Modern Daily Knitting Field Guides by  Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne are fabulous little books with a handful of patterns and fun tidbits that focus on a specific theme and designer. Read on to learn more about the theme and designs in this field guide, sourced from the Modern Daily Knitting website! 

About Atlas

No one has given more thought to knitwear and its meaning in our lives than British designer Erika Knight, who has been designing knitwear for decades. Erika has the sublime ability to pare down a design to its essence. We’ve been admirers of her vision for years, so it’s a dream come true to see her designs for this Field Guide come to life in MDK’s very first yarn, Atlas. For Field Guide No. 20: Atlas, Erika Knight gives us five beautiful pieces that will become companions for life. To make them even more special, all these designs are in MDK’s very first yarn, Atlas, a 100% Rambouillet wool grown, spun, and dyed in the United States, in a modern palette of 22 rich colors.

Patterns Included

Escalator Scarf

Big scarves are on our style sheet forever, and they are having a big moment right now. This scarf has it all: a lush swath of cables with runs of artfully dropped stitches, a generous swing of fringe, and asymmetrical hems.

Old Friend Pullover

The name says it all. This refined and roomy pullover expresses Erika’s vision of knitwear as soft armor, a stylish layer of warmth and protection. The destiny of this garment is to be worn, shared, and coveted. Don’t be surprised if a loved one makes off with it, is what we’re saying. The pattern is graded for finished bust measurements from 41.5″ (72 cm) to 73.5″ (186.5 cm). Details on sizes, other measurements, and yarn requirements can be found on pages 26-27 of MDK Field Guide No. 20: Atlas, and also on the pattern page at Ravelry.com (coming soon).

Stepping Stone Throw

Erika has a knack for celebrating knitwear traditions while throwing back the curtains to let in light and air. In the Stepping Stone Throw, she’s reinvented entrelac knitting with blocks of color and texture, pops of stripes, and stitches dropped on purpose. It’s a joyride to knit, and a blanket for now and forever.

Scrap Tote

Come for the sustainability, stay for the unbearable cuteness. This delightful small project sprang from Erika’s practice of using up every scrap she can after she designs a collection. If you don’t want to wait for your own leftovers, this little tote is also a great entrelac warmup, and making the lining is a perfect way to upcycle a muslin shopping bag. If you’re game for a little improvisation, neither full skeins nor all five colors are needed to complete this project. Have fun with it!

Knight Hood 

A current fashion week favorite, the balaclava, but Erika’s way: timeless and chic. The Knight Hood is a raffish cowl that you can hike up for an instant head cover. Either way, it’s got stylish warmth for days.