Companion to The Sweater with Kathleen Dames podcast, The Sweater Collection: Year One is a 24-page, full-color book containing:

18th & Castro is part of I Knit San Francisco

Do you know the corner of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue? It’s one of those magical Manhattan intersections with the Chanin Building on one corner, the Marketplace side of Grand Central Terminal on another, and then, the jewel in the crown of the Manhattan skyline, the Chrysler Building on the northeast corner. Does a building, a midtown offi...

Charles Musgrove had the good taste to fall for Anne Elliot, but ended up marrying her sister Mary. Doesn’t he deserve a handknit, too? Inspired by a knitted vest worn by Charles I to his execution in 1649 (and still in the Museum of London today), this vest should bring Charles Musgrove better luck.

The elegant Miss Anne Elliot merits her own pretty pullover, with empire-style waist shaping and a variety of twisted stitch patterns to keep you interested. Elegant Ribbing accentuates the waist shaping, while budding (bobbling) vines wind their way up front, back, and sleeves, recalling Anne’s love of the countryside. And the easy-to-remember...

Let’s start 2017 off right with a KAL

Lace is a wonderful project for travel—one ball of yarn, one set of needles­—whether you’re flying across the country or washed up on a deserted island. And Aphros (Greek for “sea foam”) is an airy and elegant stole that can serve as cover for your evening gown or over-sized scarf for your everyday ensemble. Gently undulating seafoam stitch, si...

I love contrasting something complex (looking) with a simpler pattern, don’t you? This snuggly cowl gives you the opportunity to improve your colorwork by beginning with a simple gingham pattern (that goes on the inside) before graduating to the larger (but truly not harder), traditional Spider in the Boughs pattern from the Selbu knitting trad...

This trim-fitting women’s sweater is worked in the round from the bottom up, then body and sleeves are joined together on long needle to work a seamless set-in sleeve yoke. Shoulders are joined with three-needle bindoffs for a tidy finish. The center front is decorated with a cable/bobble panel, which is presented in chart form only.

Wrap your littlest buccaneer in a blanket of Mist Drops to keep baby safe from discovery, whether on board ship or tucked away on a desert island. Every edge of this cozy cover undulates so baby will become accustomed to the waves, and both sides of this pattern are beautiful, so no worries about which side is best. A washable wool blend makes ...

Basic Cable is also part of The

This unisex sweater is worked in the round from the bottom up. When sleeves are joined to body, then work will change to back-and forth to create the shawl collar and finish working the sleeves and upper body shaping. The sweater features several different cabled patterns and a ribbed shawl collar. Inspired by the 1930s designer, Cecil Beaton, ...

Why not cozy up behind the pretty wallpaper in a wrap that doesn’t involve a single purl stitch and only asks you to work with one color at a time. Wallpaper Lattice is a mosaic stitch pattern that will keep you interested as you knit and forms a pleasing diamond grid. Choose two high-contrast dyed-in-the-wool yarns (as shown) or try complement...

Captain Benwick had an affectionate heart. He must love somebody.

Bittersweet vines encircle the yoke of this pretty women’s cardigan, while buttoned cuffs add a special finish to the sleeves. The body is shaped with waist decreases and bust increases for a trim, tailored fit. Knit with a hand-dyed fingering weight yarn, this sweater is a great layering piece for fall.

If you have a weakness for amazing-colored sock yarn and a known aversion to knitting socks, what are you to do? Knit yourself a Bloc! Contrasting cuffs shaped with short rows and a garter stitch edging at the collar set off that sock yarn from a straightforward body with a round yoke that doesn’t distract from the gorgeous color blocking.

These gloves are knit using a fingering weight yarn from the tips of the fingers to the cuffs in the round. They feature a textured knit/purl ripple pattern.

This beret is knit using a fingering weight yarn from the I-cord at the top down, in the round. It features a textured knit/purl ripple pattern. It is sized to fit most women’s head circumferences.

Famed photographer Brassaï roamed Paris with his camera, capturing everyday (and night) moments while imbuing them with the magic of his point of view. Combine your own daylight and midnight skeins, then sprinkle them with a special mini skein to create your own magical shawl.

Changing tents of the early 20th century and colorful waves lapping at the shore spring to mind with Cabana. This blanket shawl is first worked from the center-out in the round, then each wing is worked back and forth, separately, to its gently ruffled conclusion.

