Dun Aengus
by Rik Lain Schell Purl's Yarn Emporium 10 Wall Street Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 253-2750 rik@purlsyarnemporium.com Elizabeth and I took our honeymoon on the west coast of Ireland. One of my favorite places there was the Aran Islands. We spent two nights on Inis Mhor, the big island, a latticework of stone walls and green grass, fog and the odd cow or two. We walked all the way along the western cliffs to Dun Aengus, an ancient fortification hanging off the edge of the island, open to the endless Atlantic. It was truly heart-thrilling (but it was also quite chilly, even in August)! On the walk back, we stopped at a tiny shop that sold Aran's famous sweaters. Most were undyed cabled ganseys. But there was one sweater that called out to me: a patchwork of cables in all colors. It was hand-knit by Aine Ni Fhatharta, a local resident. I wore it every winter in New York and remembered our wonderful Irish roving. When we moved to Asheville, however, I found that it can go for years without getting cold enough to comfortably wear my old Irish friend. So I set about knitting a sweater that would recall my favorite sweater (though never replace it). Instead of thick Irish wool, I used a recycled yarn (Berroco Remix) that knits up remarkably like wool but is made from cooler fibers. I also changed the drop-shoulders to saddle shoulders to get some of the cabling onto the sleeves.
Yarn
Finished Size (also, see below: “Sizing") Chest: 43 inches Sleeve (shoulder to wrist): 28 inches Berroco Remix (worsted weight) 30% nylon, 27% cotton, 24% acrylic, 10% silk, 9% linen 100g balls, 215 yards/ball Needles US6 (4mm), US7 (4.5mm) Cable needle of your choice Color 1: dark green (2 balls) Color 2: light gray (2 balls) Color 3: dark blue (2 balls) Color 4: dark gray (2 balls) Gauge 18 sts per 4 inches (st st) 29 rows per 4 inches
Back
CO 120 sts color 1 with smaller size needle (US6). K2, p2 rib for 16 rows (or about 2 inches). Wrong side row (switch to larger needle [US7])-twist yarns together when changing color: P16 color 2, p12 color 3, p42 color 4, p14 color 1, p20 color 2, p16 color 4. Right side row-—-begin following cable charts or stitch patterns: 16 sts moss st c4, 20 sts 5-strand braid c2, 14 sts x0x cable c1, 42 sts basketweave c4, 12 sts chain cable c3, 16 sts moss st c2. Continue in pattern for 46 more rows (piece should measure about 8 1/2 inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace basketweave pattern with p11 color 1, p15 color 3, p16 color 2 (continuing to twist yarns together when changing colors). Right side row-use these cable charts of stitch patterns: 16 sts moss st c4, 20 sts 5-strand braid c2, 14 sts x0x cable c1, 16 sts mossfilled diamonds c2, 15 sts 4-strand braid c3, 11 sts double cable c1, 12 sts chain cable c3, 16 sts moss st c2. Continue in pattern for 38 more rows (piece should measure about 14 inches total). BO 3 sts (for armholes) at the beginning of the next 2 rows while maintaining pattern. Every 6 rows, dec 1 on both moss st edges. Continue in pattern for 22 more rows (piece should measure about 17 3/4 inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace chain cable and double cable with p23 color 4 (continuing to twist yarns together when changing colors). Right side row-use these cable charts of stitch patterns: Decreasing moss st c4, 20 sts 5-strand braid c2, 14 sts x0x cable c1, 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c2, 15 sts 4-strand braid c3, 23 sts double seed st c4, decreasing moss st c2. Continue in pattern for 16 more rows (piece should measure about 2o inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace 5-strand braid and xox cable with p34 color 3 (continuing to twist yarns together when changing colors). Right side row-use these cable charts of stitch patterns: Decreasing moss st c4, 34 sts honeycomb c3, 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c2, 15 sts 4-strand braid c3, 23 sts double seed st c4, decreasing moss st c2. Continue for 34 more rows (piece should measure about 25 inches total). When you run out of moss st edges (total 88 sts), begin BO2 at the beginning of each row. Work 16 rows (end with 56 sts). Put 56 sts on holder or waste yarn.
