Spring/Summer 2018 (Tandem Capsule Collection) - Ebook for Women in Tahki Yarns Tandem

Spring/Summer 2018 Tandem Capsule Collection: Women's Knitting Patterns in Tahki Yarns Tandem

Overview

The Spring/Summer 2018 Tandem Capsule Collection is a downloadable PDF ebook featuring four distinct women's garments designed to work together as a coordinated capsule wardrobe. Each piece showcases versatile summer styling using Tahki Yarns Tandem in worsted weight yarn. This collection emphasizes practical construction techniques and intermediate-level knitting skills suitable for experienced crafters looking to expand their seasonal wardrobe.

Garments Included in the Collection

1. Courtyard Duster

The Courtyard Duster is a substantial layering piece constructed using a distinctive side-to-side working method. This garment is worked flat and assembled from two identical panels that are sewn together at the center back, creating a symmetrical, balanced silhouette. The side-to-side construction technique allows for strategic color changes and yarn management throughout the piece.

The pattern demonstrates intermediate knitting techniques including slipped stitches for selvage edges, ribbed stitch patterns for structure and stretch, and stockinette stitch for the main body. The duster features multiple color sections worked sequentially, with careful attention to yarn carrying along side edges to minimize finishing work. Ribbed edging frames the piece, providing definition and preventing curl on the lighter summer fabric.

2. Bower Shell

The Bower Shell is a fitted sleeveless garment designed for layering or standalone wear during warm weather. This piece utilizes fundamental knitting construction appropriate for intermediate crafters building their technical repertoire.

3. Phoenix Tunic

The Phoenix Tunic is a longer-length garment providing coverage and sophisticated summer styling. This piece is designed to work with the other items in the capsule collection for coordinated outfits.

4. Fire Island Fringed Bandana

The Fire Island Fringed Bandana is an accessory piece featuring decorative fringe detailing, adding textural interest and a playful element to the collection.

Construction Techniques

The collection emphasizes flat knitting throughout, meaning pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This approach is ideal for garments requiring seaming and allows for easier pattern reading and stitch counting.

• Side-to-side construction: The Courtyard Duster demonstrates this technique, where panels are cast on with a large stitch count (241–257 stitches depending on size) and worked horizontally. This method offers flexibility in color placement and creates interesting visual effects through strategic yarn changes.
• Slipped stitch selvages: Patterns consistently use slipped stitches at row edges (noted as "Sl 1" at the beginning of rows) to create neat, finished edges that facilitate seaming and provide a professional appearance.
• Ribbed stitch patterns: Ribbing appears throughout for structure, elasticity, and visual definition. Patterns alternate knit and purl stitches in various configurations, such as [p1, k1] repeats, to create vertical lines that flatter the body and provide recovery in fitted areas.
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric in many sections uses stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) for smooth, classic drape suitable for summer layering.
• Color work and yarn management: The patterns incorporate multiple yarn colors worked in sequence, with instructions to carry yarn loosely along side edges when not actively in use. This technique reduces the number of ends requiring weaving during finishing, streamlining the completion process.
• Seaming: Panels are sewn together at strategic points (such as the center back of the Duster) to create the final garment shape.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch: The fundamental stitch forming stockinette fabric and ribbed patterns
• Purl stitch: Used in combination with knits to create ribbed textures and reverse stockinette effects
• Slipped stitch: Used at selvage edges for neat finishing and easier seaming
• Ribbing (k1, p1 and variations): Provides elasticity and structure in edgings and fitted sections
• Bind-off: Patterns specify binding off in rib to maintain elasticity at garment edges

Materials