Inspiration
Making It: A Sweater Story
Last month, I made a rookie mistake.
As a longtime craft writer and creator, I should have known better—rule number one when sharing photos with knitters and crocheters is: Only share a sweater if you’re prepared to share the pattern.
For my January column, I wrote about the Sophie Scarf trend, and while snapping photos, I broke this golden rule. It was a cold day, and I instinctively reached for my comfort sweater, wrapped myself in its familiar warmth, and moved on with my day—blissfully unaware of the crime I had just committed.
I take full accountability and am here today to set the record straight.
After seeing more than a few questions about the sweater, I knew I had to tell its story.
The Sweater That Stole the Spotlight
When I first started my career, I was working in the fashion industry. I had the opportunity to work for a few well-known brands, but the one I spent the most time at was Donna Karan.
At one point, I was given the chance to assist the knitwear department. I had already learned to knit and crochet—but I had never considered that knitting could be a career. So I leapt at the opportunity.
Did it mostly involve running around like Andy in The Devil Wears Prada? Yes. But for much kinder people. And I didn’t care—I loved every minute of it.
I was still very much a beginner knitter, and seeing the process of knitwear design up close was a lightbulb moment. My role was to assist the designers as they developed knits for the runway. My job was to help bring their creative visions to life.
That’s how this sweater came into my life.
This blue sweater was a rejected sample from their runway show. Because it never made it to the runway, it also never went into production. It’s truly one of a kind. Its label reads:
DONNA KARAN
Sample Not For Resale
Divina + Aran
DK10
It’s arguably the most beautiful handmade item I own. It represents a time in my life when I was working tirelessly on stunning pieces that often never saw the spotlight. So I’m more than a little amused that this sweater has finally gotten its moment, thanks to all of you.
A Closer Look at the Construction
The sweater is actually made up of individual swatches—each a different size—seamed together with the seams facing outward. Some are garter stitch, others purl, others knit. Some panels use both the Divina and Aran weight yarns held double, while others do not.
It’s constructed in three sections: one for the back, and two overlapping panels in the front. At first glance, it looks like a simple batwing silhouette, but the more you study it, the more intricate it becomes.
This complexity is exactly why it was never picked for production—it would have been too difficult to replicate at scale. But for me, it’s precisely that complexity that makes it so special.
The Next Evolution
A few years after my time at Donna Karan, I sat down to create my own version of this cocoon-shaped sweater. And in order to share the full journey of this sweater in my life, I must break the rules once again.
For a brief moment, I had a knitwear line called SOSA Knitwear. And for my pre-fall 2015 lookbook, I wanted to design a sweater with real wow factor. So I took the essence of the DK sweater but made it more replicable.
My version? Two knit circles that keep growing and growing, joined by an extra-long cable that wraps around both circles like a zipper.
And just like the original, this sweater was also too complex for mass production. I have a type.
A Third Sweater?
So here we are today. Two sweaters, made almost a decade apart. Each representing a different chapter of my knitting life.
And now, as I write this, I realize something: It’s been almost 20 years since the DK sweater and almost 10 years since the SOSA sweater.
Which begs the question: should I return to this sweater now that I design patterns? Should I create a new version—one that’s actually knittable for others? Or should I let both sweaters remain what they are—time capsules of the different stages of my craft?
Maybe a third sweater, completely unique yet connected to the first two, should be brewing. One to close out the trifecta. One to reflect where I am now, fully settled into my life as a pattern writer.
Let me know what you think of these sister sweaters and the idea of adding a third in the comments.
And thank you all again for shining a light on this special piece from my wardrobe.
There’s always a lot going on at MDK—check the homepage for the latest.
Come Shop With Us
They’re both fabulous works of art and I would be delighted to get my hands on the pattern to make them my own.
Your sweaters are jaw dropping beauties. It should of made it into the show. What ever you do don’t stop. Keep making your beautiful artwork just beautiful.
I need that blue jumper in my life. I can see why you loved it!
They are original and inspiring. A set of guidelines for the first might work better than a pattern. But I would just love to see that complicated exuberant design sense let loose on a sister project. Not worried about practicality.
