Garden Variety

Welcome to my gardening adventure! I don’t have much of a green thumb, but when it comes to knitting I am never short of ideas! This was originally designed as a mystery wrap, but it is now available as a complete pattern. In this design, you will knit your way through the magical gardens of stitches, growing a rectangular wrap that is sure to become an heirloom piece for your wardrobe. Along the way, you will find unpredictable construction, colorful motifs, and simple techniques worked in unique ways. Symmetry mixes with asymmetry in this knitting wonderland and colors abound. I can’t wait to explore the gardens with you!

Click here to view kits from Miss Babs!

What to expect:
While there are a lot of surprises hidden within this design, here are some things that you can expect:

• mosaic (slip-stitch) knitting

• easy lace

• elongated stitches

• frequent color changes

• garter stitch

• stockinette

• eyelets

• unique construction

Rest easy! All techniques with charts also include written instructions. There is not any stranded colorwork, cables, short rows, or brioche. This design is intended for intermediate knitters. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Finished dimensions:
76.5”/194cm x 21.5”/54cm

Gardening supplies:
Needles:
US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles, or as required to meet gauge; 1 set of gauge needles AND 2 additional sets of either gauge needles, extra cables, and/or smaller circular needles for putting stitches on hold.

Gauge:
BLOCKED: 20 sts and 40 rows = 4”/10cm in garter stitch after wet-blocking and pinning
UNBLOCKED: 24 sts and 48 rows = 4”/10cm in garter stitch before blocking
(NOTE: Gauge is not crucial, but it will affect finished dimensions and yardage)

Notions:
20 stitch markers (number varies by section), removable stitch marker, and a tapestry needle
Optional: 2 end stoppers, crochet hook, kitchen scale, blocking wires and mats

Yarn Requirements:
MC: 800yds fingering weight yarn
C1-7: 130yds fingering weight yarn in EACH of 7 colors

The sample for this design uses Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply in ‘McHale’ (MC) and ‘Garden Variety’ minis (C1-C7), though other dyers have created kits to give you LOTS of options. This project also works great with stash and leftover yarns! Included is a section on ‘Curating Your Own Kit’ with suggestions for compiling your own palette.