Rachel Costello Knitwear

💯 grams of progress with some hi/lo sleeve action 🤣😜 I am loving this sample but still undecided on the sleeves... I am going to finish the body and give it a good soak and see which I like best after that.

Finishing this is a bit slower as I (uncharacteristically) cast-on another design sample for my upcoming Fall Line Cardi. I'm usually a single-WIP gal, but I had to get my idea out of my head. And it's really really good!!! I am going to stat sharing soon now that I've got some rows in and it actually looks like something 🤣 Get on my list for an update coming this weekend!

Now, the question is which WIP to work on??? (This is why I usually only have one!!!)

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📝 Pattern: , in testing now
🧶 Aestiva (wool/linen), colour 'Satin'🪻

#️⃣

PROGRESS // Even though this is worked top-down, it isn't until this point that all that work actually looks like something 🤣

After needing full attention for neck and raglan shaping, and sleeve pattern (a bazillion at the same time instructions) 😳 it's now easy sailing! To be fair to me, I make awesome progress charts for those bazillion ATST instructions! So while it looks 🤯, in practice is pretty simple. And the ultimate win with compound shaping is that the fit is excellent 👌🏼

The pattern is in testing now and most of my team are close to this point too. We have made some great changes and clarification to the pattern so when it finally gets into your hands, it will practically knit itself 😉

Tell me, how do you feel about ATST instructions? And have you used a progress chart to complete them? Do you end up making your own when a pattern doesn't have them? 🙋🏼‍♀️

Pattern: by me .costello.knitwear
Yarn: (wool/linen) from , colour is 'Satin' 💜
Yarn Support: Lanivendole 🥰 and 🥰

Can we all agree that I have entered my lavender era? I'm not usually a "purple person", but here we are. I am smitten with this colour and the yarn. The Aestiva yarn is a blend of wool and linen and the creamy coloured linen doesn't take up the colour as much as the wool, giving an amazing, subtle marled look to the yarn. It's beautiful 💜🪻

Testing is underway for the Aestiva Tee and I cast on too! I love knitting along with my testers. There is no better way to iron out all the kinks, typos and inconsistencies than to follow your own instructions 🙂

The first step in Aestiva's unique construction is Judy's magic cast-on. The double side cast-on is super easy to do and the results are nothing less than magical ✨ Casting on at the centre back of the oversized saddle panel allows the bias stitch pattern to be mirrored, giving the yoke of the tee a symmetrical and geometric look. Process knitters 🙋🏼‍♀️ rejoice!!

Lanivendole still have stock of most of their beautiful hand-dyed colours of Aestiva, including this stunning colour: Satin. If you want to get ready for the launch in July, get your yarn now before your favourite colours are gone 😉 The lovely ladies over at have a great selection of colours too 🧶

What is your go-to summer colour?? Bright and bold? Light and neutral? Who knew mine was lavender 🤣

The magic of BLOCKING!!! This poor sample was frogged and steamed and frogged countless times, travelled to California and back to Ireland (10K+ miles!), and now, finally, she had a proper spa sesh 🤣 Trimmed, ends woven, soaked, and blocked to measurements 👌🏼 She's beautiful!!

The Aestiva yarn (70% wool / 30% linen) bloomed nicely. The linen already feels softer and I know it will soften more with wear. The Aestiva is a light fi*****ng weight yarn (300m / 50g) so this fabric is very lightweight and, even with the high wool content, in no way feels like a cold weather yarn. It feels like your favourite 100% linen shirt that has softened over many years of wear. Light, airy, super breathable. 

I could go on, but I think you get the picture. This yarn is AMAZING! 🤩 I would highly suggest getting some from my two super supportive yarnies: or to get ready for this pattern release in July!! You won't regret it! I have more skeins on route for my second sample: either Satin, a lavender purple (totally not like me!) or Poseidone, a marine greeny blue (totally like me!). 

I'd love to know, what colour would you choose for your Aestiva Tee?? 🌈

📝 Aestiva Tee knitting pattern in testing 
🧶 Yarn support from  & - colour here is Saturnia 🍊
🗞️ Keep up with the latest by following me .costello.knitwear and here on IG and be sure to subscribe to my newsletter too!

