INTRODUCTION

Prairie Park

by Jess Gagnon

Prairie Park is partially inspired by a Denver-area conservation park, but is primarily inspired by a previous Knitty pattern, Tenney Park. I love its combination of different textures and the fairly unique addition of a front panel.

I've been spinning on a drop spindle for a couple of years, and in the past year committed myself to a new spinning wheel. Naturally, a flush of fiber purchases came next, including my to-date favorite colorway, Moody Rainbow. I eked out upwards of 400 yards of awesomeness, and it simply begged to be knit and worn – and it just had to be done up in a sweater.

To show off the delightful color changes, Moody Rainbow is paired with a commercially-found Naked colorway. In keeping with the original Tenney Park inspiration, Prairie Park features a sleek front panel and hip/wrist wraps, all done up with textured linen stitch. The handspun is strategically used in areas that can be a little more forgiving if tension is off a smidge, due to the potential for inconsistency in handspun.

Worked from the bottom up, with waist decreases and raglan sleeves. There are a couple short rows in the upper-back. The bottom is worked in the round, with the majority of the sweater worked flat after the panel split. For ease of seaming, it is highly recommended that you slip stitches at the beginning of each flat row for selvedge.

model: Jess Gagnon

photos: Andrew Gagnon

SIZE

XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X]
shown in size S with 2 inches / 5 cm negative ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Bust: 27.25[31, 35.25, 39.25, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25] inches / 69[78.5, 89.5, 99.5, 110, 120, 130] cm
Length: 24.75[25, 25.5, 26, 26.75, 27.5, 28] inches / 63[63.5, 65, 66, 68, 70, 71] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
[MC] Miss Babs Tarte [75% Merino, 15% Nylon, 10% Tencel; 500yd/457m per 122g skein]; color: Naked; 2[2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4] skeins
Fiber:
[CC] Dandelions and Daisies Merino/Tencel [50% Merino/ 50% Tencel; top]; color: Moody Rainbow; 4 ounces

Finished Yarn

Wraps per inch: 14

Ply: 2-ply
Yardage used: 300

Drafting method: Worsted

Notions
waste yarn
4 stitch markers
yarn needle

GAUGE

26 sts/32 rows = 4"/10 cm in stockinette stitch on size US #5/3.75mm needles
26 sts/40 rows = 4"/10 cm in Linen Stitch and Stripe Patt on US #6/4mm needles

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Mistake Rib Pattern (multiple of 2 sts)
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: (K1, p1) around.
Rep these 2 rounds for patt.

Linen Stitch (worked in the round; multiple of 2 sts + 1)
Round 1: *K1, sl1 wyif; rep from * to last st, k1.
Round 2: *Sl1 wyif, k1; rep from * to last st, sl1 wyif.
Rep these 2 rounds for patt.

Linen Stitch (worked flat; multiple of 2 sts)
Row 1 [RS]: *K1, sl1 wyif; rep from * to end.
Row 2 [WS]: *P1, sl1 wyib; rep from * to end.
Rep these 2 rows for patt.

Stripe Pattern:
Work 2 rounds/rows in Linen Stitch with MC.
Work 2 rounds/rows in Linen Stitch with CC.
Rep these 4 rounds/rows for patt.

DIRECTIONS

BODY
Using smallest circular needle and MC, cast on 176[200, 228, 254, 280, 306, 332] sts. Pm and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts.

Work in Mistake Rib Pattern for 1.5 inches / 4 cm, ending after Round 1 (knit round).

Switch to largest circular needle.

Set-up round: *K1, sl1 wyif; rep from * to end, M1. 177[201, 229, 255, 281, 307, 333] sts.

Work in Linen Stitch for 1.5 inches / 4 cm, beg with Round 2 and ending after Round 2.

Work in Stripe Patt for 46 rounds, ending after Round 2.

Switch to size US #5/3.75mm circular needle. Cut CC and continue with MC only.

