Piratical knits. A tribute to arrrrgyle.

I couldn’t let Talk Like a Pirate Day pass without a tribute to Pirate-inspired knits. Things fashioned by our own gnarled hands wielding our weapons of choice: pointy sticks and yarn.

Arrrrr.

Forgive me, but on Talk Like a Pirate Day, I must occasionally give way to little affirmational statements. It’s the scurviness oozin’ out o’ me pores, belike.

Origins of argyle

What’s a celebration of piratical knits without a mention of that most piractical-sounding of patterns, argyle. Argyle is a pattern made of diamonds, often including an overlay of intercrossing diagonal lines. It derives from the tartans of Clan Campbell in Scotland. When knitted, argyle is usually done in intarrrrrsia. *Ahem.* Intarsia.

Here’s are some lovely, classic uses of argyle.

Argyle socks — Some very dignified looking socks. Just the sort of thing C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien would have worn while debating important matters of literature at Oxford. But only on a day when they were feeling like taking a chance on fashion. Argyle Socks by Margie Dougherty, as seen on Ravelry

Arbyle vest — The classic argyle vest. A real pirate would never be caught wearing such a thing, but might be willing to swive a lassy wearing one. Particularly if knitted with a low collar and negative ease. Argyle Woman’s Vest by Anne Berk, as seen on Ravelry

Lovely stuff, but I’m about ready to walk the plank from boredom. Aren’t you?

Well never fear. I’ve got just the tonic for these dull knits. I’ve found some much more piractical argyles to share.

pirate socks — Here are some truly fearsome socks. With socks like this, you’ll scare off foot fungus. Aargh! gyle Socks by Camille Chang.

trimmed coat — Imagine this argyle trimmed piece in proper pirate colors. I can see Captain Jack Sparrow wearing it. Maybe with a crimson parrot stitched onto the shoulder. Argyle Jacket by Jenn Jarvis, as seen on Ravelry.

And what a treasure of argyle lace this is. Imagine it in metallic gold or silver. Argyle Lace Top by Kate Lemmers

Arrrr! Now that be more to the point.

Argyle doesn’t have to be square and boring. It can be bold, daring, adventurous.

Fit for a pirate.

Arrr! I say. Arrr!

15 comments

Love this! Have not heard of “Speak As a Pirate Day!”

caityrosey says:

September 19, 2012 at 10:07 pm

IIRC, Dave Barry coined the idea and it stuck.

Reply
- Curls & Q says:
  
  September 19, 2012 at 11:05 pm
  
  I love Dave Barry! Not going to mention it to the Hubs or he’ll drive me nuts arrrgghing all over the place.