DEGEN EYES SWEATER PATTERN RELEASE

This pattern is sort of a what-took-me-so-long situation. I obviously just needed to sit down and write the pattern. I’m so glad I did because the hand knit version is even better than the original which is machine knit.

machine knit version debuted in 2012

The real thing that got me into it again was being excited about the yarn. I partnered with Hu Made, a delightful dyer in New York City who makes the colors I like- in between colors.

WORK IN PROGRESS

Amanda, of Hu Made, ask me to pick from her established palette and it was basically impossible but I ended up with Blimey, a yellow-lime color with deeper flecks, and Peony, a pink or is it a purple? Her quality Made DK was the perfect yarn for the pattern because washing baby clothes regularly is a must. I personally don’t prefer superwash because of the harshness of the processing, but I think it’s the right quality for baby.

Final Vest and Sweater

I did have a second reason that pushed me over the edge. I am into the flow of hand knitting and I think I will be starting to release more patterns. Releasing patterns for the people to make for themselves reduces waste in the world because people are only making what should exist, no left over stock. And it brings me joy to see the knitters’ joy in creating. So this time around I wanted to up my graphic design game and make a fun to knit pattern that can be used in different ways that is also beautiful.

Pattern Talk

Sweater and vest are knit from the bottom up.  The eyes pattern is written separately (pgs 9-10) so that you can choose your own placement, follow our placement, or use the pattern for your own colorwork design

vest version

I am really proud of this pattern because its exactly what I want in a knitting pattern- modularity, flexibility, a measurement schematic, and the visual interest (in this case eyes) pattern separate. The pattern is broken into the base garment, which is a sweater or vest that you can design to have whatever colorwork you like, and the eyes pattern. Because the eyes are short rows and happen where ever you want them to, they don’t mess with the pattern of the sweater. I also provide suggested placement based on my sample but you can really drop an eyeball anywhere you want! For example, If you wanted to just have eyes as elbow patches, go for it!

Sizing:

This sweater is written for 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Measurements can be found below.

pattern page

Materials:

2(2, 2, 3, 3) skeins (Main Color) of HU MADE: Made DK 100% superwash merino. Each skein is approximately 231yrds/100g. Approximately 350 (385, 430, 490, 570) total yards required.

  • HU MADE: Made DK 100% superwash merino. Each skein is approximately 231yrds/100g
  • 1/2 skein each of Iris color, White, and Black. Approximately 100 yrds required. You may also use stash yarns in similar weight
  • US 2, 24-inch circular needles
  • A set of US 2 double pointed needles
  • Stitch markers
  • Stitch holders or scrap yarn

Please show me your WIPS, I can’t wait to see you all knit this pattern up!

the original babyDEGEN eyes sweater

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