Oh please! Design a similar pattern of something we can all knit!! Those two sweaters are glorious and I would buy a pattern instantly
You are going to laugh because you did it again. I went to your web site, Bobble House Club. I scrolled down and there is an ad for Lowe’s Creators. And in the ad, there you are, wearing another fab sweater! It’s an oversized pullover with exposed seams and the cutest standup collar. Now that’s the I want!!
Make a third as you’re in a new stage of life.
Yes!
Selfishly, I am all about the DK sweater and, as a commenter mentions, perhaps it’s about guidelines?
Your talent is off the charts!
This post jogged a memory of an Adrienne Vittadini design from a 1980s issue of Vogue Knitting. SoI went on a search. It’s not really anything like the ones pictured in this post, but since I spent 20 minutes looking for it, here it is:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/17-patchwork-pullover
Yes, I did make it back when it first came out. 🙂
I agree with “Balsamfir,” it would be great to have a set of guidelines or a formula for the original sweater…it is stunning!
I love the blue sweater; it’s actually sort of reminiscent of a Noro afghan I made years ago. At first the color of the pink sweater was hard for me to like, but thanks to the b&w photo I’m reminded of the trap of giving too much attention to the color. Now I love them both, and a hybrid or new sweater from you would be so exciting!
Yes!!!
A schematic, and “recipe” to the original sweater please!! I don’t enjoy cables, so the second sweater doesn’t catch my attention, but in recipe form…maybe?
I currently have a crayon box jacket on the needles…loosely following the recipe…guidelines only can make a fun project!
yes please Samantha, a third sweater!!
This was such a fun read! Of course we want a wonderful wow factor hand knit pattern that we would never find in ready to wear!
I adore the DK garment; sweater seems an inadequate word for it. I wish there were a pattern for it. It’s lovely complexity is a temptation but the design process is a bit daunting for me, when what I really want to do is knit.
I love the idea of your original made with upcycled, thrifted sweaters… it’s almost more of a sewing project. Both are lovely!
I love the first sweater and would can’t wait to see what you will come up with next! Your designs are beautiful!
I like the second one a lot! If it is truly not able to be replicated, then I think a third one would be perfect!
Samantha, So happy to see your shining face pop up in my feed! I love your ‘kimono-esque’ sweater even more now that you have shared more pictures of it. Maybe you could map it out, measure the swatches with the exposed seams, explain the stitch patterns, and figure out if the yarns are held single or double. Eww, that sounds like a lot!! It looks like it is knitted with a fairly large needle with either weight of the yarns (what is Divina??) Whatever you decide, it has been/will be a labor of love for you and us, your worthy disciples. I am sure all of us are sitting on the edge of our seats to see what you decide. Thanks in advance for your efforts!
I would love a pattern/ guidelines for the DK sweater, it is fabulous! I am very small so would need guidelines for reduced sizing. Stitch patterns would be helpful. Love that I could do it while traveling! You are amazing. Thank you for sharing. BG
Wow and wow! Love this story and grateful you decided to share it! I will be heading down this rabbit hole with everyone else! Would love to see how these two pieces inspire the third! Go for it if you are so moved… it might be your new favorite???
Oh, Donna Karan… you truly have a masterpiece. So happy that you wear and enjoy it. Thank you for sharing this and your story with us! Whatever you choose to do, let it make you happy!
I agree with ING—do what makes you happy!I love the DK sweater for its upcycled look! This column was so interesting in terms of production and feasibility of designs! The pink one looks very complicated—like you have to sit in one place and concentrate, while the squares looks like it would be more portable and you could travel with bits and pieces of the project like a piecework quilt!
Even just looking at these is tremendous fun! They’re both remarkable and I love them equally. Mostly though, I look forward to more fabulous creations… Great creative wonderful work!
Both of these beautiful sweaters look like a warm hug. I would wear either snuggled into my reading chair by the fireplace here in chilly Ohio. I am especially taken with the pink style. Please design for us, Samantha! I will be waiting!
Gorgeous. Yes, a pattern is due.
Oh, that DK sweater is amazing!!!!
I would love to see a third design. Evolution!
First – gorgeous, and what wonderful stories! In this, the land of log cabin love, I could see a third sweater of similar shape, using log cabin construction? But really, I’d be interested in any third iteration. I am entranced by the first two, but I am not ambitious enough in my knitting to believe that I would ever attempt those if a pattern were written.
