I bought Rowan Book Ten probably 12-15 years ago, in hopes of making this sweater, as well as a couple others. So far, I've not made any of them. How typical is that?
The yarn this pattern calls for is Rowan Wool/Cotton in 40 gram balls knit up at a gauge of 26 stitches x 34 rows over 10 cms using size US 3 needles. Currently, Wool/Cotton comes in 50 gram balls with a recommended gauge of 22-24 stitches x 30-32 rows over a 10 cm swatch using US 5 or 6 needles. I've tried getting the 26 stitch gauge with current Wool/Cotton but haven't been able to. They must have changed it quite a bit. I looked and looked for a suitable substitute. 4-ply yarns are too fine. I've tried a couple of sportweight yarns, unsuccessfully. The best looking possiblity so far is Louet Gems Opal 100% superwash merino. I just need to actually get a skein of it in my hands and give it a try.
The pattern only comes in one size and could probably use a little bit of adjusting, maybe a little bit of shaping, shortening, and skipping the pockets that show through the front so blatantly.
This is probably the first pattern book that I ever bought and it is still my favorite (it now goes for high prices on eBay). I've leafed through it so many times it's starting to get worn. There are quotes from the children's book series, Swallows and Amazons, by Arthur Ransome, and the models are portraying the children from the books. I've been slowly collecting the series when I come across them for future reading with the boys. The books were written in the 1930's. It is the British series that came before the other British series and has its own following throughout the world, too, by children and adults alike.
So, now that I've got the orange scarf (Airy Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts in Rowan Kidsilk Haze, color #596Marmalade), I just need to make the sweater, maybe not even in brown, but probably. Yes, I'm aware that even if I have the sweater and the scarf, it still won't make me into any Kate Moss. Wouldn't want to be, anyways. Maybe if I had the quiver full of arrows and a bow, too? I'll need the orange toque soon for being in the woods during hunting season.
After so many years, there's obviously no rush to knit this. I just would like to make sure I use the right yarn when I finally do.