Introducing AESTIVA TEE (or maybe Sorbet Tee 🤷🏼‍♀️)

Inspired by the yarn & the word 'aestiva', which means the 'light of summer'!, this tee is the perfect warm-weather knit. Light fi*****ng weight wool / linen blended yarn creates a fabric that is soft and airy perfect on it's own for warm days or layered underneath your favorite shirt, cardi or even jumper for those not so warm days.

This tee is a saddle shoulder / raglan hybrid that is knit flat from the centre back outwards to the shoulders. Once the saddle pattern is set-up within the oversized saddle, stitches are continued to be worked flat on all sides with neckline and raglan-style shaping. Both the body and the sleeves are worked in the round. Neckline, sleeves and hem are all i-cords (my fav!)

I will be opening up the testing application this weekend to my newsletter subscribers and testing pool first. So, if you want to test this tee, subscribe to my newsletter!

Sample shown here is a size 2, with a finished full bust circ of 93.5cm. That gives me around 5.5cm of ease at the full bust. I am loving the feel of the yarn and it is super comfy. I used just over 100g of Aestiva in the colour 'Saturnia'.

The pattern is graded for 9 sizes (75-155cm | 30-62in actual bust) with 8cm | 3.25in positive ease and includes instructions for optional bust darts.

Pattern also includes progress charts for the yoke shaping. Progress charts are an absolute must for this pattern as there can be up to 5 different "at the same time" instructions 😳 It looks scary written down, but I promise you, it is super doable, even easy!, with the progress charts. Just follow the row by row instructions, increasing at the locations noted, and tick each off as you go!

I will post more detailed size, measurements and yardage in my stories because tomorrow (Friday, 26th April) has a restock of all colours of Aestiva as well as Chic Blend (which also works for this tee!!). The colour palettes of both are so, so stunning. I recommend getting your favs ASAP even if you aren't testing!

Here I present to you an almost finished, yet to be named, 5-sleeve tee 🤣 Took me four gos, but I think I nailed them 😉

Sooooo pals, I am going to be putting out a testing call this weekend to my testing pool first. I usually fill most spots this way and any remaining spots will be announced here on Monday(ish). If you want to test knit with me (it's so fun, go on!) best subscribe now 🔗

And, before I put out the test call and more specifics about the tee, this dude needs a name. The working name is the Aestiva Tee, after the beautiful linen / wool yarn from , but I think I want something else 🤷🏼‍♀️ All suggestions welcome 💭⬇️ Free pattern if you suggest the one I go with 🥰

Why are the smallest things take the most time 🙈🤣 I keep putting off these sleeves because I'm not 100% on the fit of the blue one. I've made some changes to the peach sample, but I just keep overthinking and knitting in my head.

Time to knit these 20ish rows (half if them short!) and get this wet blocked.

Pattern is almost done being written & I should have it off to tech editing next week. That is, if I ever just knit. The. Damn. Sleeves 😳

I will probably use just over 100g for my size 2 sample and, if I actually just knit a few hours each evening, instead of procrastinating, this would have been a 3 to 4 week knit for me.

Once I get this off to TE, I'll open this up for testing. Hopefully the test will run through May & June for pattern release mid-July.

Who's ready for some summery test knitting??! (Be sure to get on my newsletter list for first dibs)

🧶 Yarns from - light blue is Chic Blend (wool/alpaca/mohair, fi*****ng weight) 'Nevicata' & the peach is Aestiva (wool/linen blend, light fi*****ng) 'Saturnia'. Stefania & Giulia kindly gifted these peach skeins for this sample. And have restocks of both upcoming soon 🥰

Just a bit of summer from our sunny/snowy spring break in California ❄️☀️

After some minor adjustments, my new tee design is on track now. This is the beautiful Aestiva, wool / linen blend from , in the colour Saturnia. This colour is so pretty and summery. This is a light fi*****ng weight and to this point I've only used 50 grams.

Best news is I have a 10 hour flight upcoming, so I should have this sample close to finished next week. And that means a test knit is imminent 🎉 This is a detailed knit for the yoke section (a lot of 'at the same time' instructions) but I have some very detailed progress charts to help this fly off the needles.

My test calls go out to newsletter subscribers first, so make sure you're on the list. Lots more on the fit, the yarn, the pattern & the test coming very soon ☺️

Progress?? I think I like the first pic better 🤦 Epitome of a new design: knit, rip, repeat!!

