Lady’s Claret Polka in Brioche Stitch

Carol Rhoades’s reproduction of the Lady’s Claret Polka from an 1849 design by Mrs. Warren will find its way into your wardrobe and is as flattering and stylish today as it was in the mid-nineteenth century.

Materials

• Rowan’s Felted Tweed, 50% merino wool/25% alpaca/ 25% viscose yarn, DK weight, 191 yards (174.6 m)/50 gram (1.8 oz) ball, 5 balls of #150 Rage (red, MC) and 2 balls of #165 Scree (bluish gray, CC)
  
• Needles, circular, 24 inches (61.0 cm), size 5 (3.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  
• Crochet hook, size E-4 (3.5 mm)
  
• Mother-of-pearl buttons, ⁵⁄₈ inch (1.6 cm) in diameter, 7
  
• Stitch holder
  
• Tapestry needle
  
• Sewing needle
  
• Sewing thread to match buttons
  

Finished size: 32½ inches (82.6 cm) bust circumference; woman’s small Gauge: 24 sts and 44 rows = 4 inches (10.2 cm) in brioche patt, after blocking

Originally published in PieceWork January/February 2013.

About: Carol Huebscher Rhoades lives in Madison, Wisconsin. She spends much of her time translating Scandinavian textile and cookbooks into English while also continuing her research into traditional knitted garments from northern Europe, where she always finds wonderful surprises and new avenues to explore.

All items in the library are intended for personal use. Please do not distribute without written approval.