I recently finished my first truly “Colorado” sweater — one knit with yarn purchased here. It is a design that has been popular on Ravelry of late: Isabell Kraemer’s Humulus. I hate to be a copycat, but I loved the original, which was done in gray and gold. I looked at several different color combinations, but kept coming back to those colors.
The yarn I used is Stonehedge Fiber’s Shepherd’s Wool in Pewter and Autumn Gold. Autumn Gold is a soft color. I debated between it and a brighter shade. I tried all the tricks to determine if there was enough contrast between my two yarns, even taking photos and converting them into black and white. The patterning in gold immediately disappeared. Even so, I decided to stay with it. The whole time I worked on this Ie worried the design was too subtle because of the lack of contrast. I decided I love it for its subtlety. It reminds me of a faded Persian carpet. And the color pops more when being worn than it does in photographs.
I made two very minor alterations to the pattern.
- I did a cable cast on in the gold for a touch of color at the neck.
- I added a small rabbit hole pocket for another slash of color in the body.
I also lengthened the sweater by a couple of inches. To keep the ribbing from drawing in, I increased the number of stitches by about 10% before knitting the ribbing.
This is an incredibly comfortable and flattering sweater. I absolutely love the yarn, which is incredibly soft — soft enough to be worn right against the skin. The photographs don’t do it justice. Unfortunately, I don’t have any modeling shots at the moment.
ETA: Below, Chris asked how I did the pocket. I was planning to provide details in the Tip of the Week discussion thread of our Rainey Sisters group on Ravelry tomorrow. Stay tuned!
The gold patterning on the yoke made me think of Fields of Gold. I’m sharing this haunting version by one of my favorite singers, Eva Cassidy. Gone way too soon and way too young.
Congratuations on this first all Colorado sweater! I find the subtlety of the colors beautiful Well done!
Comment by annie — January 27, 2018 @ 4:01 pm
It’s beautiful! I love the subtlety of two pale colors (and indeed wish I hadn’t been talked into more contrasting colors on my own projects) and these two work particularly well together. Congratulations on getting your pure Colorado knitting under way.
Comment by Pru — January 27, 2018 @ 4:59 pm
That’s a beautiful sweater, and thank you for the link to Eva Cassidy singing Fields of Gold, also beautiful and sad.
Comment by Anne C. — January 27, 2018 @ 6:17 pm
Love your sweater. Can you explain how you did the pocket?
Comment by Chris — January 27, 2018 @ 7:53 pm
Beautiful!
Comment by Nora Cooke — January 27, 2018 @ 8:48 pm
I so agree with you about the beauty of subtle contrasts and for the same reason, faded carpets and other fabrics. Not to mention so many things in nature (petrified wood, dried hydrangeas, gray-and-brown-birds, etc.) I would often get annoyed when urged to choose only stronger contrasts. Three cheers to you for exercising your artistic freedom,
Comment by Chloe — January 28, 2018 @ 2:13 pm
So many good things here – a gorgeous sweater, and then the motif is inspired by hop cones. I grew up in hop country (Washington’s Yakima valley), riding my bike past hop fields and the kiln up the road. I went down a deep rabbit hole last night with this sweater. I still haven’t decided whether *I* need it, or whether I’m adapting it for my husband.
And then you ended with Fields of Gold. I’ve had this album for (could it be?) 20 years, and it wears well. Lovely! Enjoy your sweater, it’s beautiful!
Comment by Pam — January 28, 2018 @ 4:49 pm
Subtle, lovely work. Such a shame you gals don’t do more sweaters for appreciative men in your lives…
Comment by matt olson — January 28, 2018 @ 7:46 pm
Visited my comment again and thought I could have used better examples: – beach pebbles, faded roses, waning sunset, for example. The ones I chose sounded kind of dreary. Although in real life probably pretty lovely. Chloe
Comment by Chloe — January 28, 2018 @ 7:51 pm
Lovely sweater and am quite taken with the colors chosen! Great work, Sally!
Comment by Kathy W. — January 29, 2018 @ 8:35 pm
Thank you for Eva Cassidy.
Comment by Purrlie — January 29, 2018 @ 8:35 pm
Love the subtle but delightful sweater. Such a talent you have! Also loved going down memory lane with Eva’s music.
Comment by SHERRY Beason — February 6, 2018 @ 12:08 am