Greenwood

Tracey finished her sweater and it is gorgeous. It is called Greenwood and the pattern is from Rowan Magazine 62.

Working with Rowan Felted Tweed was a delight. If this pattern looks too complicated,  those with a mathematical-type mind will have no problem. After the first portion of the chart (enlarged on a photocopier) where I highlighted each line as I went and counted meticulously,  the pattern emerged and was fixed in my brain. The finished garment is soft and lightweight - for those of us who experience the occasional 'power surge' (aka hot flash)!

I did find the colour work tedious, however, alternating the 2 main colours every other stitch. If it weren't for the shutdowns and self-isolation during the spring and summer this one might have ended up being another unfinished project. It really was a great choice for 2020 because working on it and seeing how beautifully it came together gave my mind something positive and creative to focus on and I had a lot of time to work on it!

Now I need to find another smaller project to use up the 5 balls of contrasting colours!😉

Designed by Galina Carroll this sweater features a stunning design using seven shades of Felted Tweed, a gorgeous blend of 50% wool, 25% aplaca and 25% viscose. This drop shoulder sweater will be an unusual garment in any wardrobe.

Tracey didn’t mention the hours of duplicate stitch. The little blocks of colour were done with a darning needle and wool after the sweater was knit.

If you aren’t familiar with Duplicate Stitch, take a look at Purl SoHo’s tutorial. 

This is a work of art and Tracey will be able to wear it for years to come.

Joji has a new pattern. Meet the Lightweight Hipster (pattern available on Ravelry)

Do you remember the original Hipster Shawl pattern? 
And if you don’t, do you have a bit of time and just 1 skein of fingering weight yarn around you? I promise this is the coolest quickest and lightest shawl you’ll ever knit (and you’ll feel instantly transported to the coolest, little known coffeeshop in town)…

I knit Joji’s Hipster and the yarn crosses look hard but they aren’t. My suggestion is that you don’t read ahead. Get to the row and do what it says. Just knit and it will work. 

Photos © Joji Locatelli

There are a lot of pictures. Joji took pretty photos and I wanted to show the shawl in all it’s glory.

Joji used a Merino, Cashmere and Nylon blend for her shawl. Dream in Color Smooshy Cashmere would work great. 

Here is another new pattern.

Hayven is a new design from Kate Oates (pattern purchased on Ravelry). What a great looking sweater. The body is knit with fingering weight yarn and the yoke is knit with Spincycle Dyed in the Wool.

Oversized and cozy with a neckline to keep out anything cold and harsh, you’ll feel its warmth both while you’re creating it and each time you put it on. Pullover is worked from the top down with seamless circular yoke construction and short row shoulder shaping. Body is ever so slightly tapered for waist definition within the otherwise roomy fit. Pattern is designed for intermediate level knitters. Colorwork is charted. Shown in Size 3 with 10.25”/26 cm positive ease; model’s bust measures 35.5”/90 cm.

Photos © Kate Oates

It’s time to sign off. I’ve been going between this post and a newsletter and working on the website. My eyes are crossed and I haven’t started dinner 😢