A cozy scarf is a must for walking the deck of your ship, and what better way to dress it up than with a little of Frank Austen’s fringe? He worked the very same fringe (on some curtains) while on shore leave with his sister Jane. Luscious, Aran-weight Malabrigo Twist makes for a quick knit, and the reversible Seaweed stitch pattern will keep y...

You’ve been cast up on a desert island. Luckily, you kept hold of your skein of Malabrigo Lace and a circular needle, so why not cast on a Castaway?

Wrap your hands in love and Cormo with this cozy muff covered in heart-shaped cables. Worked in one piece and finished with an i-cord wrist strap, this handwarmer will give you a taste for the finer fibers. Plus only you will know that it is stuffed with more Cormo—what a delicious secret you hold.

“Mrs. Jennings was perfectly

Covert (pronounced cover) A patch of woods or brush where fox

Now available directly from Knit Picks in Comfy Worsted (436-654yds)!

Now that your little scallywags have their own Deckhand sweaters, it’s time to get yours. But how about a bit of shaping for a woman’s curves, ¾ sleeves, and a raglan yoke with button detail? This one is also just right for cool summer evenings on deck. And working it up in Cascade’s Ultra Pima makes it a bit more refined. Let those little scal...

Back in the day, I remember my dad, Dennis, sporting a cool knit tie like this for casual wear. Now everyone seems to be getting in on the action. Quick to knit from luxurious alpaca and silk, this tie has an elegant texture that makes it stand out (quietly) from the crowd and would make a great gift for the man (or woman) in your life.

Purchase of the Enwreathed Cowl will give you access to the Enwreathed Pullover pattern for free after checkout.

Purchase of Enwreathed Pullover will also get you a copy of Enwreathed Cowl after checkout with no extra work on your part.

Wrap yourself in a cozy cardigan with a touch of Star Rib Mesh ventilation on sleeves and back. The high collar can be buttoned up for a funnelneck effect or allowed to drape like a shawl collar. Afterthought pockets keep your hands warm (and phone nearby).

The term “fleur de sel” is so poetic, but in reality salt forms rectangular crystalline blocks, whether harvested from the earth or gathered from shallow ponds by the edge of the sea. This scarf combines the romance of fleur de sel in the pretty lace panels with the literal block structure of salt. Capped off with a lovely edging that is surpri...

Inspired by the elegant Delphos dresses of Fortuny Venezia, with their secret pleating techniques and block-printed silk belts, this stole makes excellent use of two skeins of fingering weight yarn with virtually no finishing work. Fortuny Stitch evokes the organic motifs that were hand-printed on the sashes for each dress, while Ribbon Rib bri...

Wrap yourself in a cozy cardigan with a leafy touch of ventilation on sleeves and back courtesy of the Fougasse aux herbes lace pattern (charted and written). Integrated button bands in the deep Garter Stitch edges make for minimal finishing. Fougasse aux herbes, the bread (see recipe on last page), is similar to focaccia with slashes through t...

Whether crossing the Atlantic or crossing the street, French Line is the perfect summer skirt to keep you cool and elegant. Drawstring waist is easy to knit and secure to wear. Six purl fabric gores at the lower edge add a subtle flare to the hem. Bon voyage!

A new-world homage to the Shetland Hap shawls of old. Worked all in one piece with one needle and one skein of yarn, this makes a perfect travel project, whether you’re waiting on a park bench, soaring above the clouds, or sailing the high seas. Plus, the Crest of the Wave pattern (provided in both written and charted forms), an interesting var...

These fingerless mitts are worked in the round from cuff edge to finger opening. Thumb stitches are increased then set aside to be completed

Sparkling with a generous dusting of beads, Hoarfrost shows off a gorgeous gradient yarn pack fading from one shade to the next before finishing with a seamless set-in sleeve and high neck.

Pattern now available on Ravelry from Kathleen Dames.

Worked in one piece, this capelet, bordered in Garter Stitch, is filled with the vines and streams one might encounter in the Queen’s Wood. Bobbled cables and a Garter Rib add structure and contrast. Secure the capelet with a vixen head clasp to complete the woodland scene.

