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August 23, 2010

From Susan — Love Among the Runes

Filed under: Brage (aka Dragon Sweater),Updates — lv2knit @ 7:38 pm

No, it’s not a spello!  The word I wanted is ‘runes,’ as in the ancient Viking written characters. 

Last spring I was working on a stealth project — stealth just because I wanted to keep it close to the vest.  This sweater was a labor of love and an homage to a very talented designer: Elsebeth Lavold.

Elsebeth Lavold created a special design for her travelling exhibit “Knitting Along the Viking Trail.”  The exhibit made its way to the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa last fall and I was thrilled to travel there with good friend Kathy to see it (I posted about it here).  The REAL reason I wanted to go was to see the Holy Grail of Lavold knitting in person: Brage (aka, The Dragon Sweater).  I even called the Vesterheim ahead of time to make sure the “dragon sweater” was indeed part of the exhibit!   I wanted to see it because I wanted to knit it. 

There is no specific pattern for Brage.  Part of the quest is making the pattern your own.  When there, I was able to photograph it in some detail and get really up close and personal.

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Dragon Back by you.

Several Ravelers have finished their own versions of Brage, one of whom is Dicksie.  Her sweater was very inspiring and her notes extremely helpful. 

The next step of the quest?  Finding the right yarn.  The original Brage was knit in a fairly large gauge (4.5 sts/inch) with very “wooly” yarn.  I also think it had probably stretched out somewhat in its travels.  I wanted to use something in a finer gauge.  Because it was knit in a golden color, I kept seeing in that way in my mind’s eye,  but decided to go a different direction.  I finally chose Shepherd’s Wool by Stonehedge in color Berries.  It is gorgeous 100% wool and butter soft.  I used it for Alexandria, as well.  I knit it using US 5’s for the ribbing and US 6’s for the body.  I wanted it to be firmly knit to make the cables pop.

Many of the components for the design can be found in Lavold’s book, Viking Patterns for Knitting.  The main cable, runes, and the head of the dragon are found there.  There is a cool website that translates words into rune characters, which I used to create the name I placed on the front of my sweater: “lv2knit” — my knitting moniker!   Lavold’s version says Brage.

The next step was putting the pieces together into a pattern that would fit moi.   The actual knitting went smoothly.  The last piece was the dragon itself, which is appliqued onto the front.  No pattern for the dragon, but the photos and Dicksie’s notes served as a guide. 

Here are all the pieces of the Brage puzzle put together:


Brage by Elsebeth Lavold; Rendered by Susan Rainey, Shepherd’s Wool in Berries

I grafted both shoulders (which I never do except in fair isle because sweaters need structure), so I added a strip of bias tape along the “seamline” on the inside for stability. 

I used French knots to create the spine and added a bead the same color as the sweater to create the eye.  I really had to putter with the sewing to get it the way I wanted!

This motif reminds me of a tattoo because of where it is placed on the shoulder!  This was not in the Vikings Book, but a Raveler charted it (some corrections were necessary, so I recharted it).  I placed my motif closer to the wrist because I did not want it in the crook of my elbow.

And here is a close up of my name.  I did not use “Susan” because it looked too much like the English word, and I wanted it to be a bit more cryptic.  I added two French knots for the “two” because there wasn’t a character for the number.  Yes, I know the two dots are not in the correct place!

Besides the dragon, the fussiest part was getting the ribbing to work.  I wanted it NOT to cinch in a lot, so I used a k2, p2 rib and decreased the 2 purls down to one on the last rib row (except at the main cable).  The ribbing also had to line up with the main cable, which took some figuring.

So there it is.  The quest is complete.  And worth every minute of knitting, worth every mile of driving.  I love this sweater.  I really love this sweater!  It fits like a dream.  It’s soft and yet feels like “real wool” (which it is!). 

Grade
Pattern: A+
Fit: A+
Yarn: A+

So my dragon tale comes to an end!  I entered it in this year’s Minnesota State Fair and will see how it did in a couple of days.  But no matter how it fares, I am truly happy with this project.

