I’ve always loved a new twist on an old favorite, variations on a theme, new riffs on an old song. The Martha Cardigan remains one of my favorite designs, so I thought it was time for a new twist. Enter Martha, the pullover!
What do I love?
Back in 2016 when I was designing Martha, I really took my time with the stitch motif that runs around the hem and cuffs. I knitted and re-knitted, editing and eliminating elements that I thought were distracting. Finally, I settled on a simple textured diamond falling from a string of purl stitches and highlighted by a tiny bobble. Love that part.
I think Martha has the perfect V-neck. It’s not too low or too wide. It’s just the right shape, so I didn’t want to detract with any fussy edging. Instead I chose a simple rolled edge that is worked from stitches picked up at the neck edge. I’m doing exactly that with the Martha Pullover.
What don’t I love?
Now that I live almost all the time in the South, I don’t get as much wear out of my Martha Cardigan as I used to. Though it certainly is a go-to wardrobe staple between November and March, Martha spends all the other months locked in a Zip-Lock bag with a cedar block. Rowan Felted Tweed is a dreamy yarn that is slightly felted as the name suggests. It also has a tender halo and delicate little flecks of color but it is an extremely warm sweater.
As a cardigan, I like that Martha is slightly cropped. I think it lends itself to layering whether the under garment is an ordinary T-shirt or a flowy top. For a pullover, though, I think it’s too short so I’m adding length to Martha, the pullover. Also, I’m shortening the yoke depth because Martha is no longer specifically an outer layer.
What’s next?
Well, I’m sticking with the Rowan line. Instead of the wool/alpaca blend of Felted Tweed, I’m moving to the lighter Rowan Cotton Cashmere. Both are DK weight on paper but produce a much different gauge. Designing Martha P. means a whole new set of maths, a new grade and a fresh new tech edit. I’ve swatched and begun the first sample which I’m enjoying immensely! For a cotton, this yarn is very light and airy. It has quite a low cashmere content, though, so it really does feel like knitting cotton. There is no stretch and the yarn is very quiet in the hand.
I’ve got a big project coming up which means I’ll likely need to sideline Martha before she’s done. It won’t be long before I’ll be putting out a Beta call for Martha, so get your DK thinking caps on!
ps…This Great Blue practically landed on me as I walked to Mass on the bayou this morning! He’s at least 4′ tall and has a huge wingspan. I thought he’d come to carry me off!
