| 
Silk Coat
designer:
Jillian Moreno
model:
Figue
photo:
Amy R Singer
|
Introduction by
Amy R Singer,
Blythe fanatic
[Knitty editor]
In 1972, Hasbro introduced a big-headed
doll with eyes that changed color with
the pull of a string.
They scared most kids.
They were only manufactured for a year,
and then countless unsold dolls spent
decades in discount shops gathering dust.
A few girls kept theirs, not caring that
the rest of the world found their dolly
a little freaky.
In the late 1990s, Gina
Garan discovered Blythe for cheap
on eBay, started dressing her up and photographing
her and blammo -- a modern glamour girl
was discovered. Gina is now Blythe's official
photographer, and Blythe is her muse.
As the appeal of the original doll grew,
CWC
arranged with Hasbro to make new Blythe
dolls. Since 2000, when the first reproduction
was released at the Japanese Parco department
store, more than 50 neo-Blythe models
have been released, with new models introduced
every year.
Formerly worth just a few dollars, original
mint-in-box Blythes from the 1970s have
sold for as much as $2000 on eBay in the
last 6 months.
Blythe is already hugely popular in
Asia, and her appeal is spreading. Recently,
the Magic
Pony gallery in Toronto [Knitty's
home town] hosted the opening of Gina
Garan's new show of photography and the
"Behind Blythe" exhibit, curated
by CWC Producer, Junko Wong. The tiny
gallery was packed with Blythe fanatics
photographing their own dolls alongside
the ones on display, and buying new ones
to add to their families.
Blythe dolls are not for everyone, but
for those who love them, finding things
to dress them in is a big part of the
fun. For them, we present the following
four patterns.
For those that have doll-lovers in their
lives, please note: Blythe's body is about
22cm tall, the same size as a standard
Skipper doll.
The gorgeous brown silk coat is modelled
by Figue, whose stock Blythe body has
been replaced by a 27cm Obitsu articulated
body -- hence her enhanced ability to
pose. This body is about the same size
as a standard Barbie. The coat is offered
in both original Blythe AND large/Barbie
sizes.
To learn more about Blythe, visit Gina
Garan's This
is Blythe site.
The Blythes shown are not for sale.
Try the This
is Blythe buy and sell forum. |
Blythie Rockstar scarf
designer:
Jillian Moreno
model:
Figue
photo:
Amy R Singer
|
Tank & skirt
designer:
Jillian Moreno
model:
Nigella
photo:
Amy R Singer
|
| 
Groovy Boogie sweater
designer:
Liz Powner
model:
Jasmine
photo:
Liz Powner
|
|
|
patterns
by Jillian Moreno for Acme Knitting Company |
| Blythe
Haiku:
Mysterious girl
Fashionable coy girl
Blythe is a dream girl. |
| Blythe [Barbie].
Shown in Barbie size. |
| |
| Length: 6[7] inches |
| |
|
Jaeger Silk [100% silk; 203 yd/183
m per 50g skein]; Color: Coffee; 1 skein
1 pair US #1/2.5mm straight needles
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
1 small snap |
| |
| 28 sts/36 rows
= 4 inches in stockinette stitch |
| [Knitty's list
of standard abbreviations can be found here] |
Back
CO 36 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [P1, k1] to end.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Shape Skirt:
Next Row [RS]: K1, ssk, k to last 3
sts, k2tog, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Repeat these 2 rows 9 times more. 16 sts rem.
Shape Bodice:
Blythe Size Only:
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st,
m1, k1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows twice more.]
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st,
m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Repeat these 2 rows twice more. 28 sts on
needle.
Barbie Size Only:
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st,
m1, k1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows 5 times more. 28 sts on
needle.
Shape Armhole:
Both Sizes:
Next Row [RS]: BO 4 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 4 sts, p to end.
20 sts rem.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures
6[7] inches. BO all sts.
Right
Front:
CO 20 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [P1, k1] to end.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, k1,
p1, k1.
Next Row [RS]: K1, p1, k to end.
Work 1 more row in patt as set.
Shape Skirt:
Next Row [RS]: Work in patt as set
to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Next Row [WS]: Work in patt as set.
Repeat these 2 rows 9 times more. 10 sts rem.
Shape Neckline and Bodice:
Barbie Size Only:
Work 2 rows in patt as set.
Both Sizes:
Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog, k to last
st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog,
p1.
Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog,
p1.
Next Row [RS]: K to last st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog,
p1.
Next Row [RS]: K all sts.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog,
p1.
Next Row [RS]: K to last st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog,
p1.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K to last st, m1, k1.
Work 1[3] rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 2[4] rows twice more. 9 sts on
needle.
Shape Armhole:
Next Row [RS]: K all sts.
Next Row [WS]: BO 4 sts, p to end.
5 sts rem.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures
6[7] inches. BO all sts.
Left
Front:
CO 20 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [P1, k1] to end.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Next Row [WS]: P1, k1, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K to last 3 sts, p1,
k1, p1.
