Full Force
I've been obsessed with making a yoked cardigan for months.
And I mean obsessed: like, staring at yoked sweaters on the street obsessed, doodling endless concentric circles in book margins obsessed, losing myself in the contemplation of a lemon cross section obsessed. Posessed, maybe. I blame Adrian, mostly, who's been cranking out glorious sweaters like it's the easiest thing in the world. Jess isn't helping, either. The construction looks so clean and fresh and elegantly simple; the finished products are wonderfully detailed, but eminently wearable.
I originally wanted colorwork, maybe in the Bohus style. Then, I was thinking that I might miraculously manage to spin the pounds of natural-colored Rambouillet I've got socked away, and do some Norwegian-style colorwork. Then, I wanted to spin some lovely green Merino I've got, and do a crazy damask pattern in two-end knitting. I kept planning bigger and bigger.
Then, a brainwave, spurred by an appealing yarn - a subtle, beautifully heathered inside-of-a-scallop pinky lavender shade of Harrisville New England Shetland (an unobtrusively pretty yarn, you see, that would not compete in the patterned sections - but would not look flat and boring in the long stockinette sections, either). I knit the longest swatch known to man - nearly a full ball of yarn - settled on the motifs, and drew a little sketch, just to get an idea of where things might go.

Here's what I am thinking: a very simple, stripped-down cardigan with three-quarter sleeves and a single cable motif lying around the shoulders like a broad torc, with smaller echoing motifs at body and sleeve hems. The motif is based on a simple, often-seen border in Celtic imagery: two key-style lines wrapping in and out of each other sinuously (the horizontal orientation of the band makes it enormously tedious to work - but the result is pretty, I think). As you might have guessed, the operating principle ended up being simplicity: this final iteration is really a plain-jane garment in a sturdy, workhorse yarn, with just enough rich, delicate detail to make it a little something different.

Three days have brought me to the joining point for the sleeves. Can you tell that I'm having fun?
















Comments
Ok, I NEED to make this too!!! :-) Can't wait to see the finished product, but I love it so far.
Posted by: kelly | December 17, 2006 05:26 PM
I can't believe I've come onto your blog and fallen in love with yet another fabulous project. Can't wait for the pattern!
Posted by: Jennie | December 17, 2006 05:29 PM
I'm in love with your idea! It looks stunning I must say. Enjoy the rest of the knitting, i bet it is all done by thursday.
Posted by: nunnun | December 17, 2006 05:53 PM
Interesting, I like the concept. There are too many designs that I like, but would honestly never make for myself. Your idea intrigues me because it will be simple but not simple (does that make sense)?
Posted by: Gaile | December 17, 2006 05:54 PM
Oh that cable is so intricate and beautiful! Looking forward to seeing the finished sweater! You amaze me!
Posted by: Aimee | December 17, 2006 06:03 PM
Wow. Simply stunning. Can't wait to see it when its done. You rock.
Posted by: earthchick | December 17, 2006 06:12 PM
A treat for the eyes, as always. I'm eager to see to this sweater's knitterly progress.
Posted by: nikki | December 17, 2006 06:16 PM
I cannot wait to see your finished project!
Posted by: Daphne | December 17, 2006 06:19 PM
this is going to be one beautiful sweater... what a color; what amazing cables!
Posted by: LizKnits | December 17, 2006 06:35 PM
Actually, I love the Celtic key-style cable. Is there a pattern for that somewhere? It's so intricate and beautiful!
Posted by: Janelle | December 17, 2006 06:44 PM
Oh wow, I can't wait to see this completed. I can already tell I will be begging for a pattern! What you've shown looks gorgeous, and what a fresh idea!
Posted by: Crystal | December 17, 2006 06:48 PM
Fantastic. The larger, more open Celtic motif on the top left is ideal. Rock on with your Cardigan of Kells!
Posted by: Erin | December 17, 2006 06:51 PM
Oh Eunny!!! Your designs are just so fabulous!! I do wish you would design for some men garments!
Where do you get your shetland wool? From LYS or do you get it ordered from overseas?
Posted by: Kenny | December 17, 2006 06:54 PM
Funny, I have a yarn (Country Style DK Higlands and Islands) that's about that shade in my closet! Of course the reason it's there is probably that it contains only 15% wool, but if you make your pattern available online, I'll have to have a go at it anyway. I've got 1740 yards.
Posted by: moirae | December 17, 2006 06:57 PM
Oh please oh please say you will be writing this one up as a pattern!! I would pay big bucks for this one! Too gorgeous.
