Thursday, November 08, 2007

Brooks Farm Bonanza

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Brooks Farm's Four Play? It's pretty. It's warm. It's soft. It's so pretty. It's got a lot of give, and it's easy on the hands. It's squishy. And, have I mentioned it's really really pretty?

So, first up is the Ribby Pulli from Chic Knits. I think I got this stash of Brooks Farm at Maryland Sheep and Wool this past May. This is a great, easy to follow pattern, with many options - you can make it with short sleeves and a hood, you can make with a pocket, you can make it with a crew neck, you can make it with a funnel neck. The pattern has many pictures, so you don't have to guess what the different combination of options is going to look like. And, drum roll - there's no sewing! And, it's perfect for a yarn that is slightly variegated. This sweater, like my Wallaby, is sure to become a staple of my winter wardrobe.


And, another soon to be staple Gertrudefrom Smith Island Pattern Factory. Courtney knit the original in Cascade 220, a very durable, dependable option - I think I snazzed it up a bit by knitting it in a lovely green (hmmmm . . . maybe we've seen this color before? It's actually slightly lighter than the Wallaby) Brooks Farm Fourplay. I told myself at Stitches that I wasn't going to buy anything - ha, silly me - we were right across the aisle from Brooks Farm. Since the original Gertrude made the trip to Maryland, it seemed like the perfect marriage of yarn and pattern. And, voila - the vintage button lady was right down the aisle as well. You can't really see the buttons in the picture, but they are fantastic.


Another pattern that worked particularly well with a slightly variegated yarn - it's knit in one piece, starting at the back, casting on stitches for the sleeves, and then working the fronts separately. Only 2 seams - you can't beat that! Well, I guess you can - see above, no seams!

I did make one little oopsy with this sweater. Again, like the Cobblestone pullover, even thought it was for me, I was a bit paranoid that it wouldn't fit. Because it's knit in one piece, and because there's that ribbing in the midst of all that garter - the thing looked like a shrunken doll jacket - so when I went to block it, the measurements call for the back to be 20 inches, and the 2 fronts, 10 each. Because the yarn is so stretchy, I blocked the back at 22, and the 2 fronts at 11. Just because a yarn can do something, doesn't mean it should do something. Now, well, it's a little less fitted than the original, and I think I took a little bit away from the yarn - the fabric seems thinner than my other Brooks' sweaters, it's definitely lost some weight. But, it's still soft, and its still, have I mentioned -- really really pretty!

17 comments:

Mariss said...

Great job, Wendy. I'm glad you did just the one color. It looks gorgeous on you, good color.

Bridget said...

They are both great - but seeing the Gertrude on you, in person, I can attest to the fact that it is just really lovely.

Lisa said...

It looked fabulous on you last night. The buttons are really lovely. My desire for Gertude is growing. Maybe in the spring I will venture into Brooks Farm's booth with intent rather than vague ooohing and ahhhing and no purchases.

Liz K. said...

I am finishing up Forecast in Four Play, and I second your opinion about Brooks Farm, including the stretching upon blocking. Oh, boy does this stuff drape.

I saw your Ribby Pulli on Ravelry and considered making that, but mine in an earlier incarnations was striping more than mottling. And damn, does it look good in garter.

Good taste in yarn, W.

Theresa said...

Great. Now I suddenly feel compelled to go broke buying Brooks Farm. Thanks. No really :)

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Lovely. I agree about Brooks Farms. I made the clapote with it and it is so drapey and lovely. It's my favorite. Nice color on your sweater.

Kessa said...

Nice job! Love that shade of green. I've been meaning to try Brooks Farm; you make it sound and look great!

Wendy said...

I do love the green on you. It's beautiful!

Emily said...

You haven't mentioned it *lately* - but you certianly have mentioned it! (To the extent that when I read about someone using this yarn, I think of you, your blog and the old podcast!)

Love the green jacket! Different, but looks great on you.

Angie said...

BEE-UUU-TIFUL!!! I need to see some Brooks in person, however, as I can't seem to see what I want on the web site... When is Stitches Midwest again??? Sadly too far away.

Sunset Knitter said...

Beautiful Sweaters. As always, I am impressed how fast you crank them out!
Really pretty!

Ellen said...

Lovely sweater! I liked hearing about your questions about sizing - I keep thinking I'm the only one with those issues!

Elysbeth said...

Very nice job. Perhaps the vigourous blocking will snap back with a wash. Either way it's flattering.

Macoco said...

I really like your Ribbi Pulli - especially the neck you chose. I have to check out that pattern!

Macoco said...

Just a follow-up to say that I'm psyched you found a copy of Hollywood Knits! I was using the one from my local library - but I really need to get my own copy. ;)

WandaWoman said...

Both sweaters look great. I haven't seen the Gertrude pattern. And you reminded me of the Wallaby pattern. I have some yarn that I hadn't yet matched to a project and it may work out for it.