PS — Tiger is available if anyone is interested! 😉

63 Comments »

  1. That is totally awesome! Just amazing. I love the Lavold patterns, but you have taken this to the highest level.

    I’m in complete awe of both you and your sister (whose blanket pattern I’m currently knitting). So much knitting and designing talent in one family.

    That sweater has to win a ribbon in the state fair!

    Congratulations!

    Comment by Trudy — August 23, 2010 @ 7:49 pm

  2. That’s amazing! (And isn’t that yarn dreamy? I used it for a February Lady Sweater and loved every minute.)

    Comment by Katinka — August 23, 2010 @ 8:30 pm

  3. ‘Tis gorgeous!

    Comment by Kay - From the Back Yard — August 23, 2010 @ 8:36 pm

  4. I smell a winnah! 🙂

    Comment by Rox — August 23, 2010 @ 9:02 pm

  5. What a marvelous project (and quest)! Beautifully rendered 🙂

    Comment by quinn — August 23, 2010 @ 9:49 pm

  6. Love your sweater and Elsebeth’s designs. Make room for another blue ribbon. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a bit of time with her…she is a delight!

    Comment by Jane — August 23, 2010 @ 9:50 pm

  7. WOW… beautiful beyond description… you truly are an excellent knitter… especially love the personal touches on the dragon…

    Comment by Eileen Fry — August 23, 2010 @ 10:05 pm

  8. Incredibly beautiful. So inspiring!

    Comment by Nicole — August 23, 2010 @ 10:06 pm

  9. Breathtaking. Makes me even more anxious to get to that Shepherd’s Wool in my stash!

    Comment by Kim — August 23, 2010 @ 10:14 pm

  10. I think if I were you I would wear this sweater every cold winter day of my life for the next ten years. What a labor of love.

    Comment by Chloe — August 23, 2010 @ 10:41 pm

  11. Your sweater is seriously awesome! I was fortunate enough to take the classes at Vesterheim from Elsebeth – she is wonderfully talented and fun to learn from. You did this design proud! Congrats!

    Comment by Tammy — August 23, 2010 @ 11:01 pm

  12. It looks great! I LOVE the color.

    Comment by Surly — August 23, 2010 @ 11:09 pm

  13. That is utterly amazing! You rock Susan!

    Comment by Eryka Jackson — August 23, 2010 @ 11:18 pm

  14. Flawless! Unbelievable! Beautiful! You are an amazing knitter!

    Comment by Penny — August 23, 2010 @ 11:39 pm

  15. Rendering: A++

    Comment by karen — August 24, 2010 @ 1:28 am

  16. How completely amazing! I love your passion, commitment and ability to be able to reproduce something so beautiful. If I’m honest, I think I prefer yours to the original (probably a lot to do with the colour…)
    Well done, you!

    Comment by Ros — August 24, 2010 @ 8:13 am

  17. OH MY!!! That is just stunning, the rich red color, the beautiful design and even the name is right. I’d even be game to try making one.
    Good luck on the entry ..I’m sure it’s a winner hands down.

    Comment by KnittySue — August 24, 2010 @ 8:33 am

  18. Susan this is incredibly gorgeous. I can’t wait to see it in person. State Fair is soon!

    Comment by Mary Lou — August 24, 2010 @ 9:04 am

  19. What a beautiful sweater! Absolutely stunning. I bet you’ll get tons of compliments when you wear it.

    Comment by Evie — August 24, 2010 @ 9:37 am

  20. Beautiful sweater! And I LOVE Shepherd’s Wool from Stonehedge. You’re right, it IS like butter!

    Comment by Jason — August 24, 2010 @ 9:53 am

  21. Such a stunning sweater! I love the color, the design, truly everything about it! The personal touches are awesome, I am truly inspired! I could go on, and on, but I shall stop and simply admire.

