This is one of those sweaters when I should say “Oh, that’s gorgeous but so far above my skill level!” But, you know me and you know that’s not what I did.
Hedgerow
Back in October, I found the Hedgerow sweater but it was in a book or booklet called Stranded Knits by Ann Kingstone. If you’re a Ravelry member (and if you’re interested), click on the Hedgerow link and check out the picture of 6 ladies standing there wearing their Hedgerow sweaters. It will definitely be a challenge for me, and I may never get it done but I knew I had to try this pattern.
The only problem was . . the booklet containing the pattern was impossible to find. I found a couple of European shops that might still have the pattern but everyone was looking for it and I couldn’t snag a pattern before someone else got them all. I wrote to Sheri at The Loopy Ewe, to see if she could get the pattern and she couldn’t. At that point, I figured it was hopeless and I would never find the pattern so I forgot about it.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about it .. not like I don’t have plenty of other sweaters to make . . but I went back to the Hedgerow page to see what other projects had been posted. I love seeing the colors others are using. And there it was .. the pattern is now available through Ravelry. I was so happy! The next several hours were spent trying to figure out what colors I should use.
Hedgerow Colors – Photo from The Loopy Ewe Project Planner
By the way, if you haven’t tried the the project planner at The Loopy Ewe, that’s a great tool when choosing colors. Even though the pattern recommends Rowan Felted Tweed DK, that’s a yarn my favorite shops don’t carry so I went with Cascade Sport. One lady already used it and it looks like it worked fine. I still need one more color. I have black so I’m going to see how that works with it, and if not, there’s a “Fudgie Brown” that’s a very dark brown and I’m thinking I might like that color better.
My plan is to work on it just a little each day . . when Vince is at work so I won’t have any distractions, put it away after a while and not get so absorbed in it that it’s all I want to do but . . I can hardly wait to finish it! 🙂
Pdudgeon says
That certainly is a beautiful sweater! I think it will really keep your interest with so many different patterns to knit, in addition to the color changes. Best wishes on your new project.
Wendy says
Just my 2 cents, but I would use Fudge Brown over Black with your other chosen colors. Good luck on the challenge. You can do it.
Judy L. says
I think you’re right.
Karen says
I can’t wait to see how this progresses. I’ve looked at this pattern several times – the steeking scares the crap out of me! I can just picture the whole thing unraveling.
Judy L. says
It’s only yarn. 🙂
Diana in RR,TX says
I have confidence in you-you can do it. As you said, take your time, work when Vince isn’t home and also when you are not tired. I love pattern knitting.
Judy S says
Good find! It’s a beautiful sweater, and I bet you’ll learn a lot making it. The idea of steeking scares me though. You’ve picked some really nice colors, and I, too, vote for the fudge brown. It will be fun to watch your progress.
Amy (Waunaknit) says
Good luck! You know we’ll all be here to cheer you on!
Judy D in WA says
OMG Girlfriend! That is fabulous. Of course you can knit this, one row at a time! Me? No, not yet. I did buy a stranded knitting book to teach myself how to do it but haven’t tried yet. I love your colors and think you need Fudgie Brown. If for no other reason but to say Fudgie Brown. 😉
Can’t wait to see…..I’ll be your cheerleader. 🙂
Denise says
I was looking at that one when they first posted the photo of all of them lined up in their sweaters. So many different great stranded patterns in it – it should be fun and very interesting to knit with all the changing of colors and patterns.
Torina says
I love it!!! It looks very Scandinavian. If you are looking to give this away to a very Scandinavian blog reader I’d be happy to volunteer. I don’t care what colors you use. This will be phenomenal no matter what. You go girl!
JudyL says
I’ll have to remember that . . if I decide to give it away! 🙂
Quilterbee says
Wow, Judy. Please post a lot of progress pictures. I can’t wait to see them.
Kathleen S. says
So excited to see it’s available for purchase! Got that done!
I hope to start one later this year. Thanks for the head’s-up Judy!
PS I vote brown too….
Sheri says
So glad you were able to get the pattern! It’s going to be gorgeous. Can’t wait to see yours when it is done.