Beatrix

• Description
• Pattern Information
• Techniques

• The Beatrix vest is a wonderfully versatile top that is intuitive and pleasing to knit. It features a fascinating all-over twisted stitch pattern that creates a cosy, textured fabric. Beatrix is knitted in the round from the bottom up, with steeks added at the armhole divide to avoid the knitter having to switch to knitting the pattern back and forth rather than in the round. Finally, neckbands and armbands are picked up and knitted.

  Beatrix is named after and inspired by Beatrix Potter, famous for her illustrated children's books such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit; but she was also farmer, shepherd and activist who was passionate about maintaining traditional ways of life in the Lake District where she lived. The Beatrix vest reflects the practicality and simplicity of Beatrix Potter’s way of life, keeping one warm when walking the fells or checking the flock on a cold winter’s evening. The complex texture the stitch produces creates depth and height, light and dark, just like the shadows of clouds as they pass over the Lakeland fells; and the twist stitch pattern suggests the roots or branches of a tree stretching out — just as Beatrix put down her roots and cared for the land she made her home.

  A matching cowl pattern, Potter, is also available which can be worn with your Beatrix or separately.

  Beatrix is knitted using Susan Crawford Barn a DK weight, a naturally grey worsted spun yarn created from a blend of Jacobs and Shetland fibres spun exclusively for us in a nearby Yorkshire mill and hand-dyed at our Lake District studio in a wonderful array of shades inspired by the agricultural and rural landscape surrounding us.

  Beatrix is shown here in Plum Jam a deep, rich purple-pink shade.
  

  Susan is shown wearing the 3rd size with 7.5 cm / 3 in negative ease, however recommended ease is 2.5-5cm (1-2in) of positive ease. For a more tightly fitting style, as worn by Susan, opt for the 'to fit' size which is the first less than your chest circumference.

  The pattern includes instructions for nine sizes to fit chest measurements between 71cm (28in) and 157cm (62in) and contains both clear written pattern directions, together with charted instructions for the cable pattern.

• Yarn
  Susan Crawford Barn, 100% British wool, a unique blend of Jacob, white Shetland and black Shetland fleeces,DK weight (225m / 246yds per 100g skein approx)

  Colourway One
  3 (3, 4, 4, 4) (5, 5, 6, 6) skeins, shade Plum Jam
  

  Suggested needles
  Small Needles: 3.25 mm (US 3) circular needle (80-100 cm / 30-40 in), 3.25 mm (US 3) circular needle (30-40 cm / 12-16 in)
  Large Needles: 4 mm (US 6) circular needle (80-100 cm / 30-40 in)

  Gauge
  22.5 sts and 27.5 rounds = 10 cm / 4 in over stitch pattern worked in the round, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 4 mm needles.

  Notions
  Waste yarn, stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors

• Working a twisted stitch pattern in the round; following a chart; working and finishing a steek; picking up stitches
  

Yarn kits are also available
Purchase your yarn kit here