“You have a very smiling scene before you,” said Mr. Crawford. “Do you mean literally or figuratively? Literally, I conclude. Yes, certainly, the sun shines, and the park looks very cheerful. But unluckily that iron gate, that ha-ha, give me a feeling of restraint and hardship. ‘I cannot get out,’ as the starling said.” As Miss Bertram spoke, and it was with expression, she walked to the gate: he followed her. “Mr. Rushworth is so long fetching this key!”
—Chapter 10, Mansfield Park

Sotherton is inspired by the iron gates sprinkled, frustratingly, throughout the grounds at Mr. Rushworth’s estate of Sotherton. While they proved no match for Miss Bertram’s determination to trespass—with Mr. Crawford’s assistance— the Gothic Lattice pattern prettily constrain a knitter’s curves.

Worked in the round from the bottom up, the purl ground between left- and right-twists is the perfect place to tuck away decreases for some elegant waist shaping. The fit is close and elegant with the twist-stitch lines lengthening the wearer.

Size/Finished Measurements
Chest circumference: 27¾ 31¼, 34½, 38¼, 43¼ inches—shown in 34½“ size with 4 inches negative ease

Materials
Madeline Tosh, Tosh DK (100% superwash Merino; 225 yds/ 110g): filigree, 4 5, 5, 6, 7
Size 6 (4 mm): 24-inch circular (cir) and set of five double-pointed needles (dpns)
Markers (m)
Stitch holders or waste yarn
Tapestry needle

Gauge
22 sts and 29 rnds = 4 inches in Twisted 2 × 6 Ribbing

Thanks!
Previously published in Jane Austen Knits, Summer 2012
Photography: Nicholas Dames

Also available as part of Jane Austen Knits, Summer 2012 and as an individual download.