So, I came across Alan Dart’s amazing design for Beatrix Potter characters. I am currently working on his Jemima Puddleduck. The patterns are easy to follow, but I ran into question when I tried to make the shawl.
The pattern says “cast off 2sts at beginning of next row and 8 following alternate rows, at same time, dec 1 st at side edge as before on 6th row from previous dec, and 2 following 6th rows - 4sts” what does the highlighted part mean? which “previous dec”?
The pattern suggests the Swiss Darning technique, which seems difficult. And I would like to know whether it is possible to knit with two colors directly. Or is that too ambitious?
Based on the pattern, what is your suggestion? Just do the Swiss darning or modify the pattern? I know how Swiss darning / duplicative stitch works, but I am not sure I will be able to make the feather-like pattern.
If Swiss darning is the way to go, is there any tutorial or tricks you want to share?
The patterns are out of print now due to copyright issues. But some amazing people share the pattern for free on Tumblr. If you are interested, here is the link Lavender Menace — FW & Co. 1994 Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit, Jemima… (tumblr.com)
Thank you so much for the help.
Trying to transform a Swiss darning pattern to a knitting pattern, is it possible? Also a question about the pattern.
It would be possible to knit the motifs in while you’re making the shawl, but it might be best to have a separate bobbin of blue for each one, rather than carry the blue over the back. Thanks for the link! Alan looks quite different as a young man, I think!
Thank you for the bobbin suggestion. I am actually pretty new to knitting, what should I do if I want to knit the motifs by myself? Should I draw a chart? I am trying to draw a chart, but not sure whether it is the right way to do. The biggest problem here is I cannot see what the other side of the shawl looks like. Are there like two feather-shape patterns on each side of the shawl? Hope my question makes sense.
Well, if nothing works, I can simply knit a pink color shawl, knit the motifs, and then sew the motif onto the shawl. I have seen people doing this, and the final outcome looks fine.
I imagine the other side of the shawl would be the same, so the whole thing is symmetrical. The original paintings of Jemima show the feathers on both sides. Drawing a chart of the shawl to show stitch placements is a great idea
I agree with Shintoga’s advice on working the feathers. Just adding in on the decrease question. You would decrease on rows 6, 12 and 18.
@Shintoga @salmonmac
Thank you so much for the help. I made the chart. Pretty sure it needs more work. But I managed to get my first knitting chart.
It looks great, let us know how it works out. We’d love to see pictures of Jemima when she’s done!
@salmonmac @Shintoga
thank you again for your guidance and help. Here is the finished version of Jemima. I didn’t get the right blue color and used purple instead.
She looks set to head off to find a new nest! Very well done.
Wow! This is fabulous. I’m very impressed by you making your own chart for this too.
You must be so pleased with it.
She still looks fabulous, well done!
I know probably no one will need this, but here is the correct chart for the shawl. The original one I posted contained many errors. Alan Dart’s patterns use basic stitches, but the outcome product is amazing. I suggest anyone interested in giving it a try. The experience is really rewarding. And Alan Dart’s personal website has many lovely toy and animal patterns.
And thank this wonderful forum for support and encouragement.