English Spencer Pattern

The diaphanous fashions favored in the early 1800s required a range of cover-ups, the most dashing of which is the Spencer jacket. Named for George, 2nd Earl Spencer (an ancestor of the late Diana, Princess of Wales), allegedly after burning the tails off a tailcoat, the Spencer is essentially a cropped jacket with military styling. Deceptively simple in luxurious Madelinetosh Pashmina, details are key to achieving the look, making this a knitting tour de force.

Finished Size: 31 (34 3/4, 38 1/2, 42 1/4, 45 3/4) inches (78.7 [88.3, 97.8, 107.3, 116.2] cm) bust circumference, buttoned; spencer shown measures 31 inches (78.7 cm)

Yarn: Madelinetosh Pashmina, 75% merino wool, 15% silk, 10% cashmere, sportweight, 360 yards (329.2 m)/skein, 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) skeins of Sugar Plum (MC) and 1 skein of Venetian (CC);

Needles: circular, 40 to 60 inches (101.6 to 152.4 cm), depending on size you are making, and set of double pointed, size 3 (3.25 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Markers (m), locking markers, stitch holders, crochet hook, size D/3 (3.25 mm), tapestry needle, hook-and-eye fastener

Gauge: 26 sts and 38 rows = 4 inches (10.2 cm) in St st

Originally Published: Knitting Traditions, Fall 2015

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