Pattern previews for Knits from the LYS: A Collection by Espace
Knits from the LYS: A Collection by Espace Tricot created by Stephanie Earp and Naomi Endicott has 15 patterns from 8 designers that offer something for every knitter — from garments to accessories. The designs feature a variety of structures, constructions, difficulty levels and techniques.
Caraway Sweater
There is a reason we all love a good colourwork yoke: they can be graded to fit a wide range of sizes, make good use of precious single skeins, and can be easily customized. “Caraway was originally conceived as a showcase for my own handspun yarn,” Mona says. “The simple geometric patterns and breezy lace are easy to knit and combine to create something bigger than the sum of their parts!”
Shown in: Woolstok 50 by Blue Sky Fibers, colourway Cast Iron (sample 1). Plush Paca Paca by Moondrake Yarn, colourway Ultraviolet Unicorn (sample 2).
Channel Sweater
Espace Tricot has long been known for simple, elegant sweater patterns, especially top-down raglans and yokes. “I was inspired to try a drop shoulder style, to add another shape to our library of reliable classics,” says Stephanie. The two samples of the Channel Sweater here illustrate what a difference yarn choice can make. The grey sample uses a blown yarn, which has warmth without heaviness, held with a speckled tweed yarn. The golden sample uses a single ply merino that adds satisfying weight and drape.
Shown in: Snefnug by Camarose, colourway 7108 Grey, held with Make It Tweed by Rico (sample 1). Piuma by DHG, colourway Marrakech (sample 2).
Katabatic Wrap
This wrap is the ideal introduction to a technique that might intimidate many knitters: but intarsia is far simpler than you think, promise! Get to grips with the basics of two-colour intarsia before joining in extra bobbins to practice different shapes. This intarsia pattern grew out of preparing a class for the store. Naomi says, “Many of my design ideas come out of similar processes like this: swatches for one purpose can inspire whole new projects.”
Shown in: Air by Drops, colourway 32 Peach (sample 1) and colourway 33 Shell Pink (sample 2).
Gala Sweater
You know what they say, business in the front, party in the back! Just do a little twirl, and the simple raglan structure gives way to an elegant lace back panel in contrasting textures. “I chose the name “Gala” for its two-fold meaning to me,” says Naomi. “Firstly, because the chevron design is a nostalgic nod to party bunting, and secondly because it is a nickname of the town where I studied knitwear design.”
Shown in: Double Merino, Merino and Silk Mohair by Along Avec Anna, colourway Grenat (sample 1). Happy 4-ply by Bon Tricot, colourway Sweatshirt, Bliss by Bon Tricot, colourway Meringue and Make It Tweed by Rico Yarns (sample 2).
Beachcomber Shawl
Modular shawls with distinct sections like this one are a great opportunity to try simple modifications to get your perfect result! Place colours differently, play with stripe sequences, try different edging — the end result will be a beautiful and unique story, just like the seashore treasures that inspired this shawl’s textures and structure. This pattern creates a shawl with a deep V shape, with a central open square, framed by two elongated parallelograms.
Shown in: Alpakka by Sandnesgarn, colourways 1032, 1042 and 2650 (sample 1). Ulysse by De Rerum Natura, colourways Crème Anglaise and Genet; Zauberwolle by Schoppel Wolle, colourway 1701 Parrot (sample 2).
Winkle Mittens
A quick and versatile accessory, the Winkle Mittens are a relaxing gift knit, or make a pair for yourself to go with the Beachcomber Wrap. “The Old Shale lace pattern appears in many knits shared through generations of my family,” Naomi says. “Like so many knitters, I love incorporating heritage motifs into modern, wearable knits.” Our sample as shown uses mini skeins for a playful effect, but these would be just as good in one colour.
Shown in: Happy 4-ply minis by Bon Tricot, colourways Sweatshirt, Rosewood, Sandcastle, Robin’s Egg Blue, Dark Olive and Lichen.
Aurora Cardigan
The Aurora Cardigan takes advantage of the space created by stretches of reverse stockinette between relatively simple cables. Version 1 features appliquéd steeked colourwork patches. In Version 2, the same reverse stockinette areas are knit held with two strands of hand-dyed mohair, to add a watercolour effect to these areas. Both versions make a big visual impact and will highlight a knitter’s skill, but Version 2 is more approachable for an intermediate knitter.
Shown in: Cyrano by De Rerum Natura, colourway Cyprès, and Spindrift by Jamieson’s of Shetland, col colourways Spice, Flame, Salmon, Oyster, Scotch Broom, Nighthawk, Verdigris and Surf (sample 1). Wish by Drops, colourway White Fog, and Sake by Bar A Tricot, colourway Paloma (sample 2).
