Sincerely yours

Sincerely Yours by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud

Project Overview

Sincerely Yours is an advanced knitting pattern collection featuring two distinct projects: a cowl and a hat. Both designs showcase sophisticated stitch work and are crafted using premium natural-fiber yarns from Sincere Sheep, a California-based yarn company specializing in naturally dyed fibers. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for experienced knitters seeking elegant, wearable accessories with refined construction techniques.

Cowl Design

The cowl in this pattern measures 24 inches (60 centimeters) in circumference and stands 9 inches (22 centimeters) tall, creating a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering. The construction employs advanced brioche knitting techniques, which create a distinctive reversible fabric with characteristic horizontal ridges and exceptional elasticity.

Hat Design

The hat is offered in three finished sizes: 20 inches (50 centimeters), 22 inches (55 centimeters), and 24 inches (60 centimeters) brim circumference, accommodating various head sizes. Like the cowl, the hat features advanced brioche stitch work, providing structure and visual interest while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic of the collection.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Both projects utilize alternate brioche pattern as the primary stitch technique. Brioche knitting is an advanced method that creates a luxurious, textured fabric with excellent drape and recovery. This technique requires careful attention to yarn overs and knit-through-below stitches, making it suitable for experienced knitters. The alternate brioche pattern variation adds complexity and visual depth to the finished pieces.

Yarn Materials

The pattern calls for two complementary yarn bases from Sincere Sheep:

• Main Color (MC): Sincere Sheep Cushy Fingering – a fingering-weight yarn composed of 80% superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 10% nylon. Each 113-gram skein provides 375 yards of yardage. One skein is required for project completion. The shade shown in the pattern is Vitamin C.
• Contrast Color (CC): Sincere Sheep Luminous – a fingering-weight yarn composed of 85% Polwarth and 15% Tussah silk. Each 113-gram skein provides 330 yards of yardage. One skein is required. The shade shown is Cumulus.

Both yarns are naturally dyed and feature premium fiber bases selected for their exceptional quality and performance. The combination of superwash Merino, Cashmarine, nylon, Polwarth, and Tussah silk creates a fabric with superior softness, durability, and visual interest. The natural dye process used by Sincere Sheep produces vibrant, distinctive colorways that cannot be replicated through conventional synthetic dyeing methods.

Knitting Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two needle sizes to accommodate the different stitch patterns and finished dimensions:

• Primary needles: 3.25mm / US 3 circular needles or double-pointed needle (DPN) set, used for the main brioche stitch sections
• Secondary needles: 3mm / US 2.5 circular needles, used for ribbing or other stitch pattern variations

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies a blocked gauge of 24 stitches and 40 rows in alternate brioche pattern equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked on 3.25mm / US 3 needles. Knitters must swatch and block their gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their finished cowl and hat match the intended dimensions.

Additional Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires the following notions and tools: stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, spare yarn for provisional cast-ons or stitch holders, a crochet hook for picking up dropped stitches or finishing edges, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

This pattern is classified as advanced difficulty, reflecting the sophisticated brioche stitch techniques required. The downloadable PDF format allows knitters to access the complete instructions digitally, with detailed schematics and stitch diagrams to guide the construction process. Knitters should be comfortable with circular needle techniques, reading stitch patterns, and executing brioche knitting methods before beginning this project.