What’s that? You have more sock yarn? You’re in luck! In the Shallows will allow you to use up just about every last yard in a cozy shawl to be tossed casually around your neck like a scarf, worn bandit style, or gently draped across your shoulders for modesty or warmth—the shallowness of the triangle makes long ends that can be tied, if you li...

Your very own mohair cloud

Let everyone know that a knitter lives here (or a knitter loves someone who lives here) by hanging a sign on the door! JOY is quick to knit and employs some clever use of i-cord and garter stitch. If you can knit, increase, and decrease, you can add a little holiday joy to your home (or office).

The lush greenery of Kellynch Hall, so dear to Anne Elliot, inspired this fingering-weight cardigan. Waist shaping keeps it close to the body, three-quarter sleeves make it seasonless, and two sizes of leaf lace pattern decorate the round yoke. Buttonbands are worked as you go, complemented by garter-stitch hems and collar.

Knit from scrumptious silk tape, this surplice-wrap cardigan will become your favorite seasonless sweater. Let the fronts hang open for maximum insouciance or button the points at either side for a second look. Gently belled sleeves keep you covered, but the gleam of silk makes sure you’re never hidden.

Pattern includes instructions for both gloves and cowl.

Pattern includes instructions for both gloves and cowl.

Through 7/29 get $2 off the purchase of Mariage Soeurs. No coupon necessary. Discount reflected once pattern is in cart.

“Mrs. Jennings was perfectly convinced of it. It would be an excellent match, for Colonel Brandon was rich and Marianne Dashwood was handsome.”

Who wouldn’t love their own set of soft, woolly, knitted dolls? My daughters can’t keep away from these three. They are based on the traditional Russian nesting dolls known as Matryoshka, which were in turn inspired by a set of Japanese dolls representing the Seven Gods of Fortune. The blue and white colorwork was inspired by Japanese indigo re...

An elegant cardigan just right for a mermaid. Gentle waist shaping follows your curves, and Fishtail Lace sleeves pique the knitter’s interest. By eliminating sleeve increases, the lace is not too difficult and the sleeves blouse out from an i-cord cast-on. To keep the lines clean and the hems from rolling, the entire cardigan is edged in i-cor...

Even mermaids get cold hands! And these little pretties are quick to knit, light and cozy, and require just a smidgen of laceweight yarn. If you are ready to move beyond the basics but not ready for the time commitment of a shawl, you’ll flap your tail for this pair in fishtail lace.

No I would not give no false hope

Rich with knots and a beautifully scalloped border, Naiad will settle around your shoulders like ripples in a pond. Delicate fronds of lace are separated by rings of stockinette and reverse stockinette stitch. Worked from the border in, you will be richly rewarded for your lengthy caston by the concentric decrease rows governed by every knitter...

My husband Nicholas doesn’t wear ties, but occasionally he needs to spiff up, say for a wedding, so he came to me for help. To keep my interest in the knitting, I found a lovely slip-stitch pattern that adds just the right amount of texture and depth. Of course this is a fully-fashioned necktie, not a teensy scarf, with a keeper and everything.

An essential part of any pirate’s kit, a watch cap keeps your head warm whether you’re hairy or not (pirates often shaved their heads to streamline their grooming routines). Wear yours with brim folded in classic watch cap style or unfold the brim and push it back onto the crown of your head, letting the top flop back. With this rib pattern you...

These are just the gloves for one of the Musgrove sisters to wear while exploring the Cobb in Lyme. Starting with a handful of i-cords worked on more than the usual three stitches, these gloves come together surprisingly quickly from fingertips down to cuffs. Added bonus: gloves may be worn on either hand. 

Sometimes it’s a little chilly at the helm of your ship. Or perhaps you want to drape a little something across your shoulders (for modesty?) to greet that boarding party. A shawlette is just the thing. This one uses your favorite sock yarn and the beautiful Crest of the Wave lace pattern, which has enough “lace action” to keep you interested w...

Did you know that the crown jewel of Grand Central Terminal sits atop the information booth in the Main Hall and is literally a jewel? The Opal Clock, with its four helpful faces made of opal, is valued at over $10 million USD.

