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Tagsa non-rhinebeck sweater!
I didn’t make the journey up to New York Sheep & Wool this year, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t knit something just in the nick of time! About three weeks ago, when the temperature finally started to change, my need for a new sweater overcame me. I started researching colorwork pullovers (inspired in large part by Julia’s newly released Hiro) but somehow ended up looking at solid patterns and stumbled on Madigan, a Melissa LaBarre pattern for Quince & Co. I knew I had the perfect yarn in my stash, so off I went to wind and swatch.
Fittingly, I bought this yarn (Stonehedge Fiber Mill‘s Shepherd’s Wool) at Rhinebeck two years ago, when I was eager to amass more sweater quantities of yarn. I was looking for a nice, wearable gray. I found, however, this bright blue. I think, in the madness that is shopping at Rhinebeck, I neglected to think this through, so I bought it even though I couldn’t exactly picture it in a sweater. “Sweater quantity? Sold!” This electric blue haunted me from its place on a shelf in my craft corner. Nothing ever seemed quite right. Then I found Madigan. It couldn’t be more perfect.
The sweater is a cinch to knit, but that doesn’t mean I actually managed to follow the directions. You know how you read over a pattern, start knitting, and feel confident you know what it told you? Yeah, that led to varying stitch counts, some uncalled-for plain knitting in the middle of the waist shaping, and likely not as many stitches in total at the hips. But you know what else? It led to a perfectly fitting sweater that I finished the Friday before Rhinebeck. Either I was lucky or I actually can successfully improvise a sweater after all these years.
Speaking of improvisation, my friends and I improvised our own Rhinebecky day in New York City, instead of driving 2.5 hours up to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. We went to Knitty City, a crafts fair, and Central Park to approximate yarn booths and fall foliage. Just like at Rhinebeck, we took time for a photo shoot (this time Tania and Holly took my pictures, instead of Caro). But we also went shoe shopping, ate a calm and line-less brunch, and were home in time for dinner. So in some ways we improved on Rhinebeck! All that was missing were all the friends I didn’t get to hug. Next year, I’ll be back!
16 Responses to a non-rhinebeck sweater!
You are totes adorable. And that is a SUPER wearable sweater! Way to go!
Darling!
That color looks great on you!
Just like you I didn’t go this year, just like I plan to do it next year. Unlike you I don’t have your bodyshape or beautiful blue sweater!
See you!
I love the Stonehedge Shepherd’s Wool! My family vacations in Michigan every summer, and our place is only an hour or so from the mill. I got myself a sweater’s quantity of the dk-weight and made a cardigan. It’s the softest wool. You’re going to love wearing your new Madigan.
I definitely want more! That yarn was so lovely to work with. I still have a skein and about a half left, trying to decide what it will become.
Great sweater. Love the color on you.
YAY!! You look great and this post totally captures our perfect day. Love.
Love the neckline on this. The color is great on you, lucky find :)
that color really did work out perfectly for Madigan and you looked adorable!
Wow sounds like a great day. Were you all rocking out a new handknit? The colour looks great on you.
The sweater is beautiful, Erin, and I’m laughing at your electric blue story as I sat in the same booth with a sweater’s worth of salmon in my hands! It’s just beautiful stuff… Glad you had a great day, and know that you were missed! will catch you at the next fair.
Saw it in person, and it is really beautiful. I love the shawl-like style of the neckline.
Gorgeous sweater!! I didn’t make it to Rheinbeck either this year. Hopefully we can both make a triumphant return in 2013!!
Such a great sweater & it looks fab on you.
Great sweater!!!