Prototype for Jane Austen Knits 2013
Update 11/1/2014: This pattern was selected to be included in the new Interweave Press compilation ‘The Best of Jane Austen Knits’ (see cover image in bottom photo) -Woot!

1/18/13:I consider this a real a test for my new glasses!

In researching knitting during the regency era, I found many existing examples of these delightful little pin balls like this very inspiring one from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (bottom photo) .

This sample typifies similar pin balls often produced by school girls & ladies of the time as gifts for dear friends. They used personalized medallion-like symbols (often derived from printed motifs used for embroidery samplers) to represent love, unity, loyalty, joy, devotion or whatever whim made an impression on their rich creative minds.
I attempted to reflect this in drafting the charts for this project, with love & loyalty as the theme for the blue side (represented by hearts & crowns inspired by the Met sample) and a ‘roots & wings’ theme for the gold side. Perhaps a more modern sounding notion, but strong family connections have always been important in Jane Austen’s novels. Roots which I believe allowed her imagination to soar at a time when womens’ choices were somewhat limited. I drafted the bird and vine motif in the regency style as a small tribute to her rich life of the mind, with gratitude that she shared so much of it with all of us.
This little project consists of 2 charted pieces knit flat in 2 color intarsia technique, stuffed and sewn together in the traditional manner with a ribbon or twisted rope trim (your choice) whip-stitched in
place to cover the seam.
Finished size: approx. 2”(5 cm )in diameter, 6.28”(15cm) circumference
Yarn: DMC Cebelia Cotton #20, 1 50 gram ball each #799 horizon Blue, #437 burnished gold & #712 cream
Needles:1 pair US #0000(1.5mm) ndls adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
2”/5cm diameter cardboard circle (you will need 2)
1 small tapestry needle
Small amount of lamb’s wool or polyfil for stuffing