Paris Connections by Kino Knits

Paris Connections

Knitting
October 2020
both are used in this pattern
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch in the round, blocked
US 1 - 2.25 mm
200 - 300 yards (183 - 274 m)
XXS (XS, S, M, L, XL) (see notes below for measurements)
English

In Outlander Season 2, Claire and Jaime travel to Paris and rely on Jaime’s old family connections to forge new ones with Charles Stewart in an attempt to prevent the Battle of Culloden. Claire’s wardrobe necessarily elevates to the level of those Paris connections and includes a stunning yellow dress she wears to drink tea—and gossip—with Louise and Mary. These fingerless gauntlets echo the bodice’s detailed elegance.

These gauntlets are worked from the cuff up, first in the round, then flat using intarsia and are later seamed for easier colorwork yarn management. Choose colors true to the inspirational dress or pick different ones that connect with you. With six sizes, you’re sure to find one that fits, well, like a glove!

ERRATA
Star Stitch is not defined in the book. It should be: K3tog but do not drop sts off the left needle, YO, K3tog into the same 3 sts again, then drop off left needle.

SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Knit & purl, cast on & bind off
  • Increasing, decreasing
  • BO in 1x1 ribbing
  • Working small circumferences in the round on DPNs or with magic loop or with two circulars
  • Working from charts
  • Stranded colorwork
  • Intarsia
  • Seaming – mattress stitch

YARN
Sun Valley Fibers MCS-Fingering (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk; 400yds/366m per 3.5oz/100g skein/ball)
MC Colonel Mustard; 1 skein

Sun Valley Fibers MCS-Fingering Mini-Skein (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk; 50yds/48m per 0.44oz/12.5g skein/ball)
CC1 Antler; 1 mini-skein

Sun Valley Fibers MCN-Fingering (80% merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 50yds/48m per 0.44oz/12.5g skein/ball)
CC2 Onyx; 1 mini-skein

Substitution Notes: Look for a fingering weight wool blend. The cashmere adds a bit of luxury for your hands, while the silk content evokes the sheen of the Paris-season costumes. We skipped the silk in the black since that can make it harder to photograph!

NEEDLES
2.25mm/US 1 needles for working small circumference in the round, as well as flat: traditional or flexible DPNs, 1 long circular, or 2 short circulars

NOTIONS

  • 3 stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle to weave in ends
  • Flexible stitch holder or waste yarn for holding thumb stitches

GAUGE
32 sts/44 rounds = 4 inches square in stockinette stitch in the round

SIZE INFORMATION
Sizes: XXS (XS, S, M, L, XL)

Finished Measurements:

  • Hand Circumference: 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches/16.5 (18, 19, 20.5, 21.5, 23) cm
  • Hand Length: 7.75 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.25, 9.5) inches/19.5 (20.5, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5, 24.5) cm

Choose a size with a circumference that measures 0.5-1 inch/1.25-2.5 cm less than actual hand circumference (negative ease).

PATTERN NOTES
Like Parisian couture, some aspects of knitting this pattern can be a bit fussy, but with six possible sizes, you will be sure to find that custom fit. Start off by casting on and joining in the round to work the ribbed cuff from the bottom to the base of the hand. Transition to knitting flat – the center motif is charted with irregular placement of contrasting star stitches, inspired by the organic floral print on Claire’s yellow dress, rather than a geometric repeating pattern. The chart is a mini-section of stranded colorwork where you may have to occasionally catch long floats on the wrong side. However, the chart links to the rest of the hand using intarsia – make sure to twist the working yarns every time to come to that join. Once the chart is complete for the chosen size, cut the contrast colors and rejoin for working the top ribbing in the round in the main color. At the end, close up the gap created by working flat with a tidy mattress stitch. Finish up with the thumb, and your Parisian couture piece is complete!