Earlier in June (or maybe it was May? Time is so elastic.) I was totally taken by a post I saw on Instagram from Tanis Gray, putting out the call for test knitters. I loved the sweater at first sight, and couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I volunteered.
I really loved the red and pink combo of the picture I saw on Instagram. I didn’t stray from that inspiration in picking my yarn. I successfully swatched with Blue Moon Fiber Arts Targhee Worsted I already had on hand, then ordered enough for the sweater in the Cranberry Bogged and Peepee Weepkins.
This was my first colorwork yoke sweater! It was so much fun! Once you’re through the chart and you split for the sleeves, this project just flies.
Even the stay on sleeve island was short! I thought that might take longer, but worsted yarn combined with sorta-shorter sleeves (because the yoke takes up part of the sleeves) makes for quick knitting.
The time frame to complete this test knit was reasonable and generous, in my opinion. I did put the sweater down a few times because it was so warm on my lap. I finished in just under four weeks. No modifications were made as I followed the pattern exactly. I made the medium size and there is some positive ease. It is incredible warm and I know I will get a lot of use out of this sweater.
I do have to weave in ends and give it a bath/block it to even out the colorwork. There is plenty of time between now and the first chance I’ll get to wear it – maybe in October? November?
I’m so pleased with this project and it makes me feel a lot more confident about knitting a colorwork yoke sweater like this. This was also a great project to help me sweep out that pandemic brain fog feeling for a bit.
The Strawberry Season Pullover pattern was very well written and I would not hesitate to knit another design by Tanis!
Gorgeous! Nicely done!