If you’d like an introductory discount, use the code RACHEL for 20% off this PDF until Sunday 2/23 at midnight EST

Potato Vodka was inspired by the old photo you see included here with my sample pictures. The image features my great-great grandmother Rachel and her sisters, wearing matching sweaters they obviously made themselves. There are a lot of details in this image that I kind of love, but it’s the women who really stood out to me - and I wanted to re-interpret their sweaters in my own voice.

I focused on the strong vertical lines they used on the body and the light/dark contrast of the cardigans. I especially loved the strong white buttons against the dark sleeves and trim.

I chose Nightshades in Cinder as my background yarn, because the subtle orange Harrisville uses against the dark wool pops my accent colors quietly but beautifully. Plus, the Cormo and wool blend of the fiber creates a lofty fabric for slipped stitches, something that doesn’t stretch out or pull in more than intended.

Against this background, I chose Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Miss Me, which features soft oranges, pinks and greens. These colors feel similar in hue to the background, but provide a strong contrast in value. The combination is beautifully harmonious, and easy to see in pattern.

Using a textured slip-stitch motif in these two colors, some creamy pale buttons, pockets, and my favorite V-neck cardigan silhouette, I created Potato Vodka with the original in mind. I never met Rachel, but I am named for her (both my middle and Hebrew names). This design is a nod to her life in a small village in Eastern Europe years and years ago - and to the craft that connects us over time.

Potato Vodka is knit in one piece upwards from the hem and separated into three pieces at armholes. These pieces are worked flat from armhole to shoulders, then bound off and seamed together at top. Collar/button band stitches are picked up along the finished opening and worked flat, while adding buttonholes. Sleeve stitches are picked up around armholes and knit in the round to cuff.

There are hints in the pattern for modifying Potato Vodka for your own taste, plus notes on yarn choice and color management as you work. Based on test knitter feedback, I also added notes and a link to my method for picking up stitches along your button band in order to limit the “bleeding” through of the accent colors at the edges.

Sizes
36.5(40.5,44.5,48.5,52.5)(56.5,60.5,64.5)”
92.75(102.75,113,123.25,133.25)(143.5,153.75,163.75)cm

Sizes reflect bust circumference of sweater worn closed, in final, blocked fabric. I suggest about 4”/10cm of positive ease at bust for fit shown. If choosing another silhouette, please check the notes on modifications and refer to the set of specific schematic measurements that are included in the pattern so you can ensure a desired fit throughout your sweater.

Yarn
Background Color
Harrisville Designs Nightshades (100% American Cormo & Wool, 250yds/228m per 3.5oz/100g skein). Shown in Cinder. 700(750,800,900,1000)(1100,1200,1300)yds
640(685,735,825,915)(1005,1100,1190)m

Accent Color
Spincycle Yarns Dream State (100% American Wool, 150yds/137m per 1.75 oz/50g skein). Shown in Miss Me.
450(450,450,600,600)(600,750,750)yds
410(410,410,550,550)(550,685,685)m
3(3,3,4,4)(4,5,5) skeins.

Yardage reflects fit and body length shown in pattern. Accent color yardage is given in skeins needed, assuming you will want extra yardage to manage color shifts on fronts or as needed.