There are those days we want to wrap up in a blanket to feel cozy and warm. If those days coincide with leaving the house, why not wrap up in an Ozark Wrap? Not only will it keep you warm on the coldest of days, it is also a pleasure to knit. With an easy-to-remember knit/purl chevron pattern and three kinds of i-cord, you will enjoy the making...

High in the tower the trapped princess patches her gown. Out in the real world, patch your fitted hoodie with a beautiful assortment of cables filled with different stitches. Worked in one piece from the bottom up, waist shaping enhances your figure, and a hybrid yoke construction draws the cables up onto your shoulders. Don’t forget the hood! ...

Pomegranates are a special, and some say magical, fruit. With pomegranate cables ringing hem and cuffs, as well as rising up the fronts, you will feel special, too. Finished with Seed Stitch edges worked as you go, this one-piece cardigan with a flattering squared neckline and special buttons will have you ready to work your magic in no time.

What started as a joke (pom de mer - pompom of the sea) turned into Pomme de Mer, a hat with a slip-stitch pattern resembling the textured carapace of a sea urchin (the actual meaning of the phrase) that just happens to be topped with a pompom. This DK-weight hat is fun to knit and cozy to wear, even if you’re nowhere near the sea.

Are you a fan of The Sweater with Kathleen Dames? Ready to take your sweater knitting to the next level? How about the addition of:

Premium Cable is also part of The

Now available as a Ravelry download directly from designer Kathleen Dames!

Inspired by polka dots and high fur collars, both popular in the 30s, this set will keep you cozy in style.

Inspired by polka dots and high fur collars, both popular in the 30s, this set will keep you cozy in style.

Originally Sailor’s Valentines were shell-encrusted boxes brought back from Barbados for sailors’ sweethearts. Today, keep the love alive with a romantic collection of cables to make a seafaring sweater of love, perfect for any Valentine.

Swirling columns of cables and lace evoke the meteorological phenomenon known as Sea Smoke. Worked in Harrisville’s flyWHEEL, this stole counters smooth glass beads with heathered, woolen-spun yarn for a wrap you will love to show off. I-cord edgings provide a crisp finish while echoing the Seasmoke cables. Optional tassels add an extra bit of ...

Worked in the round from the bottom up, the Sheepscot Pullover combines a classic cable with a simple lace, which are a pleasure to knit up together. Green Mountain Spinnery’s worsted weight Maine Organic (organic sheep from organic Maine farms processed using GMS’s Greenspun technique, then certified organic by the Vermont Organic Farmers) sho...

When you want a cozy shawl tout suite, turn to a luscious yarn and knit to your heart’s content. This crescent shawl has a Garter Stitch base and an easy-to-work lace edging that adds just the right amount of gorgeous detail to liven up any outfit.

Sly maids always peek at you out of the corner of their eyes, never straight-on. This stole begins as a straight-up rectangle, but it ends up being all about bias and winking eyelets and never knowing which side is right. Once you get to know a sly maid, you won’t want to be without her – light, cozy, adaptable, never boring yet not difficult.

Snow Squall Scarf is a pattern included in our 2019 Red Scarf scholarship fundraiser! All proceeds from the sale of this pattern through December 31, 2019 will go directly to our scholarship in partnership with Foster Care to Success. You can learn more about Foster Care to Success here. Our Red Scarf scholarship patterns are knit in our Bare N...

So very simple to knit, yet so very dramatic to wear, this poncho takes full advantage of a lovely gradient pack, while being the perfect social knitting project.

Premium Cable is also part of The

“You have a very smiling scene before you,” said Mr. Crawford. “Do you mean literally or figuratively? Literally, I conclude. Yes, certainly, the sun shines, and the park looks very cheerful. But unluckily that iron gate, that ha-ha, give me a feeling of restraint and hardship. ‘I cannot get out,’ as the starling said.” As Miss Bertram spoke, a...

Worked bottom-up in a luscious merino and silk blend yarn with a seamless, circular yoke, Starshine features textural stitches on the body, Starlight Lace in the yoke, and ruffles of a contrasting color at the collar and cuffs.

If Mr. Woodhouse insists that Harriet wear a shawl in her portrait, Emma ought to wear something to keep her warm when visiting Donwell Abbey. This shrug offers the perfect compromise: lacy and light enough for Emma to wear picking strawberries in the summer sun, yet cozy and proper enough for her father’s satisfaction.