    Comment by Debbie B — August 24, 2010 @ 10:38 am

  22. OMG Susan! That sweater is stunning. I am so glad I didn’t enter a sweater in the State Fair 😉 You’re sure to take the big prize. Good luck!

    Comment by Magas — August 24, 2010 @ 11:18 am

  23. They’re all right! You and your latest project are amazing, awe inspiring, etc. etc. Good luck at the St. Fair!

    Comment by Margit — August 24, 2010 @ 11:49 am

  24. that is one very creative piece of knitting. Bravo!

    Comment by Brenda — August 24, 2010 @ 12:11 pm

  25. I love it!

    Comment by Soo — August 24, 2010 @ 12:58 pm

  26. Exceptional! Such beautiful knitting. Such meticulous thinking goes into a sweater of this caliber. I just don’t have the patience. Thanks for posting this beauty.

    Comment by Susan — August 24, 2010 @ 12:58 pm

  27. Susan — it’s breathtaking! I love, love, love it! The color is perfect for the design — it provides such a perfect backdrop for those gorgeous cables. (Shepherd’s Wool is my all-time favorite yarn, too.) Good luck at the fair. Wish I could see it in person.

    Comment by Kym — August 24, 2010 @ 12:58 pm

  28. I am in awe.

    Comment by Judi P in Cleveland — August 24, 2010 @ 1:17 pm

  29. only one word came to mind upon viewing your sweater: wow. i am in awe.

    Comment by Peg — August 24, 2010 @ 1:45 pm

  30. Another sweepstakes as far as I’m concerned. Best of luck!

    Comment by swtrknttr — August 24, 2010 @ 1:46 pm

  31. Beautiful sweater, good luck at the Fair!

    Comment by Cathy in Eau Claire — August 24, 2010 @ 2:29 pm

  32. Absolutely stunning!!!

    Comment by Dolores — August 24, 2010 @ 5:21 pm

  33. Absolutely stunning. I love the dragon. I am a huge fan of Elsebeth Lavold. You are awesomely inspiring.

    Comment by Astrid — August 24, 2010 @ 7:35 pm

  34. Love love love it!! You did an amazing thing there!

    Comment by lisle — August 24, 2010 @ 7:37 pm

  35. Wow! The sweater is stunning. I love your choice of color. Very dragonesque.

    Comment by MaryLou — August 24, 2010 @ 8:13 pm

  36. Wow, wow, wow! That sweater is gorgeous. Do you suppose that Elsebeth reads your blog? Even she would be amazed.

    Mary G. in Texas

    P.S. Does anybody care if Tiger is available?!

    Comment by Katie's Granny — August 25, 2010 @ 1:53 am

  37. Awesome! Absolutely, stunningly awesome. I think this is my favorite sweater you have knit because of its obvious stunningness [is that a word?] and I am a huge Elsebeth Lavold fan. Thank you for sharing your magnificent creation.

    Comment by Diana Wessel — August 25, 2010 @ 1:54 am

  38. Ditto what everyone else has said! This is truly great. Yes, wear it at every possible moment – with blue ribbon artfully attached, of course.

    Comment by Suzan — August 25, 2010 @ 8:56 am

  39. absolutely beautiful, I look forward to seeing it up close and personal at the fair!

    Comment by Laura — August 25, 2010 @ 9:18 am

  40. it is gorgeous, good luck, it looks like a blue ribbon!

    Comment by turtle — August 25, 2010 @ 10:53 am

  41. Your sweater is gorgeous! Last week I visited the mill and came home with Sage. Is Juneberries the same as Berries?

    Comment by Joan — August 25, 2010 @ 12:18 pm

  42. Truly amazing. Your version is much better than the original – I like how you have finished the cable on the shoulder and put the french knots on the dragon.

    Comment by LOWL — August 25, 2010 @ 2:16 pm

  43. WOW! It’s really really gorgeous!!!

    Comment by Romi — August 25, 2010 @ 5:00 pm

  44. Fantastic work! Seeing your sweater brings back great memories of the exhibit. And your work is exhibit worthy. We hope many people will see it at the MN State Fair.

