I finished the Icelandic yoke sweater for my son over the weekend, and I’m SO happy with how it turned out!
This one was the result of Jackson trying on my North Shore sweater, and very nearly walking off with it (if it had been even one little bit softer, he probably would have tried to take it). He wanted a sweater, too, but like Caragh, he wanted it SOFT, and also in a more geometric pattern. He didn’t like any of the ones I could find on Ravelry; they were too busy, or too feminine-looking (to him), or too flowery, or too “scenic.” So I looked through most of my stitch pattern books and found the main “X” pattern in one of them (I can’t remember which, unfortunately), and then to keep it simple, created a basic colorwork striped pattern for above and below it.
This one, too, is knit in my DK weight cashmere base, Elysium. This is a base I’ve only ever used in my Yarn Club, but it’s so nice I might have to do a special run sometime.
I designed Jackson’s sweater from scratch rather than going with a pattern, because I already knew he wanted a yoke pattern I was going to have to design. Having just knit two bottom-up yoke sweaters, I’m now familiar with the general construction and structure. Finally, having just finished Caragh’s sweater, I knew what my gauge was for this yarn, and how it would behave in this sort of design. So I set about by measuring a sweater Jackson already had, added a bit for growing room, and went from there.
He loves it, and it fits him very nicely. I knit it with enough room that it should fit him forever, even after he fills out a bit from his current tall, lanky frame. Knowing how both my husband and my brother went from being very lanky (even skinny) as young men, to still fit but broader in the shoulders especially, I knew if this was going to be a sweater Jackson could wear for a long time, I needed to plan ahead.
So, it’s loose, but not too baggy. (Jackson wanted to make sure I got his toe shoes in at least one photo, so there you go! Obligatory toe shoe shot.)
Jackson picked the colors: a deep, dark charcoal blue with light gray and natural white for the pattern. They look so great together, and so great on him.
While I loved knitting for my kids when they were little, creating something I know they’ll wear into adulthood, a cherished, handmade piece of their wardrobe that’s basically a hug from their Mom every time they wear it, makes me incredibly happy. And a just a little bit teary when I see them wearing what I’ve made especially for them. It’s really one of the best things about making things by hand.
Since posting the first photo to my Instagram and Facebook accounts last night, I’ve had quite a few requests for the pattern. So, I’m going to knit this again, in one of my regular bases (either Birte, Brigantia, or Selene) and actually write it down while I do it. Then, I’ll be looking for a slew of test knitters!
So, leave a comment if you might be interested in test knitting this design. AND a suggestion on what to name this design, if one comes to you. Naming patterns is just as difficult as naming colorways can be!
I’d name it “Jackson” or ask him for a name!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea on asking him :-D. I’ll see what he says (although, he works for me in my studio and some of the names he suggests for colorways are just … um … NO ;-D ).
LikeLike
That sweater is so fantastic, and I love how it really looks masculine, but has such a great yoke- it’s like one of those really cool Scandinavian dude sweaters. Amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Yes, that was the issue for him: he wanted an icelandic yoke sweater, but he didn’t want it to look “girlie.” And all the patterns I could find had some “girlie” element in them (too flowery, too much zigzagging, too busy), so I had to make it up. The stripes definitely help keep it simple and more masculine, too.
LikeLike
Beyond impressive. Gorgeous! http://wp.me/p8eVtG-2sd
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
Great!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carole!
LikeLike
It looks wonderful, and I like the “hug from Mom every time it is worn” image.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Leslie 😀
LikeLike
Would love to test knit this great looking sweater! (Glad you got photos of the shoes. They are quite amazing, too!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! Thanks, Judy! And yes, his shoes. He loves them. He has a winter pair (which is heavier fabric) and a lightweight summer pair. And a “messy” pair for when he knows he’s going to get them wet. haha
LikeLike
Looks wonderful on him, including the extra “room”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I think so, too. At first, he thought it was a little too roomy, but now that he’s actually worn it (instead of just trying it on), he thinks it’s just fine.
LikeLike
Waving my hand eagerly to test knit…it’s a lovely, lovely piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be fabulous!! I’ll definitely take you up on that!
LikeLike
Gorgeous! A real work of art
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!!
LikeLike
I have a slender 22 year old son for whom I would happily be a test knitter. If you are looking for more knitters, I’d be happy to volunteer. I love your yarn so it would be a win-win eh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! I will absolutely take you up on the test knitting!! I’m going to take a wee break and knit something on fat needles, and then will probably go back to this and get it done, while it’s still *somewhat* fresh 😀
LikeLike
Gorgeous – will be waiting for the pattern –
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’ll definitely start working on the pattern soon!
LikeLike
Stunning, is there a pattern available?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No pattern yet, but I’ll be re-knitting in a standard base (the cashmere I used for this is not) and publishing it! I’ll post here on the blog when the pattern is available, but it will be a few months, at least (I’ll need it to be test knit as well).
LikeLike