Front
Front is worked as mirror image of back until final step (neck shaping). CO 120 color 1 with smaller size needle (US6). K2, p2 rib for 16 rows (about 2 inches). Wrong side row (switch to larger needle [US7])—twist yarns together when changing color: P16 color 4, p20 color 2, p14 color 1, p42 color 4, p42 color 4, p12 color 3, p16 color 2. Right side row--begin following cable charts or stitch patterns: 16 sts moss st c2, 12 sts chain cable c3, 42 sts basketweave c4, 14 sts x0x cable c1, 20 sts 5-strand braid c2, 16 sts moss st c4. Continue in pattern for 46 more rows (piece should measure about 8 1/2 inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace basketweave pattern with p16 color 2, p15 color 3, p11 color 1 (continuing to twist yarns together when changing colors). Right side row-use these cable charts of stitch patterns: 16 sts moss st c2, 12 sts chain cable c3, 11 sts double cable c1, 15 sts 4-strand braid c3, 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c2, 14 sts xox cable c1, 20 sts 5-strand braid c2, 16 sts moss st c4. Continue in pattern for 38 more rows (piece should measure about 14 inches total). BO 3 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows while maintaining pattern. Every 6 rows, dec 1 on both moss st edges. Continue in pattern for 22 more rows (piece should measure about 17 3/4 inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace chain cable and double cable with p23 color 4 (continuing to twist yarns together when changing colors). Right side row--use these cable charts of stitch patterns: Decreasing moss st c2, 23 sts double seed st c4, 15 sts 4-strand braid c3, 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c2, 14 sts xox cable c1, 20 sts 5-strand braid c2, decreasing moss st c4. Continue in pattern for 16 more rows (piece should measure about 2o inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace 5-strand braid and xox cable with p34 color 3 (continuing to twist yarns together when changing colors). Right side row-use these cable charts of stitch patterns: Decreasing moss st c2, 23 sts double seed st c4, 15 sts 4-strand braid c3, 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c2, 34 sts honeycomb c3, decreasing moss st c4. Continue for 34 more rows (piece should measure about 25 inches total) ending with a RS row. When you run out of moss st edges (total 88 sts), place middle 22 sts on holder. Work right neck decrease: BO2 at the beginning of each WS row. Decrease 1 at the end of every WS row. Decrease 1 at the beginning and end of each RS row. Work 13 rows to end with no stitches left. Work left neck decrease: join new yarn and start RS row. BO2 at the beginning of each RS row. Decrease 1 at the end of every RS row. Decrease 1 at the beginning and end of each WS row. Work 13 rows to end with no stitches left.
Right Sleeve
CO 40 c1 (using US6), work in 2x2 rib for 12 rows Wrong side row (switch to larger needle [US7])-twist yarns together when changing color: P16 color 4; p23, pfb color 3. Right side row--begin following cable chart and stitch patterns: 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c4, 25 sts basketweave c3. Work 6 more rows; on following row and every 4th row after, increase in pattern at both ends of basketweave pattern. Work 44 more rows (piece should measure about 8 inches), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace basketweave pattern with p49 c1. Right side row—-use these cable charts of stitch patterns: 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c4, 49 sts moss st c1. As you continue, increase in pattern at both sides of moss st pattern every 6 rows. Work 51 more rows (piece should measure about 14 1/2 inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace moss st pattern with p65 C2. Right side row-use these cable charts of stitch patterns: 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c4, 65 sts double seed st c2. As you continue, increase in pattern at both sides of moss st pattern every 6 rows. Work 52 more rows (piece should measure about 22 1/4 inches total), ending on a wrong side row. In the following RS row, 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c4, 41 sts double seed st c2, BO3, 41 sts double seed st c2. Right sleeve front: Work 8 more rows in double seed stitch (continuing increases). Then BO4 at the beginning of each RS row, and decrease 1 at the end of each WS row, while maintaining increase every 6 rows. (i8 rows until end) Right sleeve back: Work 8 more rows in moss-filled diamonds and double seed stitch (continuing increases between patterns). Then BO4 at the beginning of each WS row, and decrease 1 at the end of each RS row, while maintaining increase every 6 rows. (18 rows until end of double seed stitch). Continue moss-filled diamonds for 22 rows, then place stitches on a holder.
