I first learned the term Palimpsest in architecture school. Our assignment was to create an analog pencil drawing without using an eraser. The idea was to live with our choices and let the layers of our work build up on the page. As layers of graphite built up, some indentations were left on the paper and some lines faded away. The completed composition was embedded with memories, both visual and ephemeral.
Palimpsest is about beginning without the end in mind and allowing myself to make changes and adjustments along the way. I believe inherently we improve our craft with time, and simultaneously we can (and should!) learn from our own history. Use this design to catalog and explore your own arsenal of spinning. Let it be a visual catalog of your memories. Add a special stripe of fiber to remember a trip, a friend, a making experience. The deeper meaning of your making might be apparent to others or known only to you. Let this piece be your own Palimpsest, a treasured collection of memories.
This design is available exclusively through PLY magazine issue #47, Care. Add this design to your favorites on Ravelry, and purchase a copy of PLY magazine via the link below.
Find full gallery images here.
YARN
This design is created for 2-ply handspun DK to worsted weight yarn in a variety of colors and fibers.
Sample shown in handspun yarn from fibers by HipStrings, Kim Dyes Yarn, Suburban Stitcher, and Into the Whirled.
Cropped version: approximately 1301 (1424, 1524, 1602) {1699, 1797, 1879} 1961, 2041, 2126 yards / 1190 (1300, 1394, 1465) {1554, 1642, 1717} 1792, 1868, 1943 meters
Hip length version: approximately 1366 (1495, 1603, 1691) {1795, 1900, 1991} 2080, 2171, 2262 yards / 1353 (1481, 1592, 1680) {1787, 1895, 1985} 2077, 2169, 2263 meters
SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4) {5, 6, 7} 8, 9, 10
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximate bust circumference when closed: 34 (38, 42, 46) {50, 54, 58} 62, 66, 70 inches / 86.5 (96.5, 107, 117) {127, 137, 147.5} 157.5, 167.5, 178 cm
Length to underarm (cropped): 9.5 (9, 8.5, 8) {7.5, 6.75, 6.5} 6, 6, 6 inches / 24 (23, 21.5, 20.5) {19, 17, 16.5} 15, 15, 15 cm
Length to underarm (hip length): 13.5 (13, 12.5, 12) {11.5, 11, 10.25} 10, 10, 10 inches / 34.5 (33, 32, 30.5) {29, 28, 26} 25.5, 25.5, 25.5 cm
Armhole depth: 8.5 (9, 9.5, 10) {10.5, 11, 11.5} 11.5, 11.5, 11.5 inches / 21.5 (23, 24, 25.5) 26.5, 28, 29 {29, 29, 29} cm
Sleeve length (with cuff): 21 inches / 53.5 cm
NOTE: directions are provided for completing the piece as a vest instead of a sleeved sweater.
Upper arm circumference: 17 (18.5, 19.75, 22.25) {24.25, 25.75, 27} 28.25, 29, 30.25 inches / 43 (47, 50, 56.5) {61.5, 64.5, 68.5} 72, 73.5, 77 cm
Wrist circumference: 7 (7.25, 7.5, 7.75) {8, 8.25, 8.5} 8.75, 9, 9.5 inches / 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5) {20.5, 21, 21.5} 22, 23, 24 cm
GAUGE & NEEDLES
20 stitches and 40 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) over garter stitch knit flat.
20 stitches and 28 rounds to 4 inches (10 cm) over stockinette stitch in the round.
1 set of US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles, 24-40 inches (60-100 cm) long for flat sections
1 set US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles, 32 inches (80 cm) long or longer for magic loop, or double pointed needles for welt, sleeves and cuffs
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Tapestry needle, waste yarn, scissors, tape measure, spare needle, stitch holders, locking stitch markers to mark progress, sewing needle and thread (if buttons are used)
Optional: 5-8 wedge buttons, 1.25 inch (3 cm) length (shown in walnut) by Twin Mountain Handcrafts. Round buttons, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm), may also be used
TECHNIQUES
Knit stitch, purl stitch, picking up stitches along selvedge, modular join-as-you-go garter stitch, increases and decreases, cable cast on, German short rows, applied icord trim, icord buttonholes
PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This size inclusive design is a written pattern with photos and a schematic. The pattern also provides links to useful video techniques.
EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#PalimpsestKnit
Tech Editing: Rachel Brown for PLY Magazine
Yarn Support: PLY Magazine
Photography: PLY Magazine
From Amanda S.
This was a super meditative or rhythmic knit that once I had the pattern repeats down, I just kept cruising. I really like both sides to this, and actually think it would make a really cute pattern for a tee!
Amanda test knit Coexist.
From Nan P.
Shana consistently produces engaging and fun to knit designs, and offers great pattern support. She is really fun to test knit for, as well. I love the playful and meditative aspects of her knits.
Nan test knit Coexist, and has knit other Shanalines Designs patterns.
From Madeline J.
I have made two different Shanalines tops and one I made twice (and I generally don’t like repeating patterns!).
Her patterns are super clear and easily customizable. She offers a lot of size options, but also shows you how to make adjustments.
She is an architect by trade and you can absolutely tell – the patterns I made (Recalibrate and Shoulder Season) are modular and interesting. They are not your typical sweater construction, but the design makes sense and the pattern is not difficult to follow.
She’s very open to feedback and quick to help if you run into an issue. Cannot wait to see what else she comes out with!
Madeline was a test knitter for Shoulder Season, and has also knit Recalibrate.