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Hello!
I only realised today that I'm a day out, that it's Wednesday and not Tuesday, and that I forgot to post a blog entry last night. The Monday's Bank Holiday has got me totally discombobulated, I'm all over the place. Do three-day weekends do that to you too?
It all started with running out of steam last Friday, and having absolutely not the teeeeniest tiniest tinsiest bit of energy to do a blog post, even though I've got plenty to show you, almost too much. I always miss it when I don't do a blog post, it's like something is missing, I'm incomplete, so it takes quite a lot to stop me from doing a blog post. But there we go, no energy, not a milligram, and no blogola post.
But I'm back again with renewed vigour, even if I am a day late.
The surprise reveal is this cardigan I made recently, which was finished so quickly, I didn't manage to write about starting it.
It's my own pattern, very loosely based on the Annabel Cardigan I knitted which I blogged about in this post.
That's a picture of the Annabel cardigan above.
My pattern is sooo loosely based on the Annabel cardigan, that if I wrote it up and published it, it would be very hard to accuse me of plagiarism.
I was thinking of writing up the pattern, but when am I going to find the time? My brain is feeling scrambled enough as it is. maybe one day, when things are calmer.
I haven't even got a name for my cardigan yet, I just think of it as my Herdwick Sheep Cardigan.
I bought the yarn back in April this year, with some Birthday money I received, when we went to the Lake District for a week.
The yarn is an Aran weight, using the fleece of the Herdwick Sheep, and produced by Crookabeck Farm in Cumbria.
The whole experience of buying the yarn was a bit of an adventure. The farm was a bit off the beaten track, down a very long a rustic winding lane. We were lucky that the lady owner of the farm was around to open up her shop, as she could have well been tending her flock of Herdwicks, which are a very pretty looking sheep.
You may have noticed lots of little wiry hairs sticking out of the balls of yarn in the mosaic above. Very prickly wiry hairs they are too. I don't want to criticise this yarn at all, because I love the colour and the way it knits up, and the fact that the yarn is from a breed that Beatrix Potter bred and loved, but I'm afraid I would be lying if I said it was soft and easy to wear once knitted up. (There's also a good blog entry about Beatrix Potter and the Herdwick Sheep here, it's very readable and informative). This yarn also sheds the white hairs whilst being knitted up, so that I was surrounded by a halo of white on the floor wherever I was knitting. I picked out a lot of the hairs by hand when I'd finished the cardigan, but there are still more to be removed. It's a cardigan that has to be worn over several t-shirts, or a garment that is so tightly woven, no hairs can get through and make you go "oww!"
If it wasn't for those bloomin prickly white hairs, this yarn would be very good, because the colour is so gorgeous, and it's a very hard wearing yarn, which doesn't pill, as far as I can tell.
Every time I wear this cardigan, which I have to work myself up to mentally, and make sure I'm wearing enough layers not to be tortured, I do some plucking out of the nasty white hairs.
One day, I will have a very nice and comfortable cardigan!
Shall we look at a few more pictures of a body in the cardigan?
I do have some beautifully soft Aran yarn in my stash which I was thinking of using to knit this cardigan again, and refine it, and then be comfortable wearing it. The yarn is lurking in a bag where I can see it, but that's not aloways a guarantee it will be used imminently.
I have almost finished the Coraline Cardigan I've been working on recently, I just have to graft the underarms, sew on buttons and sew in ends, and then its done! It feels like that's worked up very quickly.
Infact, I've already started a new project, another dress, using a lace pattern................. but that's another story.
I'll see you on Friday, I'm off to my knitting group, haven't been in a while............. cheerio! Vanessa xxx
Fabulous cardigan! I'd love to see a pattern for this.
Of course, you need that fabled 25th hour in the day, or maybe that 8th day in a week to squeeze everything in!
Posted by: Claire | August 31, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Great cardigan Vanessa but can I assume that you won't be knitting yourself any underwear from this wool???
Are you still sewing?? You haven't shown us any for a while!
Posted by: Gill | August 31, 2011 at 07:19 PM
I bought some of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's wool (well not his exactly...his sheep!)when I made a pilgrimage to his farm shop in Axminster. Dare I say it too is on the rough side and so I made a throw, which is beautiful in the undyed colours and very warm.
Posted by: Rattling On | August 31, 2011 at 07:25 PM
What a gorgeous pattern! Too bad about those pesky little hairs, but I have to admit, you wear layers very well. I'll be eager to see if you work the same pattern with a more skin-friendly yarn.
