This post is part of my Handmade Wardrobe Series
What is it about choosing buttons for a project that makes it languish, unworn and unloved for months after you cast off and weave in all the ends? I have this habit that if I don’t choose buttons right away as I plan for cast on, it takes me an absolute age trying to find just the right set to show off the yarn or knitting. Buttons are the bane of many knitter’s life. This is exactly what happened with my Driftwood jumper from the Blacker PodKal that I took part in, way back in February for EYF 2017, almost 8 months ago!
The first week of October I was at This is Knit and they had some wonderful buttons just delivered and low and behold I fell in love with these little square ones. It was enough to spur me into getting my Driftwood jumper out of the drawer and into my wardrobe rotation. So today I am proud to show you my Driftwood, transitional jumper.
The Pattern – Driftwood by Isabell Kraemer
Driftwood is a basic beach sweater that is perfect for chilly seaside walks during those transition months or for adding a light layer on colder winter months. The construction is perfect if you are looking to try out the contiguous-set-in-sleeves. This pattern is knit from the top down and with this sleeve method, you can have a circular yoke with an almost perfect shoulder fit. You can try it on as you go and stop the increases as you find the best fit. This pattern is clearly written and I had no issues with it at all. I am a fan of Isabell’s patterns and I always find her sizing fits me perfectly.
I choose to do 3/4 length sleeves as I wanted to use just two balls of the Blacker Yarns Tamar yarn and for me, it came out perfectly. The scoop neckline is easy to wear and I choose the blue and natural colourway as I loved the beachy feel of the profile photos on Ravelry. This is a perfect relaxing spring /summer knit and if like me it takes you a few months to knit anything then cast on now so you can wear it next spring!
The Yarn – Blacker Yarns Tamar 4-ply
The yarn I chose the colourways Trevella and Ottery of the Tamar range from Blacker Yarns; the sponsors of the Podcast lounge at Edinburgh Yarn Festival. It is a gorgeous lustre yarn and is spun from the fleeces of fine British rare breeds, including Teeswater, Wensleydale and Leicester Longwool. Yes, it is a bit harsh if all you are used to is merino and very soft fibres but this is a British yarn that is pleasing to work with. What I like about it is the strong diverse colour range along with the unexpected softness that forms on the 4mm needle. This is a yarn that I know will hold up well and is light to wear but incredibly warm. Trust me I have worn it on the beach in Ireland in October! All of the shades in this range are named after Cornish rivers.
Using this yarn for Driftwood was a perfect choice as the slightly worsted spun yarn gave an even stitch pattern that was open but filled with a light and fluffy halo. I also personally think that knitting this at the top end of it’s recommended gauge allowed it to soften a little and for me is a lot easier to wear.
Are you feeling inspired to try a new sleeve method or are looking for an easy to wear, everyday sweater that can be tailored for your size and shape? Then Driftwood is a perfect addition to your wardrobe and I am delighted I added it to mine. What do you think? Are buttons the bane of your knitting project or is that just me bouncing around and unable to make a decision?
I hope you are enjoying My Handmade Wardrobe Series on the blog.
xxx
Want to support and Blog or Podcast? You can with a coffee!