Work 1 more row in patt as set.
Shape Skirt:
Next Row [RS]: K1, ssk, cont in patt
as set.
Next Row [WS]: Work in patt as set.
Repeat these 2 rows 9 times more. 10 sts rem.
Shape Neckline and Bodice:
Barbie Size Only:
Work 2 rows in patt as set.
Both Sizes:
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last 3
sts, ssk, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to
end.
Next Row [RS]: K to last 3 sts, ssk,
k1.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to
end.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to
end.
Next Row [RS]: K all sts.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to
end.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to
end.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to end.
Work 1[3] rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 2[4] rows twice more. 9 sts on
needle.
Shape Armhole:
Next Row [RS]: BO 4 sts, k to end.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures
6[7] inches. BO all sts.
Sleeves
(Make 2)
CO 14 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [P1, k1] to end.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Work in stockinette st until work measures
3[3.5] inches.
BO all sts.
|
| Sew Back to
Front at shoulders.
Sew Sleeves into armholes.
Sew underarm and side seams.
Shawl Collar
With RS facing, pick up and k 13 sts along neckline
edge of Right Front, 10 sts along Back Neck,
and 13 sts along neckline edge of Left front.
36 sts on needle.
Next Row: K all sts.
Begin Short Rows:
NOTE: When working short rows, pick up wraps
as you encounter them and work each wrap together
with the st it is wrapped around.
P26, w&t.
K16, w&t.
P17, w&t.
K18, w&t.
P19, w&t.
Continue
in this manner, working each short row 1 st
longer than the previous short row, until all
sts have been worked.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row: [K1, p1] to end.
Next Row: [P1, k1] to end.
BO all sts loosely.
Weave in ends.
Block lightly if desired.
Sew snap to coat just below beginning of neckline
shaping. |
| |
| One [Want one that fits you?
Try
this.] |
| 11 1/2" long x 3/4"
wide |
| |
| |
|
[MC] Koigu PPM [100% merino wool; 176 yd/158
m per 50g skein]; Color: #803; 1 skein
[CC] GGH Apart [100% acrylic; 120 yd/108
m per 50g skein];Color: Black; 1 skein
1 pair US #3/3.25 mm straight needles
Tapestry needle |
| |
| 24 sts = 4 inches
in garter stitch |
| |
| Using MC, CO
8 sts.
K 6 rows using MC.
K 2 rows using CC.
Repeat these 8 rows until work measures . Carry
yarn not in use loosely up side of work.
Work 6 more rows using MC. BO all sts loosely. |
| |
| Weave in ends. |
| |
| One [can fit Blythe or Barbie] |
| |
| 5" around |
| |
| |
|
|
Rowan Handknit Cotton DK [100% cotton; 94 yd/85
m per 50g skein]; Color: #209 Gooseberry;
1 skein
1 set US #3/3.25mm straight needles
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
2 small snaps |
| |
| 20sts/28 rows = 4 inches in
stockinette stitch |
| |
 Back
CO 8 sts.
K 2 rows. Work in stockinette st until work
measures .75 inch, ending with a WS row.|
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st,
m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Repeat these 2 rows once more.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures
1.5 inches, ending with a WS row.
Next Row [RS]: BO 3, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 3, p to end.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K3, place rem sts on
hold.
Next Row [WS]: P2tog, p1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st. BO all sts.
With WS facing, place held sts on needle and
rejoin yarn. P 1 row.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st. BO all sts.
Front
CO 8 sts.
K 2 rows. Work in stockinette st until work
measures .75 inch, ending with a WS row.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st,
m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Repeat these 2 rows once more.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures
1.5 inches, ending with a WS row.
Next Row [RS]: BO 2, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 2, p to end.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K4, place rem sts on
hold.
Next Row [WS]: P2tog, p2.
Next Row [RS]: K all sts.
Next Row [WS]: P2tog, p1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st. BO all sts.
With WS facing, place held sts on needle and
rejoin yarn. P 1 row.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k2.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st. BO all sts.
|
| Sew back to front at sides.
Sew snaps to ends of straps, so front straps
overlap back straps slightly.
Weave in ends.
Block if desired.
On Blythe, cross straps in
back before snapping.
On Barbie, wear as a standard tank. |
| One |
| |
| 3 3/4" around
the waist, 3 1/2" long |
| |
| |
|
|
Rowan Handknit Cotton DK [100% cotton; 94 yd/85
m per 50g skein]
[MC] #202 Oasis; 1 skein
[CC] #209 Gooseberry; 1 skein
1 set US #3/3.25mm straight needles
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
1 small snap |
Back
Using MC, CO 18 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Begin color work:
Next Row [RS]: [K2 using MC, k2 using
CC] to last 2 sts, k2 using MC.
Next Row [WS]: [P2 using MC, p2 using
CC] to last 2 sts, p2 using MC. Break CC yarn.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog tbl, k
to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows three times more. 10 sts
rem.