Coraline, already? You must knit in your sleep! Can't wait.
Posted by: Jan | August 31, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Vanessa that is seriously THE cardigan. As soon as I saw it I knew that was the one I wanted to make (after I have finished current blanket and scarf duties). I wouldn't change a thing. I was a bit sad when I found out that it isn't a pattern but that doesn't mean you should feel obliged to do it. I would love it if you did but only when you are good and ready. I think you could sell it in your shop.
I love how it looks on you and it is funny how fond I am of natural sheep colours when usually I like colourful things. Goes well with that skirt and leggings doesn't it? Great photos as usual - haven't got to the seaside this year and it makes me want to go! I just like that that is how it comes off the sheep and herdwick sheep are as you say very pretty, (they have smiley faces too). The colours and textures of the pattern go together perfectly. I wouldn't care about its scratchiness as it just looks so very nice. I like the idea of buying of the sheep farmer too.
Posted by: Siobhan | August 31, 2011 at 07:54 PM
That is a seriously beautiful sweater! I just love how you made the sleeves a little bit shorter - it looks lovely with a long sleeve underneath. I guess the scratchiness is just another example of beauty before pain! ;)
Posted by: Ms Premise-Conclusion | August 31, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Well - I think the sweater LOOKS great. But your description reminds me of a couple sweaters I made from Icelandic wool a few years ago. At the time it seemed fun to have a very "natural" wool with all kinds of little weeds and twigs in it, but in the end I bet I only wore it about 3 times. Between the sticks and the hairs, it also had to be worn over several layers and that was just waaaayyyyy to uncomfortable.
Regardless - the sweater is lovely - and so are Ellie and Douglas. Thanks for the Beatrix Potter links. Fun read.
Posted by: Liz in Missouri (with Lucy) | August 31, 2011 at 08:16 PM
One day you must treat yourself and knit a cashmere cardi!
Posted by: deby | August 31, 2011 at 08:16 PM
Right... the whole thing with the little sticky white hair, that get everywhere if you forget your layers, sounds like torture, BUT... I bet your nice new cardigan is very very warm, which is really important as cold weather is only round the corner. Well, I love it - it's simple and nice in a simple way, if you know what I mean :)
Posted by: Kristina | August 31, 2011 at 08:16 PM
I was very pleasantly surprised when I saw your post tonight. Your cardigan is lovely, I really like the colour.
Posted by: Jacqueline | August 31, 2011 at 08:35 PM
It looks great but I'm wincing in sympathy at the ouchy wool - I'd be scratching within seconds!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | August 31, 2011 at 08:54 PM
Great story about the wool so perhaps it makes the prickles worth it?! I love your cardigan, it looks so comfy and wearable. x
Posted by: Em | August 31, 2011 at 08:55 PM
The yarn is a beautiful shade and your photographs on the beach display the perfect coloured setting for your newest design: I LOVE it when colours marry like that.
A also enjoyed the tale of your yarn purchase, Vanessa.
What is your knitting group like? How many of you are there? Do you go regularly? I am hoping to set up a knitting group here in Tours as a friend of mine runs a pub (yes, a pub not a bar) in the town centre.
Vanessa, I am VERY timidly and quietly informing you that I am having a giveaway which I would dearly like you to have a chance to win: I honestly think the gifts are just up your street... or should I say, garden path.
Best wishes,
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | August 31, 2011 at 09:13 PM
My husband and I are sheep farmers and I was surprised to hear about someone selling herdwick yarn as it is well known to be hard wearing but course, very good for carpets, not so good for jumpers! They are beautiful sheep and we've been talking about buying some for the kids as pets. It is a shame their wool isn't great as it is such pretty colours. The kids' other sheep are balwens (think little back welsh sheep) which is also not jumper making wool, but beautifully black.....
Posted by: Faith | August 31, 2011 at 09:13 PM
Another beauty Vanessa, you are one super duper speedy clickety clackety knitter! Wow, you churn 'em out alright ;0) It looks stunning but I must confess that you are braver than I when it comes t wearing anything that might itch/scratch/irritate/prickle me. Whenever I buy yarn I do the cheek test, if it rubs up soft against my cheek then I know I'll be able to wear it. I totally see why you love the colour and your pattern is to shed tears over. It's just sooooo beautiful. I have just finished knitting myself a cardy and I love love knitting from the top down and the cntrats of st stitch to garter is gorgeeeeoooouuuusss. I think when it's super sonically cold mid-winter you will be grateful for a few wiry white hairs (hee hee). Thank you once again for such a delightful post xox Penelope xxx
Posted by: Penelope | August 31, 2011 at 09:29 PM
ps. A pattern would be divine xox
Posted by: Penelope | August 31, 2011 at 09:30 PM
Gorgeous cardigan Vanessa, I love the shape!
