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 Pam S.
I really appreciate Shana’s attention to detail in each of her patterns, and also across the scope of her patterns. There are certain things I can count on from a Shanalines pattern, whether it’s a garment, coffee cozy or fidget toy: The directions will be clear, the design will be innovative, and the thing WILL fit! Her modular knits are good on everybody, and they are also really fun to make! As a bonus, Shana is very interactive and fun to knit with! I’ve had the chance to spend time with her at a couple of events, and I always leave her side smiling!
If you are hedging about one of the shanalines patterns, and you happen to see her at an event, she may even take off that beautiful sweater she’s wearing (with a tank top underneath, of course) to let you see how it works on you, or to point out a specific stitch detail. And if you have questions while you’re knitting, just reach out. She is always ready with a thoughtful answer that makes sense. I always look forward to seeing what pattern will come out next!
Pam has been to Zombie Knitpocalypse 2021 and 2022. She has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including PB Sandwich Hat and Recalibrate, and has test knit Semantics, Peapod Marble Fidget Toy, Textured Marble Fidget Toy, Modular Coffee Cup Cozy and Shoulder Season.
From Christen C.
Recalibrate was interesting and fun to knit. Designer tips and helpful schematics throughout the pattern made the modular construction easy to work.
Christen has knit and test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including PB Sandwich Hat, Shot Reverse Shot Poncho, Air Hugs Wrap, and Recalibrate.
From Cathy A.
I love Shana’s pattern designs. I have knit at least eight different patterns (some multiple times). The patterns have unique construction and are easy to follow. Shana responds to any questions in a very timely manor. She is always very positive and wants to make sure you are comfortable knitting her designs.
The Modular Bento Bag is such a fun, quick knit! The directions are easy to follow. You can’t stop at making just one. Try all four sizes. Makes a great gift bag.
Cathy has knit and test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including Seeking Balance, Moduloncho, Recalibrate, Semantics, Side Hustle Wrap (Light), Switching Stirpes Hat, and Modular Bento Bag.