Posted by: kyrie | December 17, 2006 06:58 PM
Beautiful!!!
c'est absoluement magnifique!!!
Une admiratrice frenchie;-)
Posted by: Maribel | December 17, 2006 07:32 PM
seriously, you move so fast... i'm still hung up on the endpaper mittens! it's stunning... enjoy the fun!
Posted by: margaux | December 17, 2006 07:32 PM
Just gorgeous! Enjoy the rest of the project!
Posted by: Carin | December 17, 2006 07:42 PM
I don't think your design wheels ever stop turning, that cable pattern is awesome. Did you make up that swirling cable thing?
Posted by: April | December 17, 2006 07:48 PM
The sweater looks stunning and I look forward to the pattern. However, I'm breathlessly waiting to see your Chartes hat -now that you have given us a glimpse a few posts ago.
Posted by: sue | December 17, 2006 07:54 PM
Love your cables, especially the knotty one. SO, question: how is it knitting with the Harrisville? I used to weave with it and remember it being very rough... I was thinking to do a fair isle with Harrisville Shetland, but was unsure of the "likeability" of the non-softness...
Gorgeous work! You know, of course, that you are brilliant...
Posted by: Liz | December 17, 2006 08:37 PM
it's kismet -- this morning i found a nearby source for harrisville shetland and this evening i found your yoked cardigan WIP. i hope i get to make my own soon. :)
Posted by: rachel | December 17, 2006 08:41 PM
You are an amazing designer. Thank you so much for sharing your things, it's such an inspiration to me. :)
Posted by: Lynn | December 17, 2006 08:51 PM
As usual, I love it. The color is gorgeous and the design is simple but not boring and definitely classic enough to endure many years of wearing. Please write up the pattern.
Posted by: betzig | December 17, 2006 08:53 PM
So beautiful in its simplicity! It leaves me burning with desire.
Posted by: Bex | December 17, 2006 09:00 PM
Ohh! I really hope you plan to write this up and sell it! It is fabulous! Pretty much everything I've seen of yours is fabulous, I must say. You rock my knitting world.
Posted by: P | December 17, 2006 10:01 PM
Did you design the cables yourself ? I loved your tutorial on un-venting cables.
I can't wait to see the finished product! To be honest, of all of the upcoming books to be published by popular bloggers, i'm waiting for yours the most eagerly. No pressure though! But you do truly deserve to be published.
Posted by: soo | December 17, 2006 10:07 PM
Eunny, you are insane, but I love you for it. As usual, this is stunning and I hope you either give (i.e sell) us the pattern or it'll be in one of your books. That top - cable? - makes me swoon. Damn, I hate to be so gushy.
Posted by: valentina | December 17, 2006 11:20 PM
Wow, that looks gorgeous. I'm fascinated by the construction, and can't wait to see how it turns out.
Posted by: Jane | December 17, 2006 11:32 PM
Hey there, love the sweater. I have a question for you regarding its construction (if you have a quick moment to answer that is). It looks like you're knitting on circular needles but not in the round. This is great in my book because steeks scare the crap out of me and there would be no reason to have to cut into the front. So here is my question. Are you going to create steeks and cut sleeve openings or will you choose another method? Inquiring minds want to know! I've made several Elsbeth Lavold patterns and this cabling is very much like her lovely designs. You people who can design patterns never cease to amaze me... I'm a copier.
Posted by: heide | December 18, 2006 12:12 AM
Brilliant.
Posted by: Nadia | December 18, 2006 01:09 AM
simple
elegant
perfect
I had to blink a bunch of times and squint at my monitor. Are those horizontal cable bands? Holy schnikey, they are! I think calling them "tedious" in the working must be an understatement, but oh so worth it.
Posted by: Valerie | December 18, 2006 01:18 AM
What a beautiful color and pattern. I always get so much pleasure out of seeing your latest creation. I'm excited to see how this turns out.
Posted by: Jess | December 18, 2006 01:19 AM
Stunning. I am totally impressed by your work. Did you happen to have any professional training? Just curious if I have any chance of becoming as good as you are someday without any training :-)
Marly
Posted by: MarlyKnits | December 18, 2006 02:28 AM
I love that - especially the horizontal cable business. I'm knitting St Brigid right now and I can't get enough of that closed-loop Celtic cable. I like how yours looks, on the horizontal. It's prettier - less angular, maybe. It'll be beautiful around the shoulders.
The colour is great, too.
You sure like 3/4 sleeves, don't you?
