I’m excited to announce the release of a new pattern, and also the first model photoshoot since before the pandemic! Thanks to the lovely Shyla Hayes for modeling these fingerless mitts at 3am after we both came back from a rave.
As you’ve probably come to understand, I try to load my pattern names with layers of extra meaning, wordplay, etc — and these are no exception. The original gloves were made from a gorgeous UV-reactive gradient yarn that sadly is no longer produced, but I was delighted to stumble across another neon sport-weight yarn at Junction Fiber Mill in White River Junction, VT that was not only incredibly vivid, but (shockingly) not superwash. So I was able to keep the neon and upgrade the fiber content! Blacklights tend to come in two wavelengths: 395nm and 365nm; the latter is a much purer light, closer to blue than purple, and UV-reactive things show up more brightly in it. 365 is also the number of days in a year, hence Daily Ripple (the “ripple” part is self-explanatory).
The pattern is made up of traveling stitches — 1×1 double-knit cables that move this way and that in a rippling pattern. The jog travels with the cables, which means the cable chart is uniquely challenging to chart. Fortunately I had a group of test knitters who were able to confirm that my charting solution works — so thank you to that group as well. (Are you an adventurous double-knitter who wants to have a chance to try out new patterns before they’re released? Contact me to join my test and sample knitters mailing list!). To help people learn the techniques needed for this pattern, I’ve also now released my video workshop on Traveling Stitches in Double-knitting! The audio is not great so it’s ripe for a re-shoot, but it should get you there.
The shaping in this pattern is entirely done with the cables, too, so in the end it’s just a tube with a thumb hole; the cables pull the fabric in at the wrist, while the uncabled hand remains relaxed. They can be a little difficult to put on or take off, but while they’re on, they fit … like a glove.
If you join my Patreon at the $5.00/mo level or higher before the end of the month, you’ll get a free copy of this pattern (as well as a free copy of Phoenix as a welcome bonus).
In other news
The Parallax collection is now sold out — there are no more physical copies of that booklet available. The two other books still have plenty of copies left, however, and you have until Black Friday to get cheap Media Mail shipping on any you order from my store. Once Thanksgiving comes and goes, it’ll be Priority Mail only until the end of the year.
Digital copies remain available as always.
And just a reminder that, for the truly special gift recipient, the one-of-a-kind original Victorian Raffia scarf is still available for sale, also at a price far below its value!
Stay tuned for more soon! Thanks for your continued interest.
Alasdair Post-Quinn, “Softwear Engineer”, Fallingblox Designs