Set-up round: K 35[41, 48, 55, 61, 68, 74] , pm, work 18 sts in Linen st, pm, K 35[41, 48, 55, 61, 68, 74] , pm for side "seam," k 89[101, 115, 127, 141, 153, 167] to end.

Dec round 1: K1, k2tog, knit to m, work Linen st to m, knit to 3 sts before side m, ssk, k1, k1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1. 173[197, 225, 251, 277, 303, 329] sts.
Work 8 rnds even in St st and Linen st as est.

Next round [RS]: K1, k2tog, knit to m, remove m, patt 18 and place these 18 sts on holder, remove m, knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m, k1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before next m, ssk, k1, sl m (former beg of rnd m), k to held sts.

You will now work flat over these 151[175, 203, 229, 255, 281, 307] sts. Turn. This is the new beg of row.

Note: Slip the first st of every row purlwise until neck shaping begins at Yoke.

Work 8 rows in St st.
Next row [WS]: Sl 1, *purl to 3 sts before m, p2tog, p1, sl m, p1, ssp; rep from * once more, purl to end. 147[171, 199, 225, 251, 277, 303] sts.
Work 8 rows in St st.
Next row [RS]: Sl 1, *knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m, k1, k2tog; rep from * once more, knit to end. 143[167, 195, 221, 247, 273, 299] sts.

Work 5 rows in St st.
Inc row [RS]: Sl 1, *knit to 1 st before m, M1R, k1, sl m, k1, M1L; rep from * once more, knit to end. 4 sts increased.
Rep last 6 rows 3 times more. 159[183, 211, 237, 263, 289, 315] sts.

Work even in St st until work measures approx. 17 inches/ 43 cm from cast-on or desired length to underarm, ending after a RS row.

Next row [WS]: Sl 1, *purl to 3[4, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10] sts before m, BO 6[8, 14, 16, 18, 18, 20] sts (removing m); rep from * once more, purl to end. 147[167, 183, 205, 227, 253, 275] sts.

Do not break yarn. Set work aside.

SLEEVES (make 2)
With smallest needles for working small circumference in the round and separate ball of MC, cast on 48[50, 54, 56, 58, 60, 64] sts. Pm and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts.

Work in Mistake Rib Pattern for 1.5 inches / 4 cm, ending after Round 1 (knit round).

Switch to largest needles.

Set-up round: *K1, sl1 wyif; rep from * to end, M1. 49[51, 55, 57, 59, 61, 65] sts.

Work in Linen Stitch for 1.5 inches / 4 cm, beg with Round 2 and ending after Round 2 of patt.

Begin Stripe Pattern and increases:
Note: When working increases, make sure that Linen Stitch pattern aligns with previous rows and work increases into patt.

Work 13[11, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3] rounds even in Stripe Patt.
Inc round: K1, M1L, work Stripe Pattern to last st, M1R, k1. 2 sts increased.
Rep last 14[12, 9, 7, 6, 5, 4] rounds 2[2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10] times more. 55[57, 65, 69, 73, 79, 87] sts.

Work 4[10, 1, 4, 4, 1, 2] rounds even in Stripe Pattern.

Switch to size US #5/3.75mm needles. Cut CC and continue with MC only.

Knit 9[5, 7, 2, 1, 3, 1] rounds.

Inc round: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 2 sts increased.
Knit 13[11, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3] rounds.
Rep last 14[12, 9, 7, 6, 5, 4] rounds 3[4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11] times more. 63[67, 77, 85, 91, 101, 111] sts.

Work even in St st until work measures 17 inches / 43 cm from cast-on or desired length to underarm.

Next round: Knit to last 3[4, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10] sts, BO 6[8, 14, 16, 18, 18, 20] sts (removing m). Break yarn and place rem 57[59, 63, 69, 73, 83, 91] sts on holder.