Next Row [RS]: K2, k2tog tbl, k1, place
rem sts on hold.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
K 2 rows. BO all sts.
With RS facing, place held sts on needle and
rejoin yarn. K1, k2tog, k2.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
K 2 rows. BO all sts.
Front
Using MC, CO 18 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Begin color work:
Next Row [RS]: [K2 using MC, k2 using
CC] to last 2 sts, k2 using MC.
Next Row [WS]: [P2 using MC, p2 using
CC] to last 2 sts, p2 using MC. Break CC yarn.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog tbl,
k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows three times more. 10 sts
rem. BO all sts.
|
| |
| |
Sew front to back
at side seams.
Sew snap to top of back to close skirt.
Weave in ends.
Block if desired. |
| |
|   Jillian
Moreno loves to watch people obsess. She knits
and obsesses in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
|
| |
|
pattern
by Liz Powner |
|
This pattern
fits all Takara and Kenner Blythes and Licca
bodies, too.
I began collecting Blythe dolls about a year
ago and for me it was the most natural thing
in the world to start dressing them myself.
I made up this simple pattern which I started
to construct around the doll's body. The sweater
has a ribbed welt around the bottom, a round
neckline and flared sleeves. |
| One |
Bust: 3.5 inches
Length: 2.25 inches
|
| |
| |
|
Rowan, 4ply Yorkshire Tweed [100% wool; 25g
ball] color: Graze; 286[1 ball]
1
set US size 0/2mm straight needles
Waste yarn
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
Sewing thread
2 small snap fasteners |
| |
| 40 sts/48 rows
= 4 inches in stockinette stitch |
| |
| [Knitty's list
of standard abbreviations can be found here]
1x1 Rib
(Worked over an even number of sts):
Row 1: [K1, p1] to end.
Every row is the same. |
Front
CO 20 sts.
Work in 1x1 Rib for 3 rows.
Work in stockinette st until work measures
1.5 inches (or desired length to underarm),
ending with a WS row.
Shape Armhole:
Next Row [RS]: BO 2 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 2 sts, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to last 2 sts,
ssk. 14 sts rem.
Work 5 rows in stockinette st.
Shape Neckline:
Next Row [RS]: K3, k2tog, place rem
sts on hold on waste yarn.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K2, k2tog.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog.
BO rem sts.
Replace held sts on needle. With RS facing,
rejoin yarn.
BO 4 sts, ssk, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k to end.
Repeat these 2 rows once more. BO rem sts.
Right
Back:
CO 12 sts.
Work in 1x1 Rib for 3 rows.
Work in stockinette st until work measures
1.5 inches (or desired length to underarm),
ending with a WS row.
Shape Armhole:
Next Row [RS]: BO 2 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to end. 9 sts
rem.
Work 6 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [WS]: BO 5 sts, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K2, k2tog.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog.
BO rem sts.
Left
Back:
CO 12 sts.
Work in 1x1 Rib for 3 rows.
Work in stockinette st until work measures
1.5 inches (or desired length to underarm),
ending with a RS row (Left Back to underarm
should be 1 row shorter than Right Back).
Shape Armhole:
Next Row [WS]: BO 2 sts, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K to last 2 sts, k2tog.
9 sts rem.
Work 7 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: BO 5 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k to end.
Repeat the last 2 rows once more. BO rem sts.
Sleeves
(Make 2):
CO 20 sts.
Beg with a WS row, work 3 rows in stockinette
st.
Next Row [RS]: [K2tog, k4] to last
2 sts, k2tog.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K2, k2tog, k to last
4 sts, k2tog, k2. 14 sts rem.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures
2 inches, ending with a WS row.
Next Row [RS]: BO 2 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 2 sts, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to last 2 sts,
ssk.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to last 2 sts,
ssk.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to last 2 sts,
ssk. 4 sts rem.
BO rem sts.
|
| Sew
backs to front at shoulders.
Sew side seams.
Sew sleeve seams.
Sew sleeves into armholes, beginning at shoulder.
Weave in ends.
Sew snaps to sweater backs, so that backs overlap
slightly. Position one snap at neck edge and
one snap just above bottom ribbing. |
|
 Liz
lives in London, England. She began knitting
at an early age and grew up to have her knitted
Rock Star dolls featured in the UK Music magazine
Mojo in 2000. Since then she has acquired a
huge family of Blythe dolls and they have become
the main focus of her knitting activities. She
has developed many new styles and undertakes
private sweater commissions for Blythe dolls
and their owners all around the world.
For more information please visit her
website. |
| |
| Patterns
© 2005 their respective designers.
Images © Amy R Singer, Liz Powner.
BLYTHE is a trademark of
Hasbro. (c)2002 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
BLYTHE character rights are licensed in Asia
to Cross World Connections, Ltd.
Licensed by Hasbro Consumer Products. |
|