Left sleeve
) 40 c1 (using US6), work in 2x2 rib for 12 Wrong side row (switch to larger needle [US7]): twist yarns together when changing color P16 color 4; p23, pfb color 3. Right side row: begin following cable chart and stitch patterns 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c4, 25 sts moss st c3. Work 6 more rows; on following row and every 4th row after, increase in pattern at both ends of moss st pattern Work 44 more rows (piece should measure about 8 inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace moss st pattern with p 49 c2. Right side row:use these cable charts of stitch patterns 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c4, 49 sts double seed st c2. As you continue, increase in pattern at both sides of double seed st pattern every 6 rows. Work 51 more rows (piece should measure about 14 1/2 inches total), ending on a right side row. In the following WS row, replace double seed st pattern withp65c2. Right side row:use these cable charts of stitch patterns 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c4, 65 sts basketweave c2. As you continue, increase in pattern at both sides of basketweave pattern every 6 rows. Work 52 more rows (piece should measure about 22 1/4 inches total), ending on a wrong side row. In the following RS row, 16 sts moss-filled diamonds c4, 41 sts basketweave c2, BO3, 41 sts basketweave c2. Right sleeve front: Work 8 more rows in basketweave stitch (continuing increases). Then BO4 at the beginning of each RS row, and decrease 1 at the end of each WS row, while maintaining increase every 6 rows. (18 rows until end) Right sleeve back: Work 8 more rows in moss-filled diamonds and basketweave (continuing increases between patterns). Then BO4 at the beginning of each WS row, and decrease 1 at the end of each RS row, while maintaining increase every 6 rows. (18 rows until end of basketweave). Continue moss-filled diamonds for 22 rows, then place stitches on a holder.
Finishing
Sew sleeves together along moss-filled diamonds. Sew front and back together at side seams. Sew sleeves on from armpit to shoulder.
Neckband
Starting from the back, knit 56 sts in color 1; knit 16 sts from left shoulder; pick up and knit 8 sts from left front; knit 22 sts from front; pick up and knit 7 sts from right front; knit 16 sts from right shoulder; join in the round (125 sts). Establish 3 x 2 ribbing (3 purls, 2 knits) and continue for 2 rounds more. Next round, p2tog, p1, k2, and repeat for entire round. Knit 4 rounds of 2 x 2 rib and bind off.
Sizing
The moss stitch panels on either size of the front and back are very flexible. You can add stitches to make a larger sweater, or subtract them to make it smaller. You may have to make slight adjustments to the sleeves.
Copyright ? 2012 by Rik Lain Schell. Do not reprint without permission. rik@purlsyarnemporium.com Moss Stitch--Repeat every 4 rows (even number of stitches)
Five-Stranded Braid-Repeat every 8 rows (20 sts)
XOX Cable--Repeat every 16 rows (14 sts)
