Rugged Knits Pattern Highlight: Wheat Creek
Because the garment samples for Rugged Knits had to fit Interweave's models, they're all about one size too big for me. I'm already working on making my own Hazy Cloud, but this week's pattern highlight, Wheat Creek, is one that can be worn with a bit of a relaxed fit, so I'm definitely adding it to my wardrobe once the collection has done the trunk show rounds.
CONSTRUCTION
- The rugged vibe is strong with this one. It's worked in pieces and seamed to add extra stability and durability. (If you're really averse to seaming, it's totally possible to work fronts and back all together, but I think the seams are worth it.)
- It starts off with a provisional cast-on and a lovely decorative turned hem. The inside of the hem is Stockinette stitch to avoid bulk, but the outside is this great crossover stitch pattern that's fun and a bit magical to work.
- Pockets are patch-pocket style, so they're knit separately and then sewn on. They're big enough to keep your hands warm and hold important stuff, and the diagonal shape makes them easy to slip your hands into.
- The shoulders are joined using 3-needle bind-off on the outside, creating a decorative ridge. This detail was inspired by traditional Cowichan knitting.
- Collar, button band and buttonhole band are picked up and worked last.
- The edgings are all worked in garter stitch, making for clean, cozy finishing.
- The collar is shaped using short rows and can be worn up as shown in the photos or folded over as a slim shawl collar.
FIT
- The intended fit is fairly slim, so the pattern recommends wearing it with 0-2 in/0-5 cm of positive ease. The model is wearing it with about 0 ease. But I love it on me with about 4 in/10 cm of ease.
- Waist shaping and short row shaping at the shoulders make a flattering, slim fit.
YARN
This one is worked up in a fantastic semi-woolen spun yarn that's grown and spun in Wyoming, Sincere Sheep Equity Sport. It's extremely bouncy and has a rustic quality, while still being very soft since the fibre is 100% Rambouillet.
TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTING
- To get a similar vibe, I recommend a yarn that's bouncy and nice and woolly. Brooklyn Tweed Loft could be a good substitute, though it has a drier, lighter feel to it.
- For a smoother look, Quince and Co. Chickadee could be a good choice.
MY FAVORITE DETAIL
I love that this one is fairly simple in appearance, but that delicate hem is just the sweetest little bit of something special.
GENERAL TIPS
Try the Crossover Stitch pattern on your swatch so you know what you're doing when you start your project.
Be sure to use the hashtags #RuggedKnits, #WheatCreek, and #AndreaRangelKnits when you post pics of your Wheat Creek projects!
PATTERN DETAILS
Finished Measurements
31.75 (35, 38, 41.5, 46, 48.5)” (80.5 89, 96.5, 105.5, 117, 123 cm) bust circumference, with .5 (.5, .5,.75,.75, 1)” (1.3 1.3, 1.3, 2, 2, 2.5 cm) overlap and 23 (23.5, 24, 24.25, 24.25, 24.25)” (58.5 59.5, 61, 61.5, 61.5, 62 cm) long.
Shown in size 35” (89 cm).
Intended to be worn with 0–2” (0–5 cm) of positive ease.
Yarn
900 (996, 1096, 1193, 1317, 1389) yd (823 911, 1002, 1091, 1204, 1270 m) Sportweight (#2 Fine).
Shown here: Sincere Sheep Equity Sport (100% wool; 200 yd 183 m/2 oz 56 g): color Dark Gray, 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins.
Needles
Size U.S. 2 (2.75 mm): 16” and 60” (40 and 150 cm) long circular (cir) needle.
Size U.S. 4 (3.5 mm) needles.
Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions
Size U.S. C-2 (2.75 mm) crochet
hook; markers (m); stitch holders; waste yarn; tapestry needle; five 5/8” (15 mm) buttons.
Gauge
24.5 sts and 40 rows = 4” (10 cm) over St st using larger needle.
Errata
Page 47
Back Shape Waist Setup Row should read:
Set-up row: (WS) P26 (28, 30, 32, 36, 38), place marker (pm), p45 (51, 57, 63, 70, 71), pm, purl to end.