What is New for Knitability
In January 2008, Knitability unveiled a number of new designs at the TNNA wholesale trade show in Long Beach, California. Although it wasn't planned, it turned out that the focus of this line was "Everything Old is New Again"
The inspiration for this design has been floating around in my head since 1989 when I saw this great sweater worn by a one-time character on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The character, Brenna, was part of a culture that arose from Ireland. Since that time I have played with various yarns, but the cable patterns were always the same. The center panels feature extremely interesting intertwined cables while the remaining body and sleeves are formed in a braided cable rib fabric. Although shown in a cropped, off-the-shoulder style, it can be knit with a funnel neck and the length of your choice. $10 for the pattern.
Folks who have been Knitability fans for a number of years may recognize the shell as a pattern that was part of our line for a number of years. Although I always thought it was a cute design, I felt like it needed something more.
The result is an updated version of the original with a longer body and a bit more sleeve. The new pattern features Dale of Norway's Svale and has an open front cardigan to round out the ensemble. With 7 sizes for each piece, this design can be an addition to practically anyone's wardrobe. $10 for the pattern.
This pattern was also in the line before but for only a short time. I had always intended to move it into the Skill Builder Pattern line, but I was never quite motivated enough -- until I found a new yarn to make it in.
Although it can still be a stylish workhorse of a sweater in Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride Worsted, it can also be a rich luxury in Malabrigo's Merino Worsted. Choose bold or subtle color combinations to make the design your own. The slip stitch color patterns worked side-to-side create deceivingly simple vertical interest. With finished chest measurements from 24" - 52", there is a size for practically everyone in the family. $10 for the pattern.
Originally part of the Class In a Bag product line and only available in 4 child sizes, this pattern has been expanded to a total of 12 sizes from a finished chest measurement of 18" - 56".
Top down sweater construction has a number of advantages and interesting challenges. Although the published design features some nice stylistic elements (shown in the child's sweater), you are encouraged to make the design your own by making other yarn and stitch pattern choices (shown in the adult sweater). It is the perfect blank canvas to begin experimenting with your own design ideas. $10 for the pattern.