Row 1 (RS): (p1, k1) repeat until end Row 2 (WS): (p1, k1) repeat until end Row 3: (k1, p1) repeat until end Row 4: (k1, p1) repeat until end Row 1 (RS): p3, (k2, p1) x4, k2, p3 Row 2 (WS): k3, (p2, k1) x4, p2, k3 Row 3: p3, k2, (p1, 2/1/2 LPC) x2, P3 Row 4: k3, (p2, k1) x4, p2, k3 Row 5: p3, (k2, p1) x4, k2, p3 Row 6: k3, (p2, k1) x4, p2, k3 Row 7: p3, (2/1/2 RPC, p1) x2, k2, p3 Row 8: k3, (p2, k1) x4, p2, k3 Row 1 (RS): p3, k8, p3 Row 2 (WS): k3, p8, k3 Row 3: p3, 2/2 RC, 2/2 LC, p3 Row 4: k3, p8, k3 Row 5: p3, k8, p3 Row 6: k3, p8, k3 Row 7: p3, 2/2 RC, 2/2 LC, p3 Row 8: k3, p8, k3 Row 9: p3, k8, p3 Row 10: k3, p8, k3 Row 11: p3, 2/2 LC, 2/2 RC, p3 Row 12: k3, p8, k3 Row 13: p3, k8, p3 Row 14: k3, p8, k3 Row 15: p3, 2/2 LC, 2/2 RC, p3 Row 16: k3, p8, k3
Chain Cable--Repeat every 8 rows (12 sts)
Four-Stranded Braid-Repeat every 8 rows (15 sts)
Row 1 (RS): p1, (p1, k3, P4) x5, p1 Row 2 (WS): k1, (k4, P3, k1) x5, k1 Row 3: p1, (p1, k3, p4) x5, p1 Row 4: k1, p across until last st, k1 Row 5: p1, (p5, k3) x5, p1 Row 6: k1, (p3, k5) x5, k1 Row 7: p1, (p5, k3) x5, p1 Row 8: p1, k across until last st, p1 Row 1 (RS): p3, k8, p3 Row 2 (WS): k3, p8, k3 Row 3: P3, 2/2 RC, 2/2 LC, p3 Row 4: k3, p8, k3 Row 5: p3, k8, p3 Row 6: k3, p8, k3 Row 7: p3, 2/2 LC, 2/2 RC, p3 Row 8: k3, p8, k3 Row 1 (RS): p2, (k2, p1) x3, k2, p2 Row 2 (WS): k2, (p2, k1) x3, p2, k2 Row 3: p1, (p1, 2/1/2 LPC) x2, p2 Row 4: k2, (p2, k1) x3, p2, k2 Row 5: p2, (k2, p1) x3, k2, p2 Row 6: k2, (p2, k1) x3, p2, k2 Row 7: p2, k2, p1, 2/1/2 RPC, p1, k2, p2 Row 8: k2, (p2, k1) x3, p2, k2 Row 1 (RS): p6, 2/2 RC, p6 Row 2 (WS): k6, p4, k6 Row 3: P5, 2/1 RC, 2/1 LPC, p5 Row 4: k5, p2, k1, p3, k5 Row 5: P4, 2/1 RC, k1, p1, 2/1 LPC, p4 Row 6: k4, p2, k1, p1, k1, p3, k4 Row 7: P3, 2/1 RC, (p1, k1) x2, 2/1 LPC, p3 Row 8: k3, p2, (k1, p1) x2, k1, p3, k3 Row 9: p2, 2/1 RC, (p1, k1) x3, 2/1 LPC, p2 Row 10: k2, p2, (k1, p1) x3, k1, p3, k2 Row 11: p2, 2/1 LPC, (k1, p1) x3, 2/1 RPC, p2 Row 12: k3, p2, (k1, p1) x2, k1, p3, k3 Row 13: p3, 2/1 LPC, (k1, p1) x2, 2/1 RPC, p3 Row 14: k4, p2, k1, p1, k1, p3, k4 Row 15: p4, 2/1 LPC, k1, p1, 2/1 RPC, p4 Row 16: k5, p2, k1, p3, k5 Row 17: p5, 2/1 LPC, 2/1 RPC, p5 Row 18: k6, p4, k6
Double Cable-Repeat every 4 rows (11 sts)
Row 1 (RS): p2, k4, p1, k4, p1 Row 2 (WS): k2, P4, k1, P4, k2 Row 3: p2, 2/2 RC, p1, 2/2 LC, p2 Row 4: k2, P4, k1, P4, k2
Double Seed Stitch-Repeat every 4 rows
Row 1 (RS): (p2, k2) repeat until end Row 2 (WS): (p2, k2) repeat until end Row 3: (k2, p2) repeat until end Row 4: (k2, p2) repeat until end
Row 1 (RS): p1, k32, p1 Row 2 (WS): k1, p32, k1 Row 3: p1, (2/2 RC, 2/2 LC) x4, p1 Row 4: k1, p32, k1 Row 5: p1, k32, p1 Row 6: k1, p32, k1 Row 7: p1, (2/2 LC, 2/2 RC) x4, p1 Row 8: k1, P32, k1 2/2 LC = Slip 2 sts purlwise onto cable needle, hold i front, k sts from lft nedle, k2 from cable edl. 2/2 RC = Sip sts prlwse onto able nele,hod in back, k s from left nedle k from able eedle. 2/ LC =Sip sts purlwise onto cabenedle hold in frot, st from lft nedle k frm cabe eedle. 2/ RC =Slip st purlwse onto cable nee,holdinback, k sts rm lft neede,k from cable neede. 2=Slp2 sts purlwise ontocable ede holdi frnt, pist frm let nede, ks frm cable e. 2/ R =Slip st plwise onto able ede hold in back,k sts rm lft neele,pifrm able eede. 2/1/2 LPC = Slip 3 sts purlwise onto cable needle, hold in front, k2 sts from left needle, slip purl stitch from cable needle back onto left needle and purl it, k2 sts from cable needle. 2/2 RP = slip 3stspurlwise onto cable nedle, hold in baeck,k2 sts from lft needle slip pur stch rom cable needle back onto left needle and purl it, k2 sts from cable needle.
