Free Pattern Friday: The Aunt Dahlia
I am a huge fan of humorous author P.G. Wodehouse. I first came across his works in connection to his "Jeeves and Wooster" stories, then discovered that this prolific man had written over 90 books, the lyrics for over 250 songs and 15 plays. He created dozens of memorable characters, among them Aunt Dahlia, Bertie Wooster's favorite aunt: fond of gambling, fox hunting and keeping her husband Tom happy (especially when asking him for money to subsidize her women's newspaper Milady's Boudoir). I see her as a mixture of tough practicality and sweetness--beneath her brash exterior she actually likes her nephew, especially since he brings along his very clever manservant Jeeves when visiting her home, Brinkley Court. She's pretty clever herself, as she knows Jeeves can get her out of whatever predicament she finds herself in.
Just like Aunt Dahlia, this pattern is practical and hard-working, with a touch of polish.
Available right here, right now, or download from my Ravelry store: The Aunt Dahlia
MATERIALS
Yarn: Worsted weight, about 150 yards Needles: US size 6
Cable needle
Button
Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing seams
GAUGE
Approx. 5 sts = 1 inch in stockinette stitch
FINISHED SIZE
This fits my iPad mini in its case, which measures 8” x 5 3/4”.
NOTES
C6F = slip 3 stitches from left needle to cable needle; hold in front of work. Knit next 3 stitches off left hand needle. Knit the 3 stitches off cable needle, or transfer stitches back to left hand needle and knit off left hand needle.
P = purl
K = knit
k2tog = knit 2 together
Backward loop or thumb cast on: Wrap the working yarn around your thumb from front to back and pick up the loop you just made on your thumb by picking it up (from underneath) with your right-hand needle. Online tutorial at craftsy.com by the awesome Ashley: http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/05/thumb-method-cast-on-knitting-tutorial/
MAKE IT!
Cast on 30 stitches
Knit one row then begin pattern as follows: Row 1 (wrong side): p10, k2, p6, k2, p10 Rows 2 & 4: k10, p2, k6, p2, k10
Rows 3 & 5: as row 1
Row 6: k10, p2, C6F, p2, k10
Repeat this 6 row pattern for 17” or twice the length of your device, ending having just knit Row 5.
Make garter stitch flap with button hole:
Knit every row across to last 2 sts, then k2tog.
Work decreases until 17 sts remain.
Work buttonhole:
Row 1: k7, bind off 2, k across to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Row 2: k7, cast on 2 using backward loop or “thumb” cast on, k across to last 2 sts, k2tog. Work decreases as before, until 4 stitches remain, then bind off.
Weave in ends. Attach button on front of case to line up with buttonhole.
Sew seams. Enjoy!
(Read more about Dahlia Travers in the works of P.G.Wodehouse, including Right Ho, Jeeves.)
