PALIMPSEST
Photography by PLY Magazine
PALIMPSEST
Photography by PLY Magazine
PALIMPSEST
Photography by PLY Magazine
PALIMPSEST
Photography by PLY Magazine
PALIMPSEST
Photography by PLY Magazine
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 Leah S. – Gratitude_Knits
I first met Shana through a retreat where she taught her modular knitting technique with her modular knit case and bowl. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a class with her. Her teaching style is engaging and inclusive to all students.
I was immediately fascinated with her unique approach to design. Her patterns take techniques I’ve used in much simpler ways and make them hers in a seriously fun and unexpected way. Since the retreat, I’ve knit the modular Bento Bag and test knit the Turnover mitts. I’m looking forward to knitting one of her sweater designs. I just need to decide which one and if I have to wait to spin enough yarn for it.
Leah S. – Gratitude_Knits took a class at Super Summer Knitogether 2023. She has knit Modular Knit Cast, Modular Bento Bag, and test knit Turnover.
From Rebecca F.
I’ve tested multiple patterns for Shana and they’re always already well-written and well thought out before we see the testing version. She’s very responsive with answers to questions and clearly cares about making patterns accessible to knitters of all skill levels, budgets, and bodies. I love the way her patterns flow and present a canvas for your creativity and individuality.
Rebecca has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns, and test knit Space Positive Wrap, Upstanding Hat, Adulthood and Side Hustle Wrap (Light).
From Azariah’s Fibre Arts
I met Shana for the first time at an in-person event in early 2020, before the world shut down. She was at a small fiber festival sharing one of her new designs and her story about being an architect who now designs modular knitting patterns. I was hooked. I have tested for her, met her again multiple times and asked her questions about the industry and designing. She is a down to earth fun person. She is also honest and helpful. If you have a chance to work one of her patterns I highly recommend it! Some of the construction is a bit outside the box, but totally worth the effort. Just take it one step at a time and wait until you’re alone to concentrate if needed. Once you get it, you’ve got it! Thank you Shana for making fun knit patterns and sharing them!
Azariah’s Fibre Arts has test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including Cohenside Cowl (DK), Air Hugs Wrap, and Turnover.