Pattern Critique #31: Panel Jacket
Pattern Name: Panel Jacket
Designer:
Source: Unicorn Books and Crafts, Inc.
Pattern Yarn: Lana Grossa Royal Tweed
Images:
Pattern Review:
Multiple members of my SSK knitting group have frequently knit the same pattern, although not planned as a KAL. Last December, I discovered the Panel Jacket on the Knitters Review forum. After sending it to my group, Amy pointed out that it would be a good KAL project. Several of us scrambled to select yarn. I chose Classic Elite Beatrice, recommended for heavier garments and, most importantly, on clearance at Webs.
The pattern notes state:
The jacket is made of 10 garter st panels which are
joined using the 3 needle BO. The BO forms a decorative
ridge on the RS of work.
Honestly, that is about all of the information I need to write about this pattern. Yet, it is really not quite that simple, so I will elaborate a bit.
The center back panel consists of 30 stitches cast on, with a one stitch decrease at each side, at three and six inches. Four inner side and four outer side panels are knit, both with only 23 stitches cast on. The differentiation between them is the length, with the inner side panels slightly longer. Also, the point at which decreases occur differs. For both, one stitch is decreased at each side, two times, near the lower portion of the respective panels.
The first series of 3-needle-bind offs is completed with these five panels. It is produced on the outside of the seam, thus creating a decorative "twist" look. The stitches that are used result from pick-ups along the edges. This is made simpler through the incorporation of selvedge stitches added at the sides of each panel while knitting them. When complete, the shoulders are joined, again with a 3-needle-bind off. The stitches used for the shoulders are live stitches that were placed on scrap yarn or holders at the tops of the panels.
Following the shoulder seaming, the sleeves are knit and joined to the side edges. What's left is the lapel; a long narrow strip knit with the two stitch increases/decreases at the bottom sides. One one side of the lapel strip, 3-needle-bind off technique is used again, with an i-cord edging produced along the outer edges of the lapel. Finally, the sleeve seams are sewn using your seam method of choice.
Personal Notes:
This was a monotonous knit, but one that I was motivated to complete. Why? Because two of the others from the SSK group who knit this jacket finished theirs long before me, and they were stunning. The monotony and "will I ever finish" attitude was not helped by the fact that I kept running out of yarn. Three times I ordered yarn from Webs! Thank heavens that the yarn was not popular and was since discontinued; hence each time I was able to purchase the same dye lot.
Perseverance and determination paid off, assisted by a little help from the weather gods. The jacket was finally completed two nights ago, and the temperatures dropped into the 40s yesterday morning and I got to wear it! Oh my gosh, did the complements fly. I must admit to liking it a lot and will undoubtedly find this to be a regular wear, especially on crisp mornings throughout the spring and fall months.
Rating:
Despite the feeling of monotony that I experienced while knitting the Panel Jacket, the pattern was written beautifully. Each section of the project was well detailed and fully explained. Since it was knit and assembled in segments, the boredom was broken up a bit. The repeated 3-needle-bind offs added to that. This method of seaming has always been a favorite of mine, so it was a joy to experience it as a design embellishment.
When Amy first suggested this as an SSK KAL, I considered it ideal because of the simplicity of the pattern. Yet, I now realize that this might be a very difficult pattern for a beginner, especially because of the bind offs. I believe that it is the combined consistency of the stitch work and bind offs that "make" the look of the jacket One little slip up and it could go from couture to crappy really easily!
Thanks to my SSK friends for keeping me motivated. And to those of you who haven't knit this jacket, what's stopping you? The peer pressure is building...
If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you!
