
The Secrets of Tortola
UPDATED 2021 – The class now has brand new filmed content, new tutorials and is a fully streaming / downloadable class on education.pattylyons.com!!
Last December on the Nautical Knitting Cruise I debuted Tortola. I was supposed to have two versions ready for the photo shoot, the cap sleeve and the tank . . .
Now that we are elbow deep into the knit along, it’s time to reveal
The Behind the Scenes Secrets of Tortola
So I didn’t finish the tank top version, so in a last minute, pre cruise decision, I ripped out one of the caps in the cap sleeve top, and picked up stitches for the icord bind off so I could show the students in the class (Secret Summer Topper, that was the class that got a sneak peek at the sweater) both versions.
One tiny problem . . . I was supposed to do a photoshoot for the pattern on the cruise. Laura Nelkin took the photos and we did our best to shoot one side and then the other. Here’s a few where I reveal the secret

It’s a cap sleeve




The other secret, I’m a TERRIBLE model. I can’t stop making faces, and Laura just kept shooting
That’s right, it takes about 10 photos to get one where I didn’t look like a dope, but Laura would not give up.
Finally she couldn’t stand it anymore and said “try walking towards me to relax”, as I walked (making silly faces the whole time), I’m sure Laura was considering jumping overboard
When I looked at the walking photos I really liked them and I wish that I had both sleeve caps on and wasn’t wearing the hair band that I just took off, around my wrist . . . photoshop to the rescue!!




But that will be our little secret 🙂
You’re a lovely model and it’s a great pattern! That’s not a secret …
Aw! Thanks!
This is great! It gave me a much needed giggle for a Friday. You did a great job modeling.
You look terrific in your design. It’s a cute sweater, and gorgeous color. I love both versions, particularly the tank version.
Looks like you were having a good time! Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. Maybe you’ll start a new trend – after all, asymmetrical is in isn’t it? Love the pattern!