Oa 2

—

by

Kate Davies Designs
in ,

Morning! As we are well ahead of ourselves with the preparation of the Inspired by Islay book, Tom and I took yesterday afternoon off and went out to Glen Etive. On the way I got Tom to stop above the Bridge of Orchy, so I could take some photos of his Oa Hoody — I thought you might like to see this design in a different size and colourway.

_y9c9096-copy

Tom’s Oa is knitted in shades Squall and Highland Coo, with the latter being used for contrast throughout (there’s no third contrast shade as in my version).

_y9c9143-copy

He’s wearing it in the fourth size, with three inches of positive ease at the chest, and layers underneath.

_y9c9148-copy

I love my Oa for walking in – it is an extremely cosy outdoor sweater. Tom also finds his both warm and windproof.

_y9c9107-copy

But you have to put the hood up to keep a biting wind from out of your ears!

_y9c9134-copy

Here’s more detail of the raglan shaping.

_y9c9112-copy

The decreases are worked on each side of the marker in the contrast shade in the opposite direction to most raglans. This shift in direction makes for the neatest posible shaping line, and minimises any disruption to the pattern.

killeyan4tom-copy

This is one of my favourite designs from the Islay collection, and it has been making me very happy to see everyone’s projects springing up on Ravelry. JoshMoll recently knitted a beautiful version using Holst Garn in place of Buachaille, and I love jdonze’s short-sleeved modification. With Tom’s hoody, the only modification was to knit the colourwork in two shades rather than three, but I do think that the rich autumnal palette of Squall and Coo makes it look like quite a different garment.

_y9c9123-copy

I have no doubt that you will have noticed the transformative effect of the beard on Tom’s appearance and am personally quite happy to say that its days are numbered. The beard will disappear after the Bressay Up Helly Aa at the end of this month, though without the ceremonial burning that accompanies the end of the Jarl Squad Galley. To close, here are some photographs that Tom shot in Glen Etive yesterday.

Stob a Ghlais Choire, above the River Etive. . . .

stob-a-ghlais-choire-and-river-etive1-copy

And Buachaille Etive Mòr, the mighty peak after which we named our yarn!

buachaille-etive-mor-copy

Discover more from

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Comments

64 responses to “Oa 2”

  1. Alice F Avatar
    Alice F

    Hi I’ve just about finished my oa hoody, however having cut the steek I found I needed way more stitches than the suggested 148 for the edging.
    The finished hood seems way too big and very bulky especially round the back neck.
    Can you clarify the pattern point 8 (work neck stripe, work hood) which says work till hood measures 28cm.
    Is that 28cm measuring from below or above the neck stripe? If I’ve made the hood too tall that may be where I’ve gone wrong.
    Thanks

    Reply
    1. KDD Avatar
      KDD

      Hi Alice, happy to help – can you email us at info@katedaviesdesigns.com

      Reply
  2. Rebecca Pfeiffer Avatar
    Rebecca Pfeiffer

    I love the Oa hoodie. I recently ordered Buachaille to knit one up, and am thinking that I may use the blue colorway from Carraig Fhada on the pattern. I’m excited to see if it will work, or if it will be too busy and take away from the Oa pattern. So many great projects in the Islay collection – thanks, Kate!

    Reply
  3. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    amazing.
    I’ll husbands
    model handsome.
    Regards

    Reply
  4. Claudia Avatar
    Claudia

    Have to say, I find the beard quite debonair! He’s such a handsome guy and makes a great model. Beautiful sweater as well, of course!

    Reply
  5. mariposaknits Avatar
    mariposaknits

    Love the design and colors! Especially like the added feature of the hood.

    Reply
  6. patricia Avatar
    patricia

    Your Knit wear design work is very good it’s using winter seasons and cold places. you are done a grate job. your working skills is very good i was attracted your design patterns. the colour is very good. i’m using this type of knit wears. thanks for sharing your design. the red sweater is good and nice photography.

    Reply
  7. Hivetender Avatar
    Hivetender

    Sizzle in my Shazizzle! Tom looking…oh so handsome….and the sweater…just when I thought I couldn’t like it more….pant, pant!

    Reply
  8. Harriet Avatar
    Harriet

    Oh gosh, stunning colour way. Tend to like a bit of stubble through to full on beard on a man. Sorry to make you blush Tom but suits you Sir. It’s a grim weather day today, just perfect for casting on Oa:)

    Reply
  9. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    Oh dear…I’m afraid I also have to weigh in in favour of the beard (sorry Kate!) and that hoody is simply amazing. xx

    Reply
  10. suzannne Avatar
    suzannne

    ….Leave the beard! Nice colour and very manly scots-y!
    The jumper is lovely as well!