    Comment by Vesterheim staff — August 25, 2010 @ 5:01 pm

  45. Gorgeous!

    Comment by Ellie — August 25, 2010 @ 10:06 pm

  46. Magnificent! I predict a blue ribbon in your future.

    Comment by Beth — August 25, 2010 @ 10:32 pm

  47. Absolutely brilliant, Susan. This is a gorgeous sweater. I love everything about it. Congratulations!

    Comment by Joan — August 25, 2010 @ 11:03 pm

  48. WOW!!! I love it.

    Comment by Lee Cockrum — August 25, 2010 @ 11:31 pm

  49. This is absolutely stunning – and I’m from old viking country, so this feels like home to me…

    Comment by Little Miss S. — August 26, 2010 @ 2:41 am

  50. Another STUNNER, Susan, a masterpiece even Your color choice empowers the design even further. It is the perfect sweater for you since I just happen to know you were born in the year of the dragon. Hope to see it in person on you one day!

    Comment by Ann McCauley — August 26, 2010 @ 11:42 am

  51. You are an amazing KNITTER, and a glorious ARTIST! What a beautiful sweater. I know it will be a prize winner at the fair and that you will wear it with pride! Your blog is always such an inspiration to me, thank you.

    Comment by Mary Lou — August 26, 2010 @ 5:29 pm

  52. Fabulous! This took my breath away and the color is gorgeous. I have admired your knitting for a while and this is fantastic. Your blog is truly inspiring.

    Comment by Beverly — August 28, 2010 @ 12:11 am

  53. That sweater is AMAZING. I am always impressed by your (and your sister’s) projects, but this one is breathtaking. Congratulations on your achievement, and for having it recognized at the Fair!

    Comment by Clumsy Knitter — August 29, 2010 @ 10:10 pm

  54. First of all : Your sweater is breathtaking …..

    and it made me want to see more; so, I went to Ravelry but I can’t find any others besides the one you listed above. She lists it as a personal pattern… I wonder what I’m doing wrong with my search….I used Elsebeth’s name, the books name, brage…dragon,.. I found the dragon part called something else…how spoiled I am now that Ravelry exists…

    Comment by Lisa — August 30, 2010 @ 4:45 pm

  55. Another example of why you are considered a Knitter Extraordinaire. What a gorgeous and mind-blowing sweater!

    Comment by kmkat — September 1, 2010 @ 2:56 pm

  56. Stunning work and fabulous color choice!!

    Comment by twinsetjan — September 17, 2010 @ 8:44 pm

  57. Hi, I’m knitting this wonderful sweater and would like the pattern for the rune alphabet. Where can I find it?

    Comment by Wren — January 22, 2015 @ 8:12 pm

  58. This sweater is the most unique work I’ve ever seen! Props to you, and keep up the artistic work.

    Comment by bonnie — September 20, 2015 @ 8:40 am

  59. Your sweater is wonderful, I especially love the dragon, is it knitted into the pattern or added as an applique?
    The Runes are very clever!

    Comment by Roxy Morley — April 27, 2016 @ 5:08 pm

  60. Do you have more pattern information on Ravelry? Is the Dragon added afterwards like an applique?

    Comment by Roxy Morley — April 27, 2016 @ 5:10 pm

  61. Hello
    Can yu sell the pattern for this jumper or do you sell the jumpers?
    Thanks
    Carolyn

    Comment by carolyn hague — January 11, 2018 @ 7:46 am

  62. Is this pattern available for purchase? If so where? I love it and have Elisabeth’s book but don’t feel confident enough to design something like this! It is lovely!

    Comment by Elizabeth Ciaccio — March 26, 2021 @ 1:37 pm

  63. Would like to buy the pattern

    Comment by Arlene Mottola — October 8, 2021 @ 12:35 pm

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