Plantago
This week's pattern release from Woodmoke & Ash: Knits for Men is Plantago.
This sweater was designed to the exact specifications of a Pacific Northwest outdoorsman who wanted practical, durable, winter wear. Because of the design features - heavy ribbed fabric, a generous collar, and a long zipper - Plantago can provide several layering options all by itself, making it perfect for wearing during outdoor winter activities.
Zipped up with a folded-over collar, it has the warmth of a coat and scarf. Unzip just the collar to cool the back of the neck, or open the zipper completely for more ventilation. Using this tall collar instead of a scarf means you won't ever lose your scarf or even have to find a place to put it as you heat up.
Super bulky wool and tightly-knit ribbing create a very warm and insulating fabric. That's not only because wool is inherently warm, but because the ridges in the ribbing create more places for warm air to get trapped. It's those pockets of warm air that keep you extra toasty. As well as providing warmth, wool is water resistant and can absorb a great deal of moisture before the wearer feels it. It's also much safer around the camp fire than popular synthetic outdoor fabrics.
Comfortable and practical, Plantago is slim-fitting with enough stretch in the fabric to give the wearer ease of movement. The fit also allows for a waterproof shell to be added in the case of a real downpour.
And for your knitting enjoyment, it's worked at a huge gauge. It knits up quickly and seamlessly, with easy raglan yoke shaping.
And here's a little sneak at an upcoming pattern too.
The yarn I chose for this design in Brown Sheep Burly Spun, which recommends a gauge of 10 stitches = 4 in/10 cm in Stockinette stitch. The pattern is actually work more densely than that, but in order to get a firm fabric, choose a yarn with that recommended gauge. And of course I recommend working with wool for this one. There's just no substitute.
You can get this pattern individually or as part of the ebook or print book pre-order.
Pattern Details
Sizes & Finished Measurements
Chest Circumference: 36.75 (40.75, 45.5, 49.5, 51.75, 55.75, 60.25) in/93.5 (103.5, 115.5, 125.5, 131.5, 141.5, 153) cm
shown in size 36.75
Yarn
771 (855, 955, 1039, 1086, 1170, 1264) yd/705 (782, 873, 950, 993, 1070, 1156) m super bulky yarn
shown in Brown Sheep Burly Spun (100% Wool; 132yd/121m per 226g skein)
Color: Oregano; 6 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10) skeins
Gauge
14 sts/15 rows = 4 in/10 cm in unstretched 1x1 rib using larger needle
* Given gauge is tighter than recommended on the ball band, so choose a yarn that recommends a gauge of 10 stitches = 4 in/10 cm.
Needles & Notions
* Needle Sizes are recommendations only. Always use needle sizenecessary to obtain gauge.
US #10/6 mm 40 in/100 cm circular needle for hem of body (not worked in the round, but circular needle is helpful to accomodate weight and bulk of body)
US #10.5/6.5 mm 40 in/100 cm circular needle for main body section & yoke
Set US #10/6 mm double pointed needles, 32 in/80 cm circular needles for magic loop, or 2 circular needles; use preferred small circumference circular knitting method
Set US #10.5/6.5mm double pointed needles, 32 in/80 cm circular needles for magic loop, or 2 circular needles; use preferred small circumference circular knitting method
Skills
shaping in 1x1 rib, grafting using Kitchener stitch, sewing in zipper