Althaea
Althaea
This pattern is a part of Issue 40 of Pom Pom Quarterly.
“For our 40th issue we’ve conjured up a knitted dreamworld! Allow our latest collection to transport you to your yarn-filled happy place with joy-bringing patterns which are whimsical without compromising elegance or wearability.
The patterns vary in intensity; from ones which will allow you to realise your knitting fantasies to others you could finish with your eyes closed. But rest assured, each one will grant you gratification in a different way.”
Althaea is worked seamlessly from the top down. Stitches for each front are cast on and, after neckline shaping, joined in one piece and then worked straight down to the underarm. Stitches for the back are picked up along the front shoulders and cast on for the back neck, the back is worked straight down to the underarm. Shoulders are shaped using short rows; instructions are for Wrap and Turn short rows, but any short row method can be substituted. The back and front are joined together and continued straight in one piece down to the hem. Sleeve stitches are picked up around the armholes and worked in the round down to the cuffs. Collar stitches are picked up around the neck and worked in the round as well. Finally, ruffle stitches are picked up around the first three rounds of the sleeves and worked in the round. Hem, cuffs and collar are finished with 1×1 Rib, using 4 strands of yarn held together.
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Helpful resources
Sizes:
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Sweater circumference in chest:
Finished chest (fullest point) circumference: 106 (115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, 175, 185)cm / 41¾ (45¼, 49¼, 53¼, 57, 61, 65, 69, 72¾)“– to be worn with 25-35cm / 10-14” positive ease
Yarn:
Striped Sample:
Lain’amourée Aphrodite DK:
Yarn A: Du corail aux lèvres; 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins
Yarn B: De l’eau dans mon vert; 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2) skeins
Yarn C: Ô mon poussin; 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins
Yarn D: Dans le panier de la lavandière; 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins
Lain’amourée Athéna (fingering / 4-ply-weight):
Yarn E: T’es belle au naturel; 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3) skeins
Lain’amourée Néphélées (heavy lace):
Yarn F: T’es belle au naturel; 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins
Blue Sample without ruffles:
Orkney Angora St Magnus DK:
Yarn A: Aqua; 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9) balls
Orkney Angora Elsness 4-ply:
Yarn B: Aqua; 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3) balls
Needles:
4.5mm / US 7 circular needle, 80-100cm / 32-40” length (depending on size worked) and 40cm / 16” length and needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round.
5mm / US 8 circular needle, 60-100cm / 24-40” length (depending on size worked) and 40cm / 16” length and needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round.
Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking.
Others:
1 stitch marker
scrap yarn or stitch holder
tapestry needle
Gauge:
20 sts & 28 rows = 10cm / 4” over St st on 4.5mm needles, after blocking using DK-weight yarn.
22 sts & 24 rows = 10cm / 4” over St st on 4.5mm needles, after blocking using yarn F.
Level: beginner