Things I am delighted with:
+ The back neck sits perfectly level (no weird point due to the biased stitches);
+ The said biased stitches make the shoulders have a perfect downward slope, no short rows or extra shaping needed;
+ My mish-mash saddle shoulder / raglan worked! 🥳

Things that need adjusting:
- Armscye depth / circumference - bit bigger all around;
- Sleeve length 🙈 Totally got carried away and made the sleeve too long (img 2!);
- Sleeve trim: I tried the folded trim (not shown), and it wasn't looking great. It flared and was too firm / stiff. I'm ripping back now and will try some more options.
- Neckline trim: I like something in-between these 2 photos 😬 The no-trim neckline is lovely in shape, but lacks structure. (Check my reel where you see me pulling in on the neckline!) And the folded trim neckline is too firm. That's my own fault for going down a needle sizing and forgetting, and bind-off with it 🫠 I think that I might just try a simple i-cord or even Icelandic bind-off for something super simple that maintains the lightness of the design.

Send suggestions if you're so inclined! This tee is for all of you (not just me!!) afterall - so have your say now!! Check my stories for a few comparisons of these versions on my body 😊 And I know this seems like a big list of adjustments, but once these trims are locked in, I can write up the pattern and get it ready for testing 🎉

Pattern: yet to be named and in-progress by me;
Yarn:  Chic Blend (btw, this yarn just gets softer and softer as I knit, steam, rip & repeat! 🥰 )

My Tetra Slipover pattern is not your typical "I-made-my-pattern-this-way-because-that-is-how-every-other-knitting-pattern-is" pattern. Not only do my patterns have an intuitive layout and visually helpful design, but I make sure that you can knit with confidence whether your are an expert knitter or a beginner.

Tetra pattern includes:
**9 sizes to fit 74 - 155cm | 29 - 61in full bust;
**Schematic and measurements for both blocking/flat and finished garment;
**Sample and tester modelled images with sizing details;
**Optional bust dart instructions + details on further modifications;
**Written construction synopsis;
**Fully written instructions in a 2-column, text-only format, for 2 views;
**Progress charts for each size and quadrant;

These are my pattern "must-haves". As a knitter you shouldn't have to do math to figure out measurements or construction, you shouldn't have to make your own charts or spreadsheets to track your progress, and you shouldn't have to guess how or struggle to knit a size that fits YOU. Those are all things you are paying me to do.

So, I want to know, for you, what makes an exceptional knitting pattern? What do you look for in a pattern? And I'm not talking about the design or construction or stitches, but the actual document and instructions. What is the thing or things that when you buy a pattern and open the PDF that makes you go: 😱 or "Yeesss!!" or "Oh, wait, why aren't all patterns like this!"?

Leave me a comment, send me a DM - I really want to know! What are your pattern "must-haves"? Let's all work together to make knitting patterns BETTER 💪

🏷️ Tetra Slipover shown here knitted in Penelope 'Armoise'. Pattern available via RachelCostelloKnitwear.com and Ravelry

🤎🥐 This heart-ish shaped croissant of is a by the lovely 🥐🤎

I've only got about 100 more rows & then I get to make the lovely plaits that run the length of the scarf. It's so light and warm and fluffy! Too bad spring is upon us and way too mild out to be wearing unspun 😬

Are we ready for spring & summer projects? Or still thinking of winter?

Want to collaborate?⚡Yeah YOU! If you are reading this and you are a knitter - let's work together!

About you:
•• You are looking for a handknit garment that is a staple in your wardrobe. One that won't go out of style, something that can be worn everyday. A garment you love.
•• You absolutely won't compromise on fit. A wardrobe staple has to fit YOU.
•• You have been let down in the past by patterns that may have been vague, made assumptions, lacked information or made you put in extra effort for minimal gains.
•• Personal creativity is important to you.

So let's shake hands! 🤝 I will build the foundations, knitting patterns that have the above requirements at the forefront. My patterns will guide you with knowledge and data, clear and precise language and visuals. There is no arguing, no confusion, no exclusion. You will have options and choice built into each pattern so your personality and creativity can shine.

