Nishiki by Vicki Square

Nishiki

Knitting
November 2010
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches
in charted pattern
US 8 - 5.0 mm
3.75 mm (F)
3066 yards (2804 m)
47½" (120.5 cm) in circumference and 33" (84 cm) in length
English

Interweave SKU: EP9742

Finished Size: About 47½“ (120.5 cm) in circumference and 33” (84 cm) in length.

Yarn Weight: #4 - Medium

Needles: Size U.S. 8 (5 mm): two 29” (73.5 cm) circular

Notions: Stitch holders; size F/5 (3.75 mm) crochet hook; waste yarn for provisional CO; removable markers; tapestry needle

Gauge: 22 stitches and 22 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, worked in charted pattern.

Eggplant and cobalt; murasaki and ao; purple and blue. Deep and saturated for winter; pale and clear for summer. However you describe these colors, they are a rich combination that beautifully represents the brocade, or nishiki, inference of the overall Fair Isle pattern.

For this kimono, I used a curvilinear pattern on the main garment pieces and a strong geometric pattern to border and balance the design. The shaped front panels cause the lower hem to sweep from the side up to the center front overlap. The sleeves sweep from underarm to cuff to further emphasize the dramatic curves. The neckband, lower hem, and sleeve cuffs are all faced to offer weight and stability.

With its soft hand, this wool-silk blend yarn is the perfect weight and smooth texture to emulate the padded silks worn during the colder half of the year. Purple symbolizes royalty; blue can signify fidelity. Together the colors harmoniously dignify this traditionally influenced—yet completely contemporary—kimono.