Worked in the round from the ribbed brim up to the star-shaped top of the crown, the Thaw Hat is perfect for the changeable weather that ushers in Spring. The highly textured stitch pattern combines the refinement of lacy and twisted stitches with the rustic charm of Green Mountain Spinnery’s wonderful worsted weight Maine Organic yarn (organic...

O chestnut tree, great rooted blossomer,

One of the Newport Summer Cottages, The Breakers has been a glamorous “pile” for one of the Vanderbilts since 1895. Three “ropes” of Antique Diamonds seemed just the right amount of bling for this triangle shawl—when you’re a Vanderbilt, you don’t need to shout. Everything is finished with a beautiful knitted-on edging.

When stretched over your pretty curves, Thistle Leaf Lace truly shines. Simple stockinette sleeves and a delicate rollneck keep the focus on you and your fabulous shape (all without the challenge of waist-shaping in lace). This modern version of a classic Victorian lace is a perfect layering piece you’ll be thrilled to add to your wardrobe.

This pattern is part of a bundle of four inspired by The Unicorn Tapestries at The Cloisters in New York City. Thistle Leaf Pullover comes from the magnificent tapestry known as The Unicorn in Captivity, where the Unicorn lounges amidst mille-fleurs, including a single white thistle just in front of the right side of his fence.

Fun to knit and a blast to wear, Unicorn Party puts garter stitch to work mixing up colors in your favorite multicolor skein before adding colorful mini skeins of sock yarn (your best leftovers, color packs, unicorn tails) for the edging. Thoughtful details and helpful notes will make this small shawl your new fave to knit and to wear. The only...

Wrap yourself in a luscious shawl dripping with Spanish Lace before heading out onto the deck of your galleon. A little stockinette over your shoulders, and then Spanish Lace flows down your back. This worked-on-both-sides lace is so spectacular, it doesn’t need a separate edging, though it will require your concentration. You will have pride o...

For the month of September, this pattern is exclusive to Post Stitch. To be notified when Urchin Plumes is available for purchase on Ravelry, sign up for Kathleen’s newsletter here.

This handsome vest for man or woman knits up all in one piece with integrated buttonbands, tidy pockets, and short row shaping that makes for smooth shoulder straps. The Vesey Street Vest employs an easy-to-work slip-stitch quilting pattern and is virtually finish-free. Grab your favorite DK-weight yarn, and you’ll have a new wardrobe staple in...

Vines: a lacy tank is a perfect first garment, if you are looking to dip your toe into lacy waters. No sleeves, no shaping, just pretty pretty lace and a few clever bits for the top edgings and straps.

Though most sailors run barefoot on board a ship (easier to climb the rigging), sometimes socks are necessary. Walk the Plank are worked in worsted-weight from the toe up (with complete directions for a short-row heel), so you can quickly use up every last bit of your yarn. The Sailor’s Rib is attractive and easy-to-remember, so you’ll have a n...

Wavelette is a lovely layering piece with its lace front and delicate rolled hems. Fingering-weight yarn and a loose gauge make this light as air and quicker to knit than you might think.

Like waves along the shore, two different variations on the traditional Feather and Fan lace pattern combine to provide different textures of lace (and break up a multicolored hand-dyed yarn) in a big, cozy wrap. Wavery would also be beautiful in a solid yarn. Worked from one end to the other and bordered by Garter Stitch edges, make Wavery as ...

A saucy lass deserves an easy-to-knit and easy-to-wear pullover for warmer weather. The drape of the finished linen fabric will win you over, keeping you cool yet covered. This sweater was inspired by the shifts that all women used to wear, but now you can show it off. With picot edgings and drawstrings at neck and wrists, you’ll look just a bi...

Inspired by Whistler’s beautiful Symphony in Flesh Color and Pink, this short-sleeved sweater combines flattering waist shaping and a simple round yoke with a handful of special buttons and three-dimensional flowers for an unforgettable Spring top.

Have you always wanted a Winter wedding? Protect yourself from the chill by wrapping up in Heart String cables plus hugs and kisses (XOXO). Wear as a traditional cardigan with buttons up the front, or dare to turn it around and lace it up the back with luscious ribbon.

Pattern available exclusively through Wooly Wonka Fibers Yule Club until February 2019.