Yup! This ain't tv knitting, my friends - this is a masterwork, and let's be making no mistakes about that! It took a lot of energy, and I don't want to even think about how many hours, and I shall admit that there were times when I thought "Urgh! What have I got myself in for?", but now it's done both Tyger and myself are pleased as punch with the results. And if you think I'm not going to be walking around saying "Hey! Check out my masterwork!" then you are in for some A-grade serious disappointment!
As is always the case with Brooklyn Tweed patterns, it's beautifully written, and the instructions provide explanations for all techniques used. The one quibble I had with it was the sizing of the garments. Even thought Tyger is 11, I ended up making her a size 6, as the size 10 would have been roomy on me. Since she really wanted a fitted cabled turtleneck, we had go down two sizes. To accommodate the extra height, I just added some extra ribbing, and used the length measurements for the size 10. It fits perfectly, so I am thrilled about that, and I'm pretty sure she'll squeeze a couple of winters out of it.
I used Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran, which is 90% wool and 10% angora. The angora adds a beautiful softness to this yarn (especially noticeable after blocking), and stops the knitted garment from feeling scratchy. That's important, especially for a turtleneck sweater! Imagine her not wearing it, after all the hours of work I put into it, because it was itchy on her neck - quelle horreur!
Being a tweed yarn, it can break easily if you exert enough force, so I decided to use a dark green variegated cotton to sew the sweater up, as I figured it would be stronger than using the yarn itself. I love how very tweedy and British it looks - just the thing for striding along a Yorkshire moor in, and it's warm enough to fend off the chilliest of winds.
I'm really proud of this sweater, but I will say this: as much as I love knitting cables, I might have a rest from creating cabled masterworks for a while! Some easy, no-brainer knitting is in order, methinks!
Project Details:
Pattern - Vika by Brooklyn Tweed, made in size 6 with extra length added
Yarn - 7 balls of Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran in shade #46 (Leaf), from Woolarium
Needles - 4mm, 4.5mm, cable needle
Ravelried here.
I can't even! This is beyond gorgeous x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. And the colour is magnificent
ReplyDeleteMost definitely a masterpiece and Tyger does look delighted (and gorgeous too)!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly has the masterwork factor. It's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOh. Wow. Simply stunning!
ReplyDeleteReally lovely. I do hope she gets a few winters from it!
ReplyDeletestunning
ReplyDeleteAre you not tempted to frame it?!
ReplyDeleteIt looks stunning; the colour, the fit and the cable-y masterpiece-ness of it all.
Brava.
wow.
ReplyDeleteAnd as a mother who has just fished out of storage my madewithlove jumpers for my now-pregnant daughter, remember to properly store them afterwards, with any extra yarn (mine were fine btw).
Because that jumper should grace more than one generation!
I think I have cable envy. That is a gorgeous jumper.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best jumper I have ever ever seen! And it looks utterly super on Tyger. Not for the first time, I think I may copy you (different pattern same yarn but you get the picture...)
ReplyDeleteI have suffered the horror of having knitted Charlie a cabled jumper, only to have him never, ever wear it because it was itchy. I'd already knitted him a purple one, which he wore until it got too small. Knitted a second - grey - one in the same yarn, and the texture was totally different. Unfortunately it's just slightly too small for me to wear it myself. Gutted. All those hours and hours of concentration and LOVE!
Truly a work of art. just gorgeous ❤️
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely on you. So fresh looking and stylish.
ReplyDeleteAfrican Wax Print, African George Fabric