Caper Socks
Worked from the cuff down, these socks are beautifully shaped through the calf and upper leg, with perfect little details peppered throughout. The repeating design on the leg reminded us of caper flowers, and since pulling off these socks is also a bit of an adventure, we liked the double entendre of the pattern name. An excellent challenge for a seasoned knitter, the finished socks are sure to stun and impress.
Shown in: Jawoll Superwash by Lang, colourway 0188 Jade Teal, and Deconstructed Fade Sock by Shirley Brian Yarn, colourway Cape of Good Hope (sample 1). Happy 4-Ply by Bon Tricot, colourways Pink Garnet and Sweatshirt (sample 2).
Space & Time Shawl
This simple brioche shawl starts with a long-tail cast on, creating a v-neck shaping while otherwise following a traditional top-down shawl shape. “It was inspired by a customer looking to knit a shawl to wear around her neck, but every sample we tried on her came up too close to her throat,” says Andie. “This pattern is for her, and for all the others out there who would like a little breathing room in their shawls.”
Shown in: Jolly DK by Bon Tricot, colourway Miami Pink (sample 1). Champagne by Bar à Tricot, colourway Tinkerbell (sample 2).
Laurentian Mittens
Dianna has long been known for her simple, effective, and approachable colourwork designs, and these mittens showcase that to perfection! Mittens are an ideal first colourwork project: with a small circumference, they knit up satisfyingly fast. And no need to worry about floats, as each strand is only carried behind 2 stitches at a time! Knit in luxurious cashmere yarn, these are a treat for your hardworking hands, whether you are a beginner colourwork knitter or a seasoned Fair Isle fan.
Shown in: Eco Cashmere Fingering by Nordic Yarn, colourways 001 Cream, 004 Charcoal and 002 Light Grey.
Composition Book Pullover & T-Shirt
Sometimes we just want the simplicity of a traditional pieced sweater: four squares, elevated with shaping details and a modern silhouette. This sweater gives instructions for two versions, a pullover or a t-shirt, and the option to knit totally flat or work the neckline in the round. If you choose to work the vertical stripe detail, we recommend knitting flat: it is much simpler to work the crochet chains. Easy as ABC!
Shown in: Corrie Worsted by La Bien Aimée, colourways French Grey and Moria (sample 1). Alba by BC Garn, colourways Brass and Pomegranate (sample 2).
Suffix Hat
Why wait for time and wear to deliver a mendable object, when you can knit one ready-made? “I adore the look of visible mending on knits,” says Stephanie. “Here, I have knit in sections designed to be woven over. Purl sections recede and leave a line of knit stitches ideal for creating your ‘warp’ and ‘weft’.” It is important to use a thicker yarn for your “mending” or the backing fabric will show through.
Shown in: Spindrift by Jamieson’s of Shetland, colourway 526 Spice (sample 1). Kureyon by Noro, colourway Kyoto (sample 2).
Embassy Row Vest & Tank
Switch it up depending on the season or your personality! Knit in silks and linens, it is a summery tank, or opt for a wooly wool with ribbed edging for a traditional vest. “I designed this piece for knitters like me, who enjoy returning to a pattern more than once,” Stephanie says. “Often when I am knitting it again, I find the confidence to make modifications and changes I wouldn’t have felt sure about at first.”
Shown in: Flaxen Silk Fine by Sweet Georgia Yarn, colourway Deep Cove (sample 1). Brighton Beach by Queensland, colourway 16 Barramundi (sample 2).
Broderie Skirt
Knitting is often an act of collaboration — between the designer and maker, between yarn and pattern. That spirit infused this collaboration, combining Carolyn’s fresh approach to embroidering on knitting with Stephanie’s love of flared skirts. The result is a surprisingly easy knit that packs a huge visual punch thanks to Carolyn’s modern and masterful embroidery motif.
Shown in: Gilliatt by De Rerum Natura, colourway Merlot, and Snefnug by Camarose, colourway Raspberry (sample 1). Gilliatt by De Rerum Natura, colourway Fusain, and Air by Drops, colourway Shell (sample 2).
Romashka Blanket
From the cozy waffle-weave texture of its broken rib centre to the delicate flower motif winking like daisies along its border, Romashka (“chamomile” in Ukrainian) evokes the calming, comforting power of being warmly wrapped in something made with care. The Romashka blanket begins as a centre square knit flat from point to point. The border is then picked up and knit in the round with a dropped-stitch flower motif and a scalloped edge for the bind-off.
Shown in: Double Sunday by Sandnes Garn, colourways 3553, 4081 and 3211 (sample 1). Kathmandu DK 100 by Queensland Collection, colourways, Dijon, Obsidian and Natural.
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