Posted by: Shannon B | December 18, 2006 03:46 AM
"Simplicity with just enough rich, delicate detail to make it a little something different." - that's exactly how I would define all your fabulous work. This looks, once again, gorgeous. You design faster than I can knit your stuff. Endpaper mitts: check, Anemoi Mittens: just finished; Venezia Sweater: all materials are here, but this wil be a long term project as I won't be able to wear it this winter anyway. But I can't wait to start.
Posted by: julia | December 18, 2006 04:35 AM
I love this.
It's simply stunning.
Posted by: Kai | December 18, 2006 05:54 AM
You are definitely a person with obsessions: this is what makes you knit such beautiful sweaters. I understand you!
Posted by: fleur | December 18, 2006 05:58 AM
The cardigan looks absolutely wonderful! I can't wait to see the result. I love the colour you've chosen, too.
I've been drooling over your Venezia pullover in IK, and I'd love to give it a go. I can't seem to decide on the colours, though, I suppose I have to knit a few swatches and see how they turn out. The colours you've chosen are so perfect, but I don't know if they'd suit me. Will IK publish more of your patterns in future issues? I hope so, since IK is my favourite knitting mag and you are one of my favourite designers!
P.S. I feel totally triumphant, I've just finished my first fair isle glove! I hope the next one turns out ok too...
Posted by: Katarina | December 18, 2006 07:01 AM
Wow. Speed demon. It will be gorgeous of course. I am new to the knitting game. I had no idea that you can do cables on the horizontal. Fascinating.
Posted by: britt | December 18, 2006 07:12 AM
I feel totally humbled reading your blog. You are such a talented woman, and your creations are absolutely beautiful, future masterpieces. If I only had a quarter of your talent. Continue the great works.
Sue.
Posted by: Susan Hird | December 18, 2006 07:13 AM
Let me see. If I know you, then yes, you are having fun. And you're probably going to be almost finished by knitting tonight. You are coming right?
Posted by: Sarah | December 18, 2006 07:29 AM
That cardigan is going to so beautiful - as is everything you do.
I read your blog always, your blog is absolutely great. I thank you for the past year and wish to you and yours happy holidays!
Posted by: Lene | December 18, 2006 07:55 AM
That is lovely. I can't wait for your book to knit all these things you dream up!
Posted by: CarolineF | December 18, 2006 08:11 AM
How the ???? horizontal cables? I'd guess it was knit as a long strip with stitches picked up on either side, but the pics don't look like that's what you did. I'm 95% done with the endless mitts mittens, just need to finish off the fingertip decreases.
Posted by: Lillian | December 18, 2006 08:36 AM
You have made so much progress on it since I saw you! It is truly lovely. That yarn is amazing ;)
Posted by: Lolly | December 18, 2006 08:54 AM
Wow. Gorgeous. I'm definitely looking forward to watching this grow.
Posted by: Laura | December 18, 2006 08:56 AM
Well that just knocked my socks off, and I'm wearing panty hose! Usually I make my own patterns, but this one I have to buy. You, my dear, are a radiant genius!!
Posted by: roxie | December 18, 2006 09:21 AM
The curling cables are fascinating - I've never done anything like that. Obviously some more experimentation is required in the near future.
Posted by: Heather | December 18, 2006 09:28 AM
Looks gorgeous so far!
I just finished your endpaper mitts and am starting on the anemoi mittens. Thanks for the incredible patterns. I was so scared to try stranded knitting, now I think I may be addicted. :)
Posted by: laura b | December 18, 2006 09:53 AM
Very pretty - the color is subtle, but rich at the same time. Cables sideways - I can only imagine, but leave it up to you to make it fly! It looks like the finished sweater will be simple with those elegant touches that make something classic...
Posted by: stacey | December 18, 2006 10:14 AM
What a lovely design! I just love cables, and Celtic designs seem so elegant and earthy. Are you going to publish your pattern?
Posted by: Rachel | December 18, 2006 10:31 AM
I was just wondering how to make a norvegian yoke on the sweater I am currently knitting, when I found this ! This cable is absolutely beautiful, and it inspired me a lot. I hope you'll sell this pattern too. Thank you for everything you share !
Posted by: Stephanie | December 18, 2006 10:34 AM
Oh. My. Goodness.
I'm a sucker for a beautiful cable, especially a gorgeous, delicate celtic cable. Wow, I hope you list this pattern for the rest of us, because it is breathtaking! I'm looking into the yarn already!
Posted by: Amanda | December 18, 2006 10:38 AM
I have no idea how you managed to cable sideways, but wow, is that ever a nifty effect!...
