I have finally finished the colourwork jumper.
The design includes beets from Kate Davies‘ Beet Heid tam. It’s a variation on her Neep Heid pattern. I love her designs, though to be honest I can’t picture myself personally wearing many of them (which is just not the same question). And, I tend to knit simple. I am a long time reader of her blog: she is a lovely writer too. But this application of her design is all my own strange idea, with the jumper knit–or at least I tried to knit–to measurements from one of the recipient’s hoodies. I see on Ravelry that one person has been moved to knit a neep cardigan, and there are a massive number of tams too, neep-, beet-, acorn- and radish-heids among them.
I’ve knit this jumper for my fairy goddess son, who is a true admirer of gardening, vegetables in general and beetroots very much included. Those who are curious about the dyeing can find a bit of a summary here.
He is a lover of colours too, and when asked his favourite colour in my hearing at any time, has responded ‘the rainbow!’ with a huge grin. I knit this jumper from the fleece of a sheep called Viola and all these colours are from plants with the exception of the deep beet colour and the pink, from cochineal. I admit this rainbow is not exactly classic in colour and the woad colours are very pale in the zone of blue and indigo!
I loved having so many colours to play with but took advice from one of my knitting companions in Wellington and kept the neck and shoulders simple.
I dealt with the maths of the pattern repeat with some simple patterning under the sleeves.
And now that it’s finished, I can give in to the urge to cast on all the small projects!
Local & Bespoke 
What I enjoy looking at isn’t nearly the same as what I’d wear at all times. I haven’t really found a use for my plant dyed yarns (probably because of the yarns), so it’s nice to see some knit up. The beets are really cute.
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It’s amazing! The blend of design motifs, subtle colors, and sweater pattern creates such a rich and pleasing whole.
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That is so kind of you! Thanks so much.
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quite fabulous – lucky recipient of so much talent and love and time.
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Thanks a bunch for your kind compliment! Isn’t it true that the love and time are at the heart of it?
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Wow!! Subtle yet bright and fun. This is truly an art piece and labour of love. The hours of work lovingly knitted into a wonderful gift. What a whirlwind of creativity you are.
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What a truly rich compliment, Keryn! Thanks so much.
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What a great jumper and a lucky recipient! Congratulations so well done. I also love her patterns but even in cold wintry Canberra there are only so many jumpers that I can wear. 😁
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It’s true there are only so many jumpers a person can wear–except when they keep growing, which is where smaller friends come into it! Thanks for your kind congratulations.
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I love it!! He’s one lucky little guy to be receiving this amazing jumper…… I can imagine his joy upon seeing it, and wearing it.
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I feel so lucky to have him in my life. He is so dear to me and such a fine appreciator of handmade treasure!
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this is a lovely sweater!
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Thanks so much, Velma!
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Wow!! This is adorable, congratulations on the beautiful work spinning, dyeing, and knitting!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you so much, Helen! I’m very happy with it!
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Love!
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🙂
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Mary, this is an absolute triumph, I LOVE it!!!!!!! 🙂
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Thanks, Lucy! I love getting out the other side of all my trepidations to the finished garment. 🙂
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Fantastic! I would not have thought to do that but you did and so that spurs me on! I want one just like it 🙂
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Thank you! I hope you manage to make one!
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