YOKE
With RS of Body facing and starting at beg of row with US #5/3.75mm circ, sl 1, k 31[36, 40, 46, 51, 58, 63] from right front, pm, k 57[59, 63, 69, 73, 83, 91] across held sts of first sleeve, pm, k 83[93, 101, 111, 123, 135, 147] across back sts, pm, k 57[59, 63, 69, 73, 83, 91] across held sts of second sleeve, pm, k 32[37, 41, 47, 52, 59, 64] from left front. 261[285, 309, 343, 373, 419, 457] sts.

Note: Remember to slip first st of every row until neck shaping begins.

Sizes XS, S & M Only:
Next row [WS]: Sl 1, purl to end.
Sleeve dec row [RS]: Sl 1, *knit to m, sl m, k1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m; rep from * once more, knit to end.
Rep last 2 rows 3[0, 0, -, -, -, -] times more. 245[281, 305, 343, 373, 419, 457] sts: 32[37, 41, 47, 52, 59, 64] sts for each front, 83[93, 101, 111, 123, 135, 147] sts for back, 49[57, 61, 69, 73, 83, 91] sts for each sleeve.

Sizes L, 1X, 2X & 3X Only:
Raglan dec row [WS]: Sl 1, *purl to 3 sts before m, p2tog, p1, sl m, p1, ssp; rep from * three times more, purl to end. 8 sts decreased.
Raglan dec row [RS]: Sl 1, *knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m, k1, k2tog; rep from * three times more, knit to end. 8 sts decreased.
Rep last 2 rows -[-, -, -, 2, 4, 6] times more. 245[281, 305, 327, 325, 339, 345] sts: 32[37, 41, 45, 46, 49, 50] sts for each front, 83[93, 101, 107, 111, 115, 119] sts for back, 49[57, 61, 65, 61, 63, 63] sts for each sleeve.

All Sizes:
Next row [WS]: Sl 1, purl to end.
Raglan dec row [RS]: Sl 1, *knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m, k1, k2tog; rep from * three times more, knit to end. 8 sts decreased.
Rep last 2 rows 6[8, 8, 6, 6, 5, 5] times more. 189[209, 233, 271, 269, 291, 297] sts: 25[28, 32, 38, 39, 43, 44] sts for each front, 69[75, 83, 93, 97, 103, 107] sts for back, 35[39, 43, 51, 47, 51, 51] sts for each sleeve.

Shape neck:
Next row [WS]: Purl to end.
Neck and raglan dec row [RS]: K1, ssk, *knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m, k1, k2tog; rep from * three times more, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts decreased.
Next row [WS]: Purl to end.
Raglan dec row [RS]: Sl 1, *knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m, k1, k2tog; rep from * three times more, knit to end. 8 sts decreased.
Rep last 4 rows 6[7, 8, 10, 9, 10, 10] times more, then work 1 WS row. 63[65, 71, 73, 89, 93, 99] sts: 4[4, 5, 5, 9, 10, 11] sts for each front, 41[43, 47, 49, 57, 59, 63] sts for back,7 sts for each sleeve.

Sizes 1X, 2X & 3X Only:
Next row [WS]: Purl to end.
Neck and body dec row [RS]: K1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m, knit to next m, sl m, k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before next m, k2tog, k1, sl m, knit to next m, sl m, k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts decreased.
Rep last 2 rows -[-, -, -, 2, 2, 2] times more. 63[65, 71, 73, 71, 75, 81] sts: 4[4, 5, 5, 3, 4, 5] sts for each front, 41[43, 47, 49, 51, 53, 57] sts for back, 7 sts for each sleeve.

All sizes continue here.

Begin short rows:
Row 1 [RS]: *Knit to m, sl m; rep from * once more, knit to 10 sts before next m, w&t.
Row 2 [WS]: Purl to 10 sts before next m, w&t.
Row 3: Knit to wrapped st, knit wrap with wrapped st, k4, w&t.
Row 4: Purl to wrapped st, purl wrap with wrapped st, p4, w&t.
Row 5: Knit to end, working wrap with wrapped st.
Row 6: Purl to end, working wrap with wrapped st.

