bare branches

February 16, 2014

Alana Dakos newest coat, Bare Branches knit in Rowan Felted Tweed Aran.


Little gathers below the reverse stockinette bodice.
Behind the hood is a little surprise.

The bare branches in stockinette relief against reverse stockinette bodice.

I'm so excited to share this lovely lovely lovely coat with you!  I was commissioned to make this sample ages ago for Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting.  I had to send it back, (sniff) but before I did I took some modeled pics to share.  It's not a perfect fit for me, and when I make it again for me, and I WILL, I will make it a size smaller.  It's gorgeous, isn't it?  And it was so fun to knit!  Lovely little details with the bare branches in relief and little gathers below the bust.  With all the Rowan I've knit over the years I hadn't knit with Felted Tweed Aran before this.  It's every bit as lovely as Felted Tweed DK.  Soft and tweedy and whole wheaty, I cannot imagine this coat knit in anything but this.  I'm so excited this pattern is finally published.  It's part of Alana's Botanical Knits 2.  I knit a few other samples for the book and will be sharing those soon.  I met Alana at Stitches West a few years ago and she is truly  a d o r a b l e.  You can view all the new patterns of her new book here.  Look for Botanical Knits 2 available to purchase as an ebook or to pre-order in print beginning 10:00 PST, March 3.

 My Ravelry pattern page is here.  
Rowan Felted Tweed Aran at Webs, 100% wool, made in the UK
Alana introduces Botanical Knits 2

Below is a little tute on how to make a folded hem, a technique you will need for this coat.   It makes a very fine finished hem.

You should make this.  xoxo Kristen


How to make a neat folded hem:  1) With a smaller needle, pick up stitches along cast on edge.

2) Fold the work together with wrong sides facing.
3) Knit the picked up cast on stitches together with your knit row.
(I had to knit the CO stitches through the back loop.


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11 Comments

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kristen, lovely job! Rowan Tweed Aran....I haven't knit with it either....but I do have some in my stash :) I deleted my post above because I misread your post.....nothing serious!

      Too bad you had to send it back! I look forward to seeing Kristen's Bare Branches some day!

      Delete
  2. Kristen, you know I know nothing of the actual knitting, but I sure know what I like...and what I like is THIS SWEATER!!! What a beautiful specimen! I will once again be sending my sister over to your blog to see just what I'm talking about so that she can see her way clear to create on in my size!

    You did an absolutely phenomenal job! Such a gorgeous sweater!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kristen, this coat is totally fabulous! I love this! What a marvelous design! Your coat is flawless, of course. One of the things I love most about reading your blog is the discovery of amazing knitting designs I would never have known about otherwise. And thank you for the marvelous tutorial on the folded hem!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your Bare Branches Sweater is beautifully gorgeous! What a lovely accomplishment. The back design is lovely. I knit but nothing that exquisite.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for sharing your beautiful coat!

    ReplyDelete
  6. love this coat and I love the buttons on your new header design!!

    Hope you are well -- cheers!
    mb

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi I'm a UK 12 which is a USA 8. I'm not sure on sizing and like you I don't want to wear it as big as it is in your photos although it is gorgeous. Which size would you suggest?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm, I am not all that great with sizes. I wear a size US 0 or 2 and would normally make the xs, but I made and modeled the s for the designer. So, I think a size US 8 would wear a small or a medium to give a snug fit. I think once you print the pattern the schematics will give you a good idea of what fit to make. You know, I have the yarn to make one for me and haven't done it yet. Looking at it again I realize I really do need to make it for me! Good luck and I hope you do make it.

      Delete

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