Back in October I decided it was time to raid the stash for a Christmas knitting project. I had some beautiful Silk Twist by Rowan in my collection which has long since been discontinued. It’s a lovely variegated yarn of blues. Originally this yarn was going to become Amore from one of the Rowan magazines the only pattern I had for this yarn.
I did start knitting it but sadly it just wasn’t to be. Amore is a cable pattern interspersed with lace and although its easy to follow and would be a fabulous introduction to lace the colour variation was visually off putting.
Instead I did a bit of substituting for the pattern ‘Fayer’ in the book Cherished by Kim Hargreaves. It’s not the sort of pattern I would normally pick, theres no cabling or unusual detailing just a whole lot of plain and purl. It was a very simple knit which really showcases the yarn which is what I wanted.
I’m often surprised by these more simple garments because of their versatility, it’s so easy to wear and pair with other things. Also since the weather is a bit chill its also a very snuggly jumper due to the cowl neck.
Because of the substitution I did have to make a few modifications to this, my neckline is more of a roll neck because I didn’t increase the stitch count as it states in the pattern which would have created a funnel like cowl neck. The drape of Silk Twist just wouldn’t support a neckline of this type. I also didn’t knit the sleeves quite so long and they don’t have the bell shape as in the pattern.
For some reason I always find Rowan patterns have quite long sleeve lengths. If anything I prefer my sleeves to be slightly on the shorter side for both practicality and it helps to show off bracelets especially in the winter months! I already have a new project on the sticks and I’m re-knitting a jumper to a smaller size, frogging can be such sweet sorrow.
Sometimes lovely yarn just needs to be knitted up into a garment with simple boring stocking stitch. Polo neck, turtle neck and tunnel neck jumpers are a must for the cold, windy wet winter months. Happy New Year.
It’s funny how the pressure of ‘lovely yarn’ just gets to you, I’ve got some laceweight in my stash that I just haven’t knitted up for the same reason!