I promise to be available to you as a partner in knitting. Not sure on yarn or colour choice, let's chat! Need help making fit mods? Message me. Have a question or need a encouragement. Hit me up!

As my partner you will help make my patterns better. Every time you ask a question or make a mod, each choice you make while making my patterns means the pattern gets better, I get better, the partnership gets better.

Are you in!? Buy a pattern, send me a message, let collaborate 🥰

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All my patterns are available via RachelCostelloKnitwear.com and Ravelry.

Shown here is my latest pattern release, Duotone, a collab with Rachel . This pattern was made for collabs! Get your copy and get the 😉 Colour & Yarn Guide with a discount code for yarn from Zeezee Textiles.

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SWATCHING // Or rather: taking wild ideas and turning them into stitches! This is a 5-year-old-sized (human model size that doesn't take forever to knit 🤣), left shoulder of a new tee design that is a mishmash of a saddle shoulder, raglan, and set-in sleeve 😳

Next up: rip out the raglan increases and try again! But also, I need to do some maths so I can cast-on a me-wearable sample with both shoulders! It's difficult to know how this will sit, even with a small model!

If I can make this work, I'm will use yarn from the fab 🥰 Swatch here is in Chic Blend (wool / alpaca / mohair) and I have enough of this pale blue colour 'Nevicata' to make a whole tee. But in my mind's eye I really want to use Aestiva (wool / linen blend) for a tee that can be wearable year round. Stefania & Giulia's yarns and colours are so beautiful that simple stockinette is all that is needed.

I've a newsletter in-works for the weekend with more details and photos of this design, as well as 5 others I've got on the brain 😱🙃 Subscribe for more! Link is in my bio 🔗

{SB: In last week's newsletter I asked for some help and am offering free patterns in exchange... I'm going to continue this convo (and offer!) in this week's installment... Curious? Sign up!}

// How do we feel about a Fall Line cardigan....?? With a cozy 2x2 shawl-like collar that tapers down to the 2x2 in the centre...??

I have been thinking about a cardi version for ages. And this is one of 6 designs I've got on paper for this year, so I probably need to get a jump on it... I might steek this sample and see what happens 😱 I'd need to rip out the collar, do some considered reinforcement, then ✂️ No turning back though!!!

Send encouragement (or warnings if so inclined!) 💬

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Pattern: Fall Line Sweater
Get a copy @ RachelCostelloKnitwear.com or Ravelry
Yarn: Penelope, 'belle etoile'

Thank you all for the very warm and enthusiastic welcome to the Duotone pattern ♡ Keep sharing your inspiration - I am loving seeing all the colour combos popping up!

Just a little quiet inspo from me today with me third Duotone sample: low contrast, neutral and oh so squishy and woolly and fluffy! This wears like your favourite sweatshirt - classic, cozy and just the right amount of oversized.

So what I want to know is are you going to knit View A - as shown here with ribbed cuffs and hem, or are you gonna go with View B - (shown in my sample on the grid) with i-cord cuffs and hem???? I will warn you, the answer is BOTH!! 😎

The Duotone launch email is headed to your inboxes soon, and here is a preview of the subject line "Delightful Double Duotone Discounts!!" So, if you're not on my newsletter list, I strongly urge you to subscribe 😉

It's DUOTONE Day 🥳🎉🥂

The Duotone sweater knitting pattern is now available via Ravelry & my website!!

Relaxed and cozy, Duotone, a drop-shoulder sweater is worked from the bottom up (it's painless, I promise!), showcasing simple, marled stockinette that pops against the contrasting i-cord and trim details for maximum duality in both colour and texture. With two separate views and pattern options galore, a Duotone (or two!) is sure to become a must-have and a must-wear!

Did I mention the YARN!?!!! This design has been in works from early 2023 in collaboration with Rachel of Zeezee Textiles. Rae's talent with colour absolutely makes this design sing ☺️

Included in the pattern is:
**Instructions for 9 sizes (to fit 74cm - 155cm actual upper bust);
**2 views with 2 sleeve fits;
**Full schematic & finished garment measurement;
**Progress chart for front neck & shoulder shaping;
**Linked tutorials & detailed special instructions for things like bust darts, faux ribbing and 3 needle i-cord bind-off.