Posted by: Beth S. | December 18, 2006 10:39 AM
That looks lovely. Looking forward to seeing the finished product--the 3/4 length sleeves are an unexpected & stylish touch.
Posted by: Holly | December 18, 2006 11:09 AM
Gorgeous, just gorgeous. I love the classic lines and styles that are often in your work.
Posted by: Kelli | December 18, 2006 11:50 AM
Gorgeous. I love the texture and color of the yarn and the cables are perfect.
Posted by: Stephanie | December 18, 2006 11:54 AM
You clearly don't sleep, that's the only explanation for your productivity.
Posted by: Sil | December 18, 2006 12:21 PM
I love Harrisvile yarns: the tweedy mix of colors appeals to me.
Your sweater is lovely and sweet, and your taste unerring, as usual.
I want to thank you so much for your lovely designs! I'm making the endpaper mitts in black and red for my mom (colors her request). She really wanted some fingerless gloves, but at 71, she wanted something a bit more elegant than the teenybopper styles that are out there. Your design arrived just in time, as I am the *World's Slowest Knitter*! Thanks again for your inspiring designs.
Oh, and Venezia in Interweave is dreamy, and so beautifully designed. I learn something new from you all the time. Sincere thanks, and Happy Holidays to you!
Posted by: Beth | December 18, 2006 12:23 PM
I really do love this look you have created. I have an obsession for celtic looking cables, delicate not chunky. I can't wait to see the finished product and hope there will be a way to buy the pattern....How is the book going?
Posted by: Devon | December 18, 2006 12:46 PM
The swatch is beautiful and the color is so simple but attractive. I can't wait to see the finished product. Judging from the last three days of work, I won't havet to wait long.
Posted by: craftydabbler | December 18, 2006 12:51 PM
I just read your little interview (I think it was in knit simple mag). You're every where right now, and I love it!
Can't wait for your book, too!
Posted by: rachel i. | December 18, 2006 12:57 PM
Your sketches look so elegant and pretty. I can't wait to see it finished.
Posted by: Dorothy B | December 18, 2006 01:25 PM
Exquisitely beautiful Eunny. May I reserve a copy of the pattern now!!
Thank you for your wonderful sharing and writing.
Posted by: Stephanie Coote | December 18, 2006 01:32 PM
This looks amazing. I love the combination of the flattering, feminine design and the rugged(ish) look of the yarn.
Posted by: jenna | December 18, 2006 01:35 PM
Love the way the cables twist and curl.
Posted by: Lori | December 18, 2006 01:39 PM
Holy crap! I may be picking up on your wavelength! For the last 6 months or so I've been thinking about something specific and then BAM! you pop out a pattern for it. I've been obsessing over colorwork for a few months and was thinking about working out some mittens in preparation for a yoked sweater. Maybe we're both getting it from the great knitting ether... ;)
It looks lovely by the way.
Posted by: Miriam | December 18, 2006 03:36 PM
That Celtic cabling is beautiful!
I just saw you in the Spring Knitscene - good for you!
Did you ever expect knitting would make you famous?
Posted by: Cara | December 18, 2006 03:46 PM
Wow . . . simple, stunning, beautiful. I would love to knit that!
Posted by: Cindy | December 18, 2006 04:32 PM
The cablework looks wonderful, and I love the color too. You are such a great designer.
Posted by: Sue | December 18, 2006 06:40 PM
That looks like it's going to be lovely. There have been a lot of yolked sweaters on the zimmermania blog and I have been tempted to make one as well.
Great work!
Posted by: amy | December 18, 2006 07:22 PM
Somewhere I read that you were always looking ahead to where that stitch was going; rows above... reminded me of chess. Seeing this design gave me a glimpse of what that means.
Posted by: Sally Gilbride | December 18, 2006 07:44 PM
Just stunning. You inspire me. Looking forward to seeing the finished sweater.
Posted by: Rachel Ann | December 18, 2006 08:19 PM
What I can see there sure looks gorgeous . . . there's just something about a horizontal cable! Gorgeous.
Posted by: --Deb | December 18, 2006 09:29 PM
Wow, it's already so beautiful! I already know I'm gonna want one of those!
Posted by: kristiface | December 18, 2006 10:03 PM
I am really wondering how to do a horizontal cable !
Posted by: Stephie | December 18, 2006 10:55 PM
You are an amazing knitter...I am trying to get better but I can't seem to grasp the complicated patterns like you can, do you think its possible that my parents never told me that I am retarted?
