Design Notebook: Fittleworth

After months of 'secret' knitting, it is a relief to be able to share this knitting pattern with you - I can't think of it as "new" as it was finished in May but it is now available to download exclusively via the new LoveKnitting iPad app. You can read more about the app and it's development here. (LoveKnitting affiliate links are included in this post.)

The Pattern

Fittleworth is a striking two-coloured cowl which is very simple to knit, it's a 'mosaic' knit which means it uses only one colour at a time and a few basic stitches - it's suitable for anyone who can knit and purl on circular needles. If you're familiar with my other designs like Seafoam and Sky Full of Stars, you won't be surprised that Fittleworth can be worn in a few different ways...

Stand it to attention, fold it double, or you can even stick a pin or brooch in it for a snug fit. It can be easily customised too - cast on a greater number of stitches (in multiples of four stitches), for a longer cowl or knit more repeats to make it deeper, like a snood. 

The cowl is worked in the round so there is no sewing, apart from weaving-in a few yarn tails, and because of the slipped stitch placement, you don't have to worry about the joins or 'jogs' between the stripes - this is a 'jogless' stripe pattern. 

The pattern sample was made using Cascade 220 Sport (100% wool) in Silver Grey and Goldenrod (one ball of each) although test knitters also used different double knitting or sport weight yarns in all sorts of colours and blends - just be sure to make a swatch if substituting yarns, as you may need to alter the number of cast on stitches. Whichever yarn or colours you choose, it's a fun project and one which most knitters will be able to complete quite quickly and easily.

Inspiration

'Fittleworth' is a small village in West Sussex where a sixteenth century grey stone bridge crosses the river Rother. As we drove through the area in Spring, the surrounding fields were full of glorious golden rapeseed and my husband was making me laugh by reading the village names in a series of silly accents.  Despite the stunning views, I couldn't stop to take photos that day (D was driving and is far less inclined to stop the car for photographic opportunities!), so this design is a reminder of the grey stones and yellow fields that we passed, and the laugher we shared. (I later discovered that JMW Turner also documented his impressions of the bridge, although not through the medium of knitting.)

Screenshot. The app is pre-loaded with six free patterns, including mine!

How to get the pattern

Fittleworth is currently available exclusively via the new Love Knitting iPad app* - you can read about it here. When you download the app from iTunes, you'll find it as one of the selection of pre-loaded patterns. The app is free (and very cool) which means the pattern is free for you too. I really hope you like it and look forward to seeing your finished projects - please feel free to use #fittleworthcowl on social media (and tag me!) so I can see your projects.

*If you don't have an iPad but would like to get a copy of the pattern, stay tuned...