- Pattern: from New England Knits, by Melissa LaBarre
- Yarn: Valley Yarn Superwash DK (merino), 1096 yds
- Size/Gauge/Needles: 35″ bust, 5.75 spi on US 4’s, US 3’s for the garter
- Time to knit: About 6 weeks in Nov/Dec 2010, between other projects
Ashfield was supposed to be my Christmas sweater, but of course gift knitting took precedence; instead I wore the green sweater intended for Christmas 2009 (finished in March 2010), and finished Ashfield on December 26. Full disclosure: buttons didn’t get sewn on until January 22nd, but January is better than March, eh?
New England Knits is a great book with many lovely patterns. Ashfield is well written, however it required significant modifications for fit. The pattern sizing seems to be suited for the very small and/or short. I added length in each section, did a few more raglan increases on the sleeves, added short row bust shaping and skipped the cape-like neck treatment, favoring a regular buttonband. Especially in the winter, I like my sweaters to close completely. The sleeves are a bit shortened, as I was using stash yarn and was short on the pattern requirements.
The yarn is Valley Superwash DK, an extremely soft and luxurious merino, four ply construction with a nice plump, round twist. The color is a lovely rich burgundy. Pilling is to be expected with something this soft, but I knit it at smaller gauge, and pilling has been minimal after several wears. There were a few irregularities in the yarn (loose tufts of fiber), but for the most part, it was like knitting with butter. When the yarn arrived in the mail, back in January 2010, I happily marveled at the softness, and the finished project does not disappoint. Also, it blocked very nicely after a soak; didn’t grow much, if at all.
I love the lace pattern down the center fronts, and the yarn makes this a luxurious knit. I look forward to knitting more patterns from New England Knits, and in fact I have another that is nearly done!
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