Posted by: Gina | December 18, 2006 11:19 PM
I cannot begin to tell you how fun it is to have a peak inside your design process. Creativity at its finest. And how interesting that what started as a potential fair isle project changed to something much simpler but perhaps even more beautiful. Fascinating, actually. Can't wait to see the finished product. Those cables are amazing.
Posted by: Mary | December 19, 2006 01:41 AM
That is going to look so great and with the stockinett stitch it is a wonderfully relaxing project (unless you fiddle with the cables).
Posted by: Karin | December 19, 2006 04:43 AM
I think that you win the title of Queen of the Swatch.
Posted by: E to the M | December 19, 2006 09:25 AM
Eunny, The sweater is lovely and understated, destined to be a classic.
The sleeves are being knit in the round, yes? How do you get the horizontal cabling around the bottom of the sleeve?
Posted by: Colette | December 19, 2006 10:14 AM
There's a part of my brain that's filled with stuff like silly names for the dog and how to program remote controls and you seem to be using that section to knit patterns that look horizontal, vertically. You're killing me!
Posted by: Adrian | December 19, 2006 10:26 AM
Now that is very cool & different...instead of colorwork, you are using the cables instead. I love it...very unique!
Posted by: Eilene | December 19, 2006 07:15 PM
Gorgeous!! But how in the name of pete did you knit that horizontal cable?!!??
Care to elaborate on that little tidbit, pretty pretty please??
Posted by: Sonja | December 26, 2006 06:01 PM
Oh wow, I love this. Please please make this pattern available somewhere! Simplicity and wearability are the main characteristics of a classic knit and this has both. Can't wait to see it finished.
Posted by: Terri | December 28, 2006 11:15 PM
If you don't write this up as a full pattern, PLEASE at least give us a chart for the horizontal cable. It's lovely, and my attempts at something similar, with nearly horizontal Celtic knot lines always fail miserably.
Posted by: Melissa | December 29, 2006 02:39 PM
this sweater looks like it's going to be another beautiful addition to your already awesome portfolio :) I LOVE the swirly cable!!! I second (or 88th or whatever) everyone's hope that you'll publish the pattern when you're done :) Happy Holidays!!
Posted by: Meg | December 30, 2006 03:47 PM
I just wanted to let you knowt that I just picked up the 2pring 2007 issue of Knitscene. How cool for you! Congrats!
Posted by: knittingnurse | December 31, 2006 10:28 PM
I just wanted to let you knowt that I just picked up the 2pring 2007 issue of Knitscene. How cool for you! Congrats!
Posted by: knittingnurse | December 31, 2006 10:28 PM
ok, so is there a pattern? or is the cable just knitted seperatley and attached?
Posted by: Glen | January 6, 2007 01:33 AM
Are you still there..? :)
Posted by: Outi | January 12, 2007 12:49 PM
This is fantastic, and I can't wait till you tell us when and where we can get the final pattern. My fingers are itching already!
Posted by: Terrie | January 12, 2007 03:36 PM
Wonderful, and I love using HIghland Shetland for well, everything. Is this a web pattern, book pattern, or just for you?
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 14, 2007 06:24 PM
just yesterday, a couple of ladies were wondering how to cable horizontally.Is there a book or a web site that teaches you how to knit in that manner. I would be very thankful if you could reply with some information. Thanks a lot for your time. Joy
Posted by: Joy Fortune | January 15, 2007 01:56 PM
Hey, Eunny!This is brilliant! I love your work.
Posted by: miriam | January 22, 2007 10:40 AM
I still can't figure out how the cables are horizontal on a vertical ground. I thought I'd gotten it, but then one swoop made it look impossible.
So what's the secret?
Posted by: jade | February 21, 2007 02:36 AM
Wow..that's such a beautiful color. Well, at least you get to the swatch making part. I haven't gotten past the doodle on pages part. In the meantime I have a lot of interesting ideas that look pretty in theory..LOL!
Posted by: Teresa | February 21, 2007 12:07 PM
Hey there, I decided to delurk to not only say that wow, you are incredible, inspiring, and just so freaking talented, but also to wish you the best with your knitting-recovery! I hope everything is okay, this lonnnnng absence kinda makes me worried, here. I hope you can come back soon to inspire more of us to try challenging techniques. You are my (and many others) inspiration- come back soon, okay?!?!?
Posted by: Amber | February 25, 2007 07:13 PM
Oh where, oh where has our dear Eunny gone?
Oh where, oh where can she be?
We sure miss her...and her delightful designs.
Posted by: Dr. Judy | March 1, 2007 10:47 AM