And, if those 19 pages of goodies aren't quite enough 😉 I've gone and created a separate Duotone Colour & Yarn Guide with loads of colour and yarn advice from us ( !) as well as details of testers Duotones and colour pairings.

AND, because we love you and we love the , when you purchase the pattern & guide, you will also receive a ✨15% OFF✨ code to buy your perfect yarn from .

♥️ to everyone who helped make this pattern AMAZING. Now run, get the pattern and let's fill the world with colour & DUOTONES!!

It's all happening folks!! 

✅ All 3 Duotone samples are complete and photographed ready for you all. I spent last night re-knitting the collar on my  sample in the faux/no-purl ribbing ahead of the photoshoot today. Just say no to 1x1 friends 🤣

✅ All my fabulous testers are finishing up their Duotones and sending over the most amazing photos and feedback on how to make this pattern EVEN BETTER! Follow along the hashtags to never miss a photo! 

✅ I have several newsletters lined up re-introducing Duotone, all which will be getting final touches in the next few days ahead of the first in the series zooming out to you all this weekend. This first mail is all about the fabric - something I LOVE to talk about - and how each of my samples is so different due to my yarn choices. I'll give some tips on what to look for and how to make simple mods or pattern option choices to suit your yarn. 

✳️ I also want to mention that my newsletter is where you will get some very exclusive pattern launch goodies. The link to sign up is in my bio. Go, now!!

❓💬 What else can I tell you about Duotone or the pattern itself? Leave me a comment below and I'd be happy to answer 😊

Pattern: Duotone Sweater
Release: 11th January via Ravelry & my website

Sample shown here: 
Model
Photographs by me .costello.knitwear
Size 2, View A (faux ribbing collar, cuffs & hem)
Yarn purchased from Mondim + silk mohair

A bit of and I'm almost done! I gave my third sample a little steam earlier to make sure I was happy with my short rows on the sleeves and with the hem. Both are spot on! The hem still looks ridiculous in 2D, but it stretches perfectly when worn and the wonky i-cord cast-on isn't noticeable at all (see my stories for fit check!).

My testers are finishing up their Duotones too and the pattern is getting final touches (and additions!) ready for launch early in January 2024 🎊

Anyone else joining me in all the procrastinations? ☺️➿ What is your procrastiknitting project of choice?

°°°°



🧶 purchased from : + silk mohair

DUOTONE No.3 // I started my final sample and this time I cast on from the very bottom 😱 I've written the pattern with a provisional cast-on working up first, then finishing off working down to the hem with an i-cord bind off. And then, after seeing a few of my talented test knitters do an i-cord cast-on and work a true bottom up, I thought I'd give it a go.

Verdict: I still dislike an i-cord cast-on. It looks sloppy and it took forever. Fingers crossed for some serious blocking magic or I'll be ripping it out and doing the i-cord bind off 🫠

Good news is I am flying it now! Body is almost done and I am loving the woolly, super fluffy fabric. This version definitely has a more rustic feel and I'm not mad about that one bit 😊

pattern is on track for release mid-January 🎉

Yarn shown here was purchased from . The green fi*****ng weight is Mondim held with silk mohair 😍😍

The folded collar really ties the room / slipover together🤣 The twisted rib is work, but man, it's so worth it and really does tie all the quadrants together 😉

My , knitted in Penelope, just needs the finishing trims and she'll be ready to wear ☺️

Tetra is knit in quadrants, in DK weight yarn. Not only does this knit up quick, but it is a great scrappy or advent / countdown project. There are so many possibilities with colour blocking or stripes, which are so fun with the multi-directional garter stitch. (Check my grid & pattern hashtag for more ideas!)

I am a participating designer in this year's , an off-Rav yarnalong. Check out & the website for a full list of designers & YAL details & fun! And in YAL spirit, Tetra and all my patterns are 25% OFF with the code FO2023 now through the 8 Dec 😊

🔗 RachelCostelloKnitwear.com

🤣

My original Fall Line Sweater keeping me warm today. I still love how these details line up. It's like knitting magic ✨

This pattern, along with my Foundation Pullover & Tetra Slipover will be 25% OFF on my website starting Friday for this year's Fasten Off Yarn Along 🎉 is an off-Rav make-along with so many amazing knit and crochet designers participating. It's so fun! Join in and find some new-to-you designers to support 🤍