OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern by Ysolda Teague, from “Little Red in the City”
• Yarn: Stonehenge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool in “Sage”, 940 yds
• Size/Needles/Gauge: 38″ for 34″ at my gauge, 5.0 spi on US 7’s
• Time to knit: 12 days in September/October 2011

I started Skelf on the last day of September as I had wound up the yarn weeks prior, and I thought it would be quick gratification after working on a fingering weight sweater (Laika).  I hoped for a Rhinebeck sweater, and I was not disappointed! 

The pattern, like the others I’ve knit from “Little Red” (this is my 3rd), is well written.  I tinkered with the gauge a bit as I like my yarn best at 5.0 spi for sweaters.  The pattern is written for 4.5 spi.  I wanted a 34″ sweater.  Simple formula: My size x my gauge / pattern gauge = pattern size.  So, 34″ x 5.0 / 4.5 = 37.8″  Therefore, rounding up, I followed the instructions for the 38″ size to get a 34.2″ size at my gauge.  I shortened the sweater a bit as I’m not fond of really long sweaters; this is 15″ from hem to underarm.  I shortened the sleeves as 19″ to underarm is plenty for me.  I did short row bust shaping on the front (4 wraps & turns on each side, about 1/2″ below underarm), as per my usual custom.  The sweater was a quick knit; the applied neckline, while very pretty, was a bit tedious.  It was fun working the sweater inside out, particularly as the tree pattern appeared like magic.

Shepherd’s Wool is one of my favorite worsted weight wools; it has 3 plies with a nice moderate twist.  The fiber is one of the softest merinos I’ve ever felt, and the heathered colors have wonderful depth. The yarn is pure pleasure to knit, and works up into a lush, cushy fabric.  The put up is great (250 yds); this is a 4 skein project.  It has great stitch definition, I’m pleased with how the tree and vine motifs pop off the reverse stockinette background.  I adore the color, a muted grayish green.  The sweater is so soft against the skin; it’s as comfortable as a sweatshirt but hopefully a bit classier looking!  On the downside, I have experienced some pilling on the underarms and sleeves (high friction areas).  C’est la vie; merino tends to pill.  I picked up the metal shank buttons at Webs the day before Rhinebeck, after entertaining several options.  Webs has an excellent button selection, as I hoped given the size of the store.  

Skelf was the perfect Rhinebeck sweater project, working up quickly and easily.  The design has fun knitterly details and I love the whimsical style.  Besides, trees are sort of my “thing”.  I’ve always felt at home in the woods.  I’ll close with one more pic, close up of the neckline detail.  The necklace is Olia’s “Tree of Life”.