1. We all have swatches around (or should), so a version of a swatch sweater plan would be awesome.
2. Those two sweaters are amazing in design and workmanship.
3. Can’t wait to see a 2025 version of your creativity!
These are unique beautiful. I loved hearing the stories behind them. I would probably never knit something like these sweaters. I am pretty petite, so I think they would not work for me. That is not to say you should not create a new pattern. I am always awestruck by beautiful pieces like these.
Yes, please. I love the blue sweater and it would work perfectly to get over my wrist brace. Maybe a diagram/follow your own patterns?
I really want to knit the beautiful blue Donna Karan one. Please write the pattern!!!
And thank you.
These are both fabulous! And coincidentally, when I started my knitting career around the same time (early 2000s), I worked for Berta Karapetyan at her NYC store School Products, and would see her and knitters who worked for her working on samples for designers including Donna Karen and others. I wonder if you ever worked with her?
Ahhh Donna Karan – in the mid 90s I had a middle school aged daughter. As girls that age do, she experimented with her clothing, creating most unusual ensembles (elbow length gloves anyone.) to the point years later one teacher remarked on her choices and said they would discuss sending her home to change but she never violated any dress code. What I recall from that time was her dressing in black, not a goth era black but a Donna Karan type black wardrobe (with accessories). The esthetic, although with color, continues today. Thank you Samantha for having that influence.
I love this story and I love the photos of that blue, unwieldy treasure. Thank you for sharing this with us!
I vote for a third knit to reflect where you are now in your design life. These sweaters are stunning!
The stitch definition is exquisite. Anyone else thinking of normalizing this design for the Free People brand? My vote is keep that one of a kind art flowing and glowing, gurl…sister knitter friend.
this is so very, very cool and so is your website. I agree — the cream sweater in the Lowe’s ad is awesome. Gotta go to my exercise class, but I’m pretty sure I could spend hours on your website/blog. Are you coming to Nash Yarn Fest???? I would love to meet you in person!!
Love both of these—hope you come up with a third one—easily replicated. I would definitely find the time to knit one.
Love the look …but think beyond my ability…or willingness to pursue…but my interest is high.
The blue sweater is magnificent. It reminded me of Hana https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hana-21 that was discussed on MDK a while ago, except way more organic/OOAK/couture. I would love a recipe for it.
That blue sweater is gorgeous, I would love to knit a sweater like this, if you were able to write the pattern?
I absolutely love the Blue sweater with the seams on the outside and all the patches, but being about 5 ft. tall, it would overpower me. I would be lost, or worse look huge in it. But I would love to see a sweater using the patches in a sweater someone my height could wear. So that is my challenge for you. It would be somewhat the same, but very different.
Oh yes please. Love the look
These sweaters are beautiful! You could knit a third one, following or riffing on the Patch sweater in Knit Fold Pleat Repeat by Norah Gaughan.
Oh Samantha! That first blue creation captivated me! A guide or schematic would be a ton of fun to play with. And a third sister would be welcome as well. Your creativity makes my jaw drop.
Thank you for sharing this story and evolution of design in your career. I enjoyed it.
The sweaters are Big and complex , made for the runway. We always need these creative creations.
Two thumbs up for the Donna Karan patchwork batwing cardi, but hey – create exactly what you feel like making next. I love the inspiration!
I love the idea of a third sweater that somehow salutes both of these. I have a vest I just wore on vacation last week, adapted from a 30+ year old Donna Karan pattern in Vogue Knitting. And yes, I did make it over 30 years ago. I just realized I need to find a new picture of me wearing the latest version of this – https://ravel.me/Pam/o7l7md I’ve done some tweaks to my original garment over the years.
Yes, yes, yes, you should create a third design. I think it would be awesome to see what you come up with!
OMG!!! Please design a third sweater for us to knit and tell us about it here!
Don’t make it too difficult or complicated, please!
My god, those are both art!! If you feel so inspired, I would also love to see a recipe for another statement cocoon of your creation.
DK Blue is inspirational . Love the batwing element. Love your designs.
Both sweaters are couture items – real one-of-a-kind works of art! The blue one is particularly appealing to me. And guidelines for it would be aspirational!