    Reply
  11. Deb Cronin Avatar
    Deb Cronin

    I don’t knit, but I follow your work because (well, because it’s gorgeous!, but also….) it inspires me to be better at my own work. This is one of the most beautiful garments I’ve ever seen!

    Reply
  12. Beverley Avatar
    Beverley

    This blog post has prompted me to reconsider knitting The Oa again. I swatched but had concerns about being able to adjust the top of the sleeves for thin arms but the warmth factor described is something I really need and any layers underneath may fill the sleeves without me ruining the continuity of the design. I can’t stop thinking about it!

    Reply
  13. Jackie Avatar
    Jackie

    Interesting. The Oa hoody is actually my favourite of the Inspired collection, but I may never have looked at it in these colours. They suit Tom (even with the beard), but I much prefer the other colourway, in fact the colours to me were much of its charm, although I am not totally sure about the shape of the hood. I love Highland Coos just not the colour Highland Coo! With Kate on the beard though, it must go!! Very useful to see 2 colourways though if only for inspiration (though not those colours, maybe the charcoally colour – and I do like the contrast in the original colourway. In fact the original colourway is one of the very few times I would possibly not change the colours, a very rare occurrence. They work very well together).

    Reply
  14. knitigatingcircumstances Avatar
    knitigatingcircumstances

    This is just fantastic! And thanks so much for including a photo with the hood up.

    Reply
  15. Rosey Avatar
    Rosey

    It is a lovely sweater, with superb shaping, and Tom looks wonderful in it.

    Reply
  16. alixpearson Avatar
    alixpearson

    I rather like Tom’s beard. And having a beard creates so many pleasant grooming opportunities, which in turn, creates so many gift opportunities. But if you don’t care of it, of course its days are numbered. Love that colourway, most inspiring.

    Reply
  17. Carolyn McClain Avatar
    Carolyn McClain

    Striking sweater in that color combination and how handsome Tom is. I vote to keep the beard!!!!!

    Reply
  18. alicia grayson Avatar
    alicia grayson

    Hi Kate,
    What is the “Bressay Up Helly Aa”? And I don’t understand what “though without the ceremonial burning that accompanies the end of the Jarl Squad Galley” means either. I’m a Canadian with Scottish ancestry so would love to know more!

    Reply
    1. Kate Davies Avatar
      Kate Davies

      Hi Alicia, “Up Helly Aa” is a winter fire festival held in Shetland. All the areas and islands in Shetland hold such a festival, and Tom is participating in the one in Bressay (the island opposite Lerwick). This year our friend, Chris Dyer (who featured in the Shetland Oo) book is the Bressay “jarl” or chief, and Tom has been invited to join his “squad.” During the festivities, a galley is burnt.

      Reply
      1. alicia grayson Avatar
        alicia grayson

        Thanks Kate!

        Reply
  19. claudia scalise Avatar
    claudia scalise

    As usual, amazing body shelter through beautiful design…

    love it!

    Reply
  20. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    What a beautiful sweater! What a handsome man!

    Reply
  21. Tereza Avatar
    Tereza

    Stunning! I liked the original colours as well but not like this. This is what finally made me join the club!

    Reply
  22. Susan B. Avatar
    Susan B.

    Handsome Tom modeling his beautifully knit warm sweater in the fabulous mountains of enchanting Scotland. Thanks very much for sharing the mighty Buachaille Etive Mòr vistas. Hope that Nessi does not adopt this sweater!

    Reply
  23. Sue Stickler Avatar
    Sue Stickler

    Hi Kate, cannot wait to receive my Islay book. Hope you are going to enter the FSB Worldpay awards. There is a family business category which would suit your joint ventures with Tom now working alongside you x

    Reply
  24. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    I love both versions and the color ways are perfect for each of you. And I swear that Tom gets more handsome with every photo. He is quite an excellent model — he handsome, rugged, and athletic in stature, but he also remains natural looking (vs posed) in his model shots and has excellent posture without appearing stiff.
    What, no knitterly attire for your other handsome man in this collection — a collar, iCord leash or sweater for Bruce? :-)

    Reply
  25. Kathy Bernett in Michigan USA Avatar
    Kathy Bernett in Michigan USA

    Tom looks great in Oa2, especially very pirate-y with the hood up. Hope you will be taking pictures of Tom all dressed up for the Bressay Up Helