Hi guys! How the heck are you? I’m pretty pumped to show you my new sweater today, yay! I know that if you follow me on Instagram, it seems like I only knit hats, but, after resolving to finish up some projects in February, now I have a sweater!
This is the Cascades pattern, by Michele Wang. It’s a bottom-up raglan that’s knit in one piece to the armholes, then the sleeves are knit separately and joined to the yoke. I find that I always learn something new when I knit up a Brooklyn Tweed pattern. For example, I learned the rib cable cast-on for this, which was complicated at first, but really looks nicer than my typical long-tail cast-on.
I really love the stitch patterns in this sweater. It feels like the perfect mix of modern and classic, something that I’ll have in my closet for years to come, hopefully. And, after spending months working on a seamed sweater for Blake in fingering-weight yarn, this came together so much quicker by comparison! It was a fun and straightforward project.
This was my first time using Shelter, the Brooklyn Tweed worsted-weight yarn. I’d been thinking and dreaming about it for ages, but it’s pretty expensive, so I had to weight until I’d saved up some pennies. I read the color stories for all the different colorways and had finally settled on “Truffle Hunt”, a soft grey-brown, but when I went to pick it up at Gauge x Tension, “Cinnabar” grabbed my attention and I had to have it! So this isn’t the goes-with-everything basic that I’d planned, but I really, really love the color, so I’ll wear it all the time anyway.
Shelter is kind of a magical yarn… it’s warm, but lofty and light, and the flecks of other colors really make it feel special. It’s also completely impossible to seam with. The only seaming I needed to do was at the underarms, and while I was doing that, the yarn broke about 7 times. There’s just no way you could use it to seam a whole garment!
I really love this sweater, although it’s definitely not “flattering”. I could go down a size in the sleeves, and I should have checked the finished length against a favorite sweater because this is a tad bit longer than I would like. But that’s my fault, not the fault of the pattern- everything turned out the way the pattern intended. Lesson learned about making sure that the finished measurements are what I actually want them to be! D’oh!
I’m also wearing a new handmade hat here! This is Fidra by Gudrun Johnston. This is actually my second version of this pattern. The pattern was released shortly before Christmas, and I thought it would be really cute on my mom, so I knit one up for her in just a couple of days. When I saw the BT Winter 2016 collection, I was desperate to knit Snoqualmie, but I can’t afford that much yarn right now. I still wanted to try out Quarry, so I bought a single skein, enough to make another Fidra. I don’t usually like bulkier yarns, but it looks really attractive in this pattern. This was super fun to knit and only took a couple of days. I should probably trim the pompom down a bit as it’s reallllly huge, but I kinda like it. 🙂
The color I used for the hat is “Lazulite”, a navy flecked with purple and blue. It’s super pretty! I chose this colorway to match my duffle coat, which has been cut out for a while but needs to be sewn, once I finish up some upholstery projects and have room in my workspace to actually sew again! 🙂 In the meantime, I’ll just be over here knitting. 🙂
Have you guys been knitting lately? Any new patterns or yarns that you’re digging? I’d love to hear what you’re up to!
Ginger Makes... 
That colour is great on you! I’d be totally intimidated to make a sweater if I was a knitter, because of both the time and $$, but you’ve chosen so well with this pattern!
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Thanks, dude! The nice thing about knitting is that if you end up not liking something, you can unravel it and reuse the yarn. I enjoy the process of knitting so it’s not life-ending if I need to frog and re-knit, so it feels like the stakes are lower than in sewing.
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OK, this is right in line with my latest post questions about frogging sweaters that don’t work perfectly. I don’t know that I have the fortitude. I’d rather give them away! Have you read the Craft Sessions stash-less series which considers this?
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I haven’t- thanks for linking to it on your blog! That’s a really interesting thought. I agree that there’s no point to keeping something around that you won’t wear. My closet is too small, and even if it weren’t, why take up space with something that you don’t love? I’m trying to be more sustainable from the inception of a project now, really thinking through if I’ll wear something and if it really fills a hole in my wardrobe before I start making it or even stashing the supplies!
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Let’s just get this out of the way right now…EVERYTHING looks flattering on your adorable frame! I’m so super impressed with all of your knitting! I learned to crochet so I could make that granny square blanket but wow, now I want to knit again. Especially after seeing Snoqualmie! But I’m not good enough to spend that much on yarn yet. I mean, I’ve only been knitting for about 15 years but super inconsistently. Someday though that one will be on my needles. And I’m coming to NYC!!! April 3, 4, 5. I’m doing a photo shoot for a new book called Gray Love (for curly girl grays). Fun stuff!
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Aww, shucks… that’s so nice of you. Dude! What fun! A photo shoot????? Are you bringing the dogs??? 🙂
You should just dive right in with knitting! But maybe find a cheaper yarn. I’m thinking about the Beaverslide 3-Ply yarn… I saw that suggested as a good substitute.
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Haha!!! Could you imagine if I showed up with 5 dogs! They’re staying home with their dad. 🙂
I should try knitting one of the hats like yours. That would be a good place to start.
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That would be hilarious! Keep me posted with your plans- would be great to meet up if you have time!
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The sweater is awesome! What a great color. Man I feel like such a slow knitter… it’s hard to stay motivated when I barely see any progress. I’m working through a cardigan at the moment… maybe I’ll finish by the time it’s winter again! 😉
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You just need to cram your sewing space full of furniture that needs to be upholstered and then you’ll only be able to knit at night cause you can’t cut anything out! 😀
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LOVVEEEEEE! I actually think it’s a super versatile colour – I have a handbag that shade and it mysteriously goes with everything in my wardrobe.
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Ooooh… I need a matching purse! 😀
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You look fabulous! What a great knit.
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Thank you ever so much!
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I’ve been knitting Broklyn Tweed Driftwood for two yesrs now!
We were taught knitting and crocheting and sewing in school but somehow my dog Villy ate all my knitting projects! No he didn’t. He was a good dog. But thats what I told my teacher XD
That’s SO FETCH that you knit. And faster than me 🙂
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That’s such a cozy, nice sweater! You should finish it! 😀
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Gorgeous! Fabulous colour and I love that pattern. I just finished crocheting a Dana sweater which is super lovely if I do say so myself. I just have to steam block it before I take pics. And then hope it stays just cold enough to wear it a few times before I have to pack it away. 😛
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Ooh, that’s such a pretty pattern- I just looked it up! I hope you are able to wear it at least a couple of times!
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Beautiful sweater!! I actually really like the length and ease on you but I’ve been leaning towards looser clothing lately myself. I’m knitting an Elena cowl at the moment and am loving it. Having knit a few sweaters that I never wear, it’s been fun to work on something smaller. Good to mix it up I guess!
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Ooh, that’s such a pretty pattern! It looks so squishy and nice! And I feel you… I like to knit a couple of small projects after a big one! It’s good to have some quicker gratification!
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Great color! I also have a comfy cozy but not quite the best proportions for me (even though I frogged and re-knit half of it) sweater. I find it serves a purpose and I do wear it. I’m currently knitting an old pattern, London Calling from one of the Stitch and Bitch books, very slowly/infrequently, but I have my eye on a Maddermade Shore (or Shoreline?) cardigan next. And I need a new hat. Love seeing all your hats.
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Ooh, that London Calling sweater will be so fun! I just looked up the cardigan- it’s so pretty! Her designs are so classic and pretty. They look like something you could wear every single day!
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That’s a really great sweater, and I wouldn’t fuss too much about the fit, it looks awesome! I’ve been knitting socks and baby blankets (it’s funny how I never sew for others but have no problem giving handmade gifts, even though those take sooooo much longer) and I’m longing to get started with some lovely hand-dyed yarn that just arived…
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I feel the same way! I’ve knit 5 pairs of socks and given away 4 of them! For some reason I’m much more eager to knit things for others, I don’t know why!
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Beautiful stitches! I would’ve fallen for that color too 🙂 I’m not sure there’s such a thing as a too-big pompom. Requires more testing…
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Heeheehee! That’s a good point- do we really know that pompoms can be too big? :0
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That looks lovely and cosy! I like the stitch pattern on the sleeves. I’m knitting a Hetty for myself at the moment and a sweater for my other half. I’m using a fisherman’s rib stitch for the sweater which is an enjoyable stitch to do.
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The sleeves are done in double moss stitch. It’s a nice texture! The Hetty will be so cute on you! And you’re so generous to make a sweater for your partner! It takes a long time, doesn’t it? I’ve nearly finished a sweater for my husband and sheesh, it was a big job!
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Lovely colour on you! I’m slowly slowly knitting a jumper called Relax, in MadelineTosh Pashmina – it will take FOREVER but it’s a simple relaxing project. I’m ok with that.
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It’s looking lovely so far- I remember catching a sneak peek of it on Instagram, I think! Looks like just the ticket!
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both look really great! and i love the colors you chose.. man, i want to knit that hat.. well, i want to knit all the hats 😀
i’m finishing the sweater, but i had so many silly problems making it, that i’m so tired of it right now, can’t stand to look at it at the moment (which is a bit silly, as i only have to knit last 15cm of left sleeve, and on 7mm needles, should be done in under an hour, but still)
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I feel your pain! It’s so lousy when you’re just not getting along with a project. I hope you end up liking it in the end.
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Great sweater! I just finished a sweater I’ve had sitting around for quite awhile too. Feels nice to finish.
I also made a fidra but how you made a pom pom with that quarry yarn??? It comes apart just like shelter. Beautiful yarn though. I have shelter for two sweaters and quarry for another hat. Thanks for letting us know shelter does the same because if I have any seaming. …I can come up with an alternative. So glad I read your post. Now I’m prepared because the quarry broke when I pulled the yarn at the top of my fidra. I was able to fix it.
Again, love your finished objects. Beautiful!
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I use a pompom maker (the Clover brand one that comes apart) so maybe that’s why I didn’t have problems? I also tied off the pompom with very thick, strong thread instead of yarn- I thought it would be hard to get a tidy pompom if I used that bulky yarn to tie it.
Thank you for your kind words! Isn’t it nice to turn a project into a garment? 🙂
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I love that you choose this color. A hand knit sweater should be the stand out in an outfit…the time it takes to make one..at least for me..it deserves center stage! Gorgeous! Love that hat! Now that’s more my speed. LOL
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Hats are fun, aren’t they? It’s nice to have a finished garment without committing months to the project!
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Not flattering?? This sweater could get any cooler! And the colour is so cheering. Send it to me! Please. I’m just knitting socks right now, since they are perfect to knit on the go. I get lots of puzzled glances in the subway…
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“Could NOT get any cooler! Of course.
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Same here! I always have a sock project in my bag to knit on my commute, and people are often staring at me, trying to figure out what I’m doing! 🙂 At least we’re entertaining the other riders!
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Fabulous sweater, I love it! I think a great colour can turn something into a wardrobe essential, even if it’s a standout shade rather than a neutral.
I’m mostly on a yarn diet (making exceptions for souvenir yarn) and decided to use up my odd ends, partial balls and yarn that I just don’t love into a striped garter stitch afghan. It’s the easiest thing in the world, and I like the minor sense of achievement when I get the colours to line up how I like, and when I finish one little ball from the bag. It’s not a rush project – I can only knit a few rows a day or my wrists hurt, but it’s one that won’t take any thinking to progress. And anyway, I have a lot of yarn that I don’t love enough to turn into garments, so I might as well enjoy the process of turning them into a nice, functional whole.
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A wool blanket sounds so warm and luxurious, and a garter stitch one sounds like a great way to use up odd remnants! I am saving up all my leftover bits of sock yarn to make into the Coziest Memory blanket. It will probably not be done for 5 years, but there’s nothing wrong with a slow project, right?
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It’s beautiful – you did such a great job! I love the stitch pattern and the color. Now I want one too – and the hat. My must-make queue just keeps getting bigger…
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Oh my gosh, I’m forever adding to my queue, too! There are just so many beautiful patterns out there!
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I love this so much and in my house this colour is definitely a neutral!!! Enjoy wearing it xxx
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This color is so you! They should rename it “Marilla orange”! 🙂
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Oof, those look great. I love the stitches on the sweater- I bet it was not boring to knit. It looks so snuggly/comfy.
I’m working on the big sack sweater in Eco+ in purple heather, but it’s on hiatus while I work on some health stuff that makes knitting difficult. This sweater makes me want to get back at at, though!
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It wasn’t boring- kind of the perfect balance of keeping you interested, but not so challenging that you get lost in the chart! I’m sorry to hear that you’ve not been well. Hope that you’re back at 100% soon!
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Love that color on you! Congrats on a beautiful sweater! Every time I browse through the Brooklyn Tweed site I get the irresistible urge to start knitting again. Their patters are so classic and wearable.
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They really are! I find them so inspirational and can’t wait for the gansey collection to be released tomorrow!
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This is gorgeous! I think the color will go with a lot of things, too. I’ve been saving my pennies for some brooklyn tweed, too. I’m going to have to pick something that I’ll wear all the time!
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It really is lovely yarn! It just feels so much lighter than other worsteds. Loft is really nice, too. That was my first splurge, way back in May, for a sweater for my fella and wow, it’s really nice.
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You are amazing! Sweater and hat are lovely! The red color is really fun & I like the big pom. 🙂
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Thank you, lady! 🙂
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You are SO adorable in this. And beautifully knit. I’m just working with some left-over Loft at the moment and remembering how much I love this yarn. I love Quince too (which is so much more affordable), but there’s something so crunchy and earthy about BT. Alas, it ain’t cheap!
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I really like Quince, too, especially Balance. I like tweedier yarns, so I’m really partial to BT, but the heathered colors in Balance are really pretty, too.
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Sweater and hat (and YOU!) are all adorable! Makes me want to knit a sweater@
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Do it! Doooooo it! 😀
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beautiful sweater — good job! how much time did it take you to knit?
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I think about 4 months? But I don’t knit all the time or anything- here and there on evenings and weekends when I feel like it, and never for very long chunks of time.
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I see what you mean about the sleeves, but the sweater looks fab and you’ll be able to wear it over anything you want—I hate it when sleeves are too tight for layering. Also, you should totally keep the big pom pom. I’ve seen some huge ones lately!
I have a swatch done for a sweater that I saved yarn pennies for, in Mountain Meadow Laramie. I just need to do a little more planning. The pattern I fell in love with is for guys (the Cotswold Henley) so I’m starting out with that as a rough guide and doing a lot of measuring and math! It should be totally worth it in the end, but right now it’s making me impatient to get started.
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Ooh, that pattern is lovely! I have to confess that knitting math scares me, but I hope it is a smooth and pleasant experience for you! I’m excited to see your sweater!
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Your pullover looks amazing! Such a lot of work, you must be pleased to be finally finished. I am starting to think about finishing off a project I started last winter! And I vote keep the pom-pom!
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Thank you! It’s nice that it’s so easy to pick up where you left off with a knitting project, isn’t it? Maybe you’ll be done in time to wear it this winter!
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Wow I love this jumper, especially the cabling down the front, it’s just gorgeous. It’s exactly what I would knit for myself, if only I could knit! I also love your hat, you’re so talented girl! xx
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Ahhh, you should jump right in! It’s so satisfying!!!
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The sweater is gorgeous and I love that colour! Knitting a hat in two days??? Sounds too good to be true. I finally decided on my yarn for Gudrun Johnston’s “Little Wave” and am awaiting it’s arrival from Ireland. Can’t wait 🙂
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Ooh! That’s a beautiful sweater! Happy knitting! And really, the hat isn’t so tough- since the yarn is so thick, you only cast on 72 stitches and knit maybe 40 rows? Super manageable at that gauge!
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This sweater looks great on you! I love BT patterns and I’d like to cast on Birch Bay next…yay for cables!
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That is a BEAUTIFUL pattern! Gonna have to add that to the queue!
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Girl this is awesome! You look beautiful in it!
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Thanks, lady! 😀
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One day I’ll knit something as awesome as your new sweater and hat. One day. Until then I’ll have to live vicariously through you. Beautiful work Sonja!
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You’re too busy mastering the art of tailoring!! 🙂 But I hope someday you find the time to take on knitting– I bet you’d love it!
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Oh that sweater is simply gorgeous! Looks so warm and snuggly, and that colour is just a perfect. 🙂 love the cable design too. Great work!
I’ve got two cardigans on the needles at the moment – both are at the start-of-the-second-sleeve stage. One has been a work in progress for about 15 months so far. I’m determined to get them both finished in the next couple of months so I can wear them when winter arrives here!
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This color would be so good on you! I hope you’re able to get some wear out of your sweaters this winter! I’m determined to finish up one for my fella in the next week or so to give him a chance to wear it once before packing up the winter clothes. 😀
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Your jumper is gorgeous! I absoluetly love the colour, and it looks great with your jeans.
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Thank you, Lynne! I wasn’t sure about the color when I was midway through the sweater, but now I’m really loving i! It’s so happy!
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Yay! You finished! It looks fantastic on you and I love the color. So glad you finally got to try Shelter, it’s so worth it! From the photos, the sleeves actually look pretty good, but I’ve found that I personally like the fit of the first sleeve size and the second body size for most of Michele’s patterns. It just takes a little bit of math to combine the two.
I’m still plugging away on Exeter, although I had to rip out miles of the rib when I realized I was less than half through the sweater and more than half through my yarn. I’m motivated to finish though because I just picked up a treasure trove of Brooklyn Tweed last weekend, enough for 3 sweaters. We should have another knitting night soon so we can all stay motivated!
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Ooh, I need to crunch the math to combine sizes! I picked up some more Shelter on Saturday for a sweater… was planning to make the Stonecutter, but I decided to wait until the new gansey collection’s release to make sure nothing there catches my eye! 🙂
Keep going with that Exeter! It’s going to be beautiful! Knitting night soon, for sure!!
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Very flattering (in quotes or not)! That’s a great color!
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Thank you, Clio! The color is like distilled happiness! 🙂
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You look so cute and cozy! I love a good textured sweater. And it looks way more flattering than any sweater I’ve knitted so far. Hopefully #3, which I still need to do a second gauge swatch for, will turn out better. I’m procrastinating with accessories. 🙂
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Accessories are so much fun, especially for someone like you who has really limited time for crafting! But I hope you’re happy with your next sweater!
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I love the sweater but your kicks are killing me! Love them. I need to wear sneakers more.
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They’re Vans! I’m probably too old for them, but I really like them. 🙂
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I love that hat …. the pattern is simply brilliant. As for the sweater I would wear it to pieces – I am known to not give a flying …. for flattering
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Yeah, I usually don’t mind wearing giant tents that make people cringe! But I just realized a week or two ago that I love volume, but not if it’s sort of a rectangular shape- I prefer some flare to it! Good to know! Maybe my next sweater will be even more drapey and voluminous and I’ll prefer it! Either way, I’ll still wear this all the time. 🙂
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Yesss, I love textured knits, and this has ALL the texture! Delicious! I feel like oversized styles suit you well, it looks great 🙂 and don’t trim the pom pom, a big juicy pom pom is awesome, haha!
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I love textured knits, too! They’re just so classic and nice! Are you knitting anything at the moment?
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Love the jumper and the hat! And just reminded me that I did not blog about mine!
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I always forget to blog about accessories! But I hope you do, so I can see closeups of yours!
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Love the color of the Cascade, and that hat is fabulous 🙂 Well done on knitting up such fantastic pieces!
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Ms. Ginger, I must say, your knitting is absolutely superb. I only wish I could knit so well.
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