This is a pattern from Koigu Yarns, using four different shades of the premium merino. I used more muted, solid shades instead of the wildly variegated ones that I’d seen it knit up in. For those of you unfamiliar with this pattern, it’s made of seemingly endless mitered squares knitted together. There is no seaming, except at the sides and underarm. All of the squares are picked up from each other.
I made a few minor changes to the pattern. I lengthened both the sleeves and the body. The original pattern is very cropped, and I felt that it was a little too cropped on me. Also, I felt that it rode up slightly in the back (I was fortunate enough to be able to try on a model in the size I was planning to knit). To solve that problem, I added a row of small squares in the “main†color to the front and a row of large squares in the main color to the back. In the second photo, you can see how I “bridged†the difference with a triangle (which mimics the triangles inserted at the sides to shape the underarm). In lengthening the sleeves, I added a band of crocheting that mimics the crocheted collar.
It was a fun pattern to knit and I love knitting with Koigu yarns. But it was kind of a slog. I love wearing it, though.
Detail of side hem:
Sally,
Did you knit all the knit stitches into the back, as Maie’s book indicates one should? It does make a difference, I’ve noticed as I’ve swatched (and even tested the squares on unsuspecting friends, asking “which do you like?”), but it’s kind of a drag. I’d be interested in knowing what you did in this regard.
Cheers!
Mike Smith (yes, _that_ Mike Smith)
Comment by Mike Smith — September 8, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
Hello Sally,
Your Toreador Jacket is the cheese! The light taupe and the grey mixes are wonderful with that nice deep burgundy. Please let me know the color numbers of the Koigu shades you used for all three.
Thanks much,
Stephanie.
Comment by Stephanie — June 29, 2008 @ 11:10 am
I bought the pattern based solely on seeing photos of you in your jacket at the Mpls. Bohus exhibit. The color combo just jumped out at me. Had to do a little sleuthing, but I finally found the photo and info here. Yes, you’ve inspired me to tackle both this and the Large Lace Collar sweater! Now I need to learn how to make a mitered square. Would you mind sharing the color numbers you used? It’s very difficult to tell with the samples I’ve seen online. Thank you!
Comment by Jill — March 2, 2009 @ 7:01 pm