Break yarn and place sts on holder.

FRONT PANEL
Slip 18 held sts of front panel to largest needles. With WS facing and with MC, pick up and purl 1 st between edge of body and panel sts, purl across 18 held sts, pick up and purl 1 st between panel and held stitches. Turn.

Working 1 st at each end in St st and slipping first st of every row, work in Stripe Patt until panel measures 20[19.75, 19.75, 19.25, 19.75, 20, 20.5] inches / 51[50, 50, 49, 50, 51, 52] cm from separation, or reaches to neck edge, ending after a WS row. Break yarn and place sts on holder.

COLLAR
Seam front panel in place along each selvedge.

With smallest circ and RS facing, starting at beginning of held sts of Yoke, (K2, K2tog) 15[16, 17, 18, 17, 18, 20] times, k 3[1, 3, 1, 3, 3, 1] ; pick up and knit 23[26, 29, 36, 37, 40, 40] sts down left front neck (approx. 3 sts for every 4 rows), pm, across 20 sts of Front Panel k2tog, knit to end, pm, pick up and knit 24[26, 30, 36, 38, 40, 40] sts up right front neck (approx. 3 sts for every 4 rows). Pm and join to work in the round. 114[120, 132, 146, 148, 156, 160] sts.

Round 1: *(K1, p1) to 1 st before m, k1, sl m; rep from * once more, (k1, p1) to end of round.
Round 2: Knit to 2 sts before m, ssk, sl m, knit to m, sl m, k2tog, knit to end. 2 sts decreased.
Round 3: (K1, p1) to 2 sts before m, k2, sl m, (k1, p1) 10 times, sl m, k2, (p1, k1) to last st, p1.
Round 4: Knit to 2 sts before m, ssk, sl m, knit to m, sl m, k2tog, knit to end. 2 sts decreased.
Rep Rounds 1-4 once more, then rep Rounds 1-2 once. 104[110, 122, 136, 138, 146, 150] sts.

BO in patt.

A: Hip circumference: 27[30.75, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51] inches / 68.5[78, 89, 99, 109, 119.5, 129.5] cm
B: Waist circumference: 25.5[29.25, 33.5, 37.5, 41.5, 45.5, 49.5] inches / 65[74.5, 85, 95.5, 105.5, 115.5, 125.5] cm
C: Bust circumference: 27.25[31, 35.25, 39.25, 43.25, 47.25, 51.25] inches / 69[78.5, 89.5, 99.5, 110, 120, 130] cm
D: Body length: 17 inches / 43 cm
E: Yoke length: 7.75[8, 8.5, 9, 9.75, 10.5, 11] inches / 19.5[20.5, 21.5, 23, 25, 26.5, 28] cm
F: Neck depth*: 4.25[4.75, 5.25, 6.25, 6.5, 7, 7] inches / 11[12, 13.5, 16, 16.5, 18, 18] cm
G: Back neck width*: 16[16.5, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 21, 22] inches / 16[16.5, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 21, 22] cm
H: Cuff circumference: 7.5[7.75, 8.25, 8.5, 9, 9.25, 9.75] inches / 19[19.5, 21, 21.5, 23, 23.5, 25] cm
I: Upper arm circumference: 9.75[10.25, 11.75, 13, 14, 15.5, 17] inches / 25[26, 30, 33, 35.5, 39.5, 43] cm
J: Sleeve length: 17 inches / 43 cm
* Measurement does not include collar.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Block gently to shape.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Jessica lives in Colorado, where in her leisure time she hikes peaks above 13,000 feet (there are quite a few of them!) In order to fund her hiking, spinning, and knitting, she works as LMS Administrator and part-time college faculty.

Find her on Ravelry.

Pattern & images © 2018 Jess Gagnon.