Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Spring/Summer (Nina Capsule Collection)

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Spring/Summer Nina Capsule Collection

Collection Overview

The Nina Capsule Collection is a Spring/Summer 2018 knitting collection from Stacy Charles Fine Yarns, featuring four distinct garment designs created for the Uptown Girl aesthetic. This downloadable PDF pattern collection showcases versatile pieces suitable for warm-weather wear, each designed to work with the collection's signature yarn.

Yarn Specifications

All garments in this collection are designed to be worked with NINA yarn, a premium blend composed of 77% linen and 23% cotton. This fiber composition makes the yarn ideal for breathable, lightweight garments perfect for spring and summer seasons. NINA is packaged in 1.75 ounce (50 gram) balls, with each ball containing 136 yards (125 meters) of yarn. The linen-cotton blend provides natural drape, moisture-wicking properties, and a refined finish suitable for structured and fluid garment designs.

Garment Designs

1. Stacey Hi-Lo Cardigan

The Stacey Hi-Lo Cardigan is a tailored layering piece designed by Irina Poludnenko. This cardigan features an asymmetrical hem construction, with the hi-lo silhouette adding contemporary style to a classic wardrobe staple. The garment is worked back and forth in rows using a circular needle to accommodate the large stitch count, despite being constructed flat rather than in the round.

Construction Method: The cardigan is constructed by working the back and front pieces together with integrated sleeves, creating a seamless design from sleeve to sleeve. This one-piece construction method reduces finishing work and creates a cohesive garment structure.

Pattern Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the cardigan is Leaf Lace, a decorative openwork pattern that repeats vertically. The pattern is worked in 12-row repeats, with knitters completing 10 vertical repeats of the Leaf Lace pattern to achieve the full length. Each vertical pattern repeat measures approximately 2 inches in length, allowing for customization by adjusting the number of repeats.

Edge Finishing: Garter stitch is maintained as edge stitches (3 stitches on each side) throughout the garment to create a neat, finished border and prevent curling.

Sizing: The Stacey Hi-Lo Cardigan is available in six sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2X, and 3X. Bust measurements range from 37½ inches (95.5 cm) for the smallest size to 57½ inches (146 cm) for the largest size, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Sleeve Customization: The pattern notes that sleeves are shown in an overlong length. Knitters preferring shorter sleeves are advised to measure their arm length before beginning and eliminate one or two vertical pattern repeats before starting the sleeve shaping. This customization feature allows each knitter to adjust the garment to their personal fit preferences.

Cast-On Technique: The cardigan uses the Cable Cast-On method to establish stitches, creating a strong, structured edge suitable for a garment that will receive regular wear.

2. Claire V-Neck Tunic

The Claire V-Neck Tunic is featured on the cover of the collection, representing a classic wardrobe essential with a flattering neckline. While specific construction details are not provided in the available pattern excerpt, this piece is designed as a versatile layering garment suitable for spring and summer wear.

3. Casey Hi-Lo Vest

The Casey Hi-Lo Vest appears on the back cover of the collection, offering a sleeveless layering option. Like the Stacey Cardigan, this piece features the hi-lo hemline silhouette, providing contemporary styling and visual interest.

4. Donna Poncho Top

The Donna Poncho Top, also featured on the back cover, offers a relaxed, flowing silhouette. This poncho-style garment provides an easy-to-wear option with generous proportions, ideal for warm-weather dressing.

Knitting Techniques and Skills

The Nina Capsule Collection patterns employ several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques. Lace knitting is a primary skill required, as the Leaf Lace pattern involves yarn overs and decreases to create decorative openwork. Garter stitch provides textural contrast and is used for edge finishing