A pattern would be lovely. :)
Vivienne x
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | August 31, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Hi Vanessa,
Yes, Herdwick is definitely not a soft yarn but your cardigan looks great. I'd knit one if you wrote up the pattern.
Posted by: Liz A. | August 31, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Love your Cardy... was brought up with Itchy scratchy wools so know what you mean...a whole generation didn't like home knitting becos of it.I'm knitting banana Bed socks for my partners Rest Home Residents...my idea and hopefully one they'll like..though the Blog I got pattern from said she'd knitted several for Residents where she worked and one Darling after several weeks wearing them threw them at her saying "you knitted two left feet !" She added I see shes wearing them this winter and I haven't said a thing...Love it! As always xx from NZ.
Posted by: Susan young | August 31, 2011 at 10:06 PM
You are very brave wearing a scratchy cardi.
Posted by: Ailsa | August 31, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Lovely Vanessa, and in all truth, much nicer than the stripey Annabel one. Shame the yarn is a bit scratchy, maybe it can be your proverbial "hair shirt"?! Loving that big furry ginger with his pink bean-paws.
Hen x
Posted by: Hen | August 31, 2011 at 10:50 PM
You have the loveliest of souls. I enjoy your posts and projects so very much, Vanessa. The cardigan is just beautiful.
Posted by: cathleen | August 31, 2011 at 11:11 PM
V. good cardi indeed.I have a Herdwick scarf I bought many years ago,love it,gorgeous subtle colour and texture, but yes, just a teensy bit scratchy...do you knit at warp speed?
Posted by: Kate | August 31, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Great reveal - thank you. Pity it's scratchy - but you'd never know from the photos! :) I love your style.
Posted by: Susie | August 31, 2011 at 11:48 PM
I like it a lot, shame it's itchy but layers are in.
Posted by: Lisa | September 01, 2011 at 04:55 AM
Oh I love it too, such a shame it is owie! I love what you are wearing with it too. You have been very busy.
x Sandi
Posted by: Sandi Lee | September 01, 2011 at 07:29 AM
i do love the colour Vanessa! L*O*V*E THE NATURAL WOOL...
i looked up the info- thanx for sharing...
i always enjoy your photo shoots down on the beach- such fun!
my twinny is just like you a very keen knitter, she's made a polka dot & stripy cardigan- but she said it makes her itchy/tiggly whenever she puts it on- but it looks beautiful as its egg blue, white and red!...have a lovely week x
Posted by: kazzy | September 01, 2011 at 07:41 AM
Love it Vanessa! it is just gorgeous and I would so love the patter ha ha but I'm sure many people are saying that!
You have just inspired me to go and start my very first cardigan... I got the pattern yesterday and have the yarn so I'm going to do it! Tonight!
Thank you,
love ALice XXX
Posted by: Crochet with Raymond | September 01, 2011 at 07:49 AM
It's beautiful but I know what you mean - it would be a two scarf yarn, for the itching round the neckline for me.
Posted by: Lucille | September 01, 2011 at 08:07 AM
What a lovely practical cardie shape - just right for the studio! nice and warm around the shoulders and back and shorter sleeves so you don't need to keep pushing them back when you're making/painting.
O think your Lake District prickly cardi should be called "The Tiggywinkle Cardie"
Celia
x
Posted by: Magic Cochin | September 01, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Gorgeous, gorgeous cardigan ... but would you be very offended if I admit to having paid more attention there to darling Ellie and dashing Douglas than to the knitting ;D
Posted by: Annie | September 01, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Love the cardigan, Vanessa. Great boxy shape.
Posted by: Jane | September 01, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Yes you have been busy! I love all the photos of the beach and you and the dogs....too cute. Its a lovely cardi and a beautiful colour pity about the scratchy bits. I'm looking forward to seeing your Coraline :-)
Posted by: Jenni at Baa-me Kniits | September 01, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Hi Vanessa,
I think your new cardi is lovely, mind you when you said Herdwick yarn i thought brave girl lol! But never the less it is a lovely design and it will be toasty and warm for autumn & winter. Layers are good, lol!
I`m busy with Bob Marley this am, i`m Jammin` lol! A friend gave me some more plums! I`ve made 12lbs already & i think there will be another 5lbs!. I think i`ll take a stall on Rawtenstall Market?!
Lovely post as ever, take care.
Love Carole from Rossendale xxx
Posted by: Carole | September 01, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Great pattern, but I do sympathise about the scratchiness, I hate scratchy wool! Love the way it accessorises so well with wire haired dachshunds!
Posted by: Planet Penny | September 01, 2011 at 01:01 PM
A lovely cardigan, in such a soft shade and delightful pattern...so subtle and textured. You look lovely in these pictures too...but what a shame the wool is a bit scratchy!!! I am knitting a new cardigan too, in fact I've been doing a bit of it while reading blogs (obviously not while typing comments though!) Have a lovely afternoon, Vanessa, and thank you for the knitting inspiration.
Helen x
Posted by: Helen | September 01, 2011 at 03:28 PM
The styling of your cardigan is so pretty and looks so great with what you are wearing! Hopefully all the prickly hairs will eventually work their way out and leave you in soft wooly heaven!
Posted by: Vicki K | September 01, 2011 at 04:34 PM
You are on one of my all time favourite beaches, *sigh* beautiful (if a little hairy!)cardigan. I suspect it will always keep a few guard hairs - sadly the nature of that wool, but don't let that put you off wearing it, just keep on adding a few under layers, looks too good not to have it on :)
Posted by: kate | September 01, 2011 at 11:58 PM
I just love that cardi!
Posted by: ilsa-fay | September 02, 2011 at 09:14 AM
I L.O.V.E this cardigan, Vanessa!! It´s a fabulous pattern!! I´d love if you decided share it with us! And the colour is just great! I totally agree you should knit another one, without annoying hairs... :)
Love your blog!
Posted by: Claudia | September 02, 2011 at 12:08 PM
That's a good looking cardigan and looks very practical and hardwearing too! I've yet to find a yarn that won't pill or bobble after a while. I'm also on the hunt for something soft. Too much to ask...hmmm maybe!xx
Posted by: Jess | September 02, 2011 at 03:16 PM
the most perfect cardigan ... and gorgeous photos too!
happy knitting and sewing, Vanessa! xx
Posted by: Barbara | September 02, 2011 at 09:20 PM
Oh you are a clever lady..I LOOOOVE that cardi. Get the pattern written up and get it on Ravelry (are you on Ravelry?). I promise to knit it.
Posted by: Lou | September 03, 2011 at 04:20 PM
Hi Vanessa! I just adore this cardigan and want to make similar! I enjoy always seeing your knittings and other works and of course your sweet dogs!
xxx Teje
Posted by: Teje & Nero | September 04, 2011 at 08:08 PM
What a beautiful design, lovely colour too. I once knit a cardigan in mohair and it drove me mad! Several years later - I made a lining out of fleece, now it gets worn and it is toasty warm too.
Carol xx
Posted by: Carol | September 04, 2011 at 08:14 PM
It's a great design, well done. Hopefully one day it'll be cosy warm AND itch free!
Posted by: bellabeeandme | September 05, 2011 at 04:35 PM
I was amazed to read your post today ! We went to Lake district end of June and we were staying 5 min away for her " paradise". Don't worry I got lost too going to her farm. I manage to buy a lot ( even though she had already packed to attend a wool fair ).I bought also the goat yarn , so beautiful that so far I'm only spending my time cuddling the skeins.... I loooooove your cardigan. PLEEEEEEASE !Would you do a pattern of it ? But do you have enough days in the year to wear all your knitting ? :)
Posted by: gris fleur | September 06, 2011 at 09:00 PM
What a gorgeous cardigan, I do hope you publish the pattern, I would love to make it. Niki x
Posted by: Niki Jackson | September 09, 2011 at 11:17 PM
hello. i just came across your blog through pinterest and I love it! Your words and creations are wonderful! Your dogs, are so cute! We have a wire haired blend - believe she's got terrier mixed and is solid black, with a hint of white around the mouth. I envy your environment! We have luscious green space in Atlanta, GA - but your home is dreamy....that is all. thank you!
Posted by: M. Bell-Ferguson | September 20, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Oh my gosh - your cardi is lovely. Its a similar pattern to something I'm knitting right now but I would love you to write up your pattern (no pressure then!)
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