We are the original storytellers”. That we are.

The story I wish to share through the motif in this design is that while we may be separated by oceans, it is our diverse experiences and knowledge that can tie us together. This design is for those healing from disconnection and navigating the waters back to home.

YARN

• DK weight yarn
• Scheepjes Merino Soft (50% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Micro, 25% Acryl ; 50 g./105 m; 115 yds.).
• MC: Black (601), CC1: Blue (617), CC2: Pink (636), CC3: Purple (639)

SIZES

• 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)

To Fit Bust Circumference

• 28 (31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46) (49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67) in/71 (79, 86, 94, 102, 109, 117) (124, 132, 140, 147, 155, 163, 170) cm

YARDAGES
MC (black)
metres: 700 (750, 800, 850, 950, 1000, 1050) (1100, 1200, 1250, 1300, 1350, 1400, 1500)
yards: 760 (830, 885, 955, 1025, 1095, 1160) (1230, 1325, 1370, 1440, 1470, 1540, 1620)


CC1 (blue)
metres: 65 (65, 65, 65, 75, 85, 85) (95, 95, 105, 105, 115, 115, 125)
yards: 70 (70, 70, 70, 80, 90, 90) (105, 105, 115, 115, 125, 125, 140)


CC2 (pink)
metres: 40 (40, 40, 40, 55, 65, 65) (65, 65, 75, 75, 75, 85, 85)
yards: 45 (45, 45, 45, 60, 70, 70) (70, 70, 80, 80, 80, 90, 90)

CC3 (purple)
metres: 40 (40, 40, 55, 55, 65, 65) (65, 65, 75, 75, 75, 85, 85)

yards: 45 (45, 45, 60, 60, 70, 70) (70, 70, 80, 80, 80, 90, 90)


NEEDLES

• US 6/4.0mm, US 7/4.5mm size and US 8/5.0mm or size needed to obtain gauge, (length in inches/cm) circular needles.
• The smaller needle size is for the ribbing sections. The middle needle for the stockinette and the largest for the colorwork sections.

GAUGE

• 22 sts and 27 rnds over 4 in./10 cm in Colorwork Pattern (Full Chart) in size 8 needle and after blocking.

NOTIONS

• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn or stitch holders
• Darning/tapestry needle

Note: in the photos I am wearing a kirituhi stencil. Kirituhi was initially developed so that non-Māori could get “Māori-inspired” tattoos. For Māori, they are used for kapa haka performances and for wāhine to feel empowered—I use it as a forward expression of my cultural heritage without violating the specific mana and tikanga of tā moko. The mana of kirituhi is safe to wear as it is purposefully made to be a “generic” design.

Māori — Native people of New Zealand

Kirituhi — A Māori-inspired tattoo or marking

Kapa haka — Dance performance

Wāhine — Woman

Mana — Authority

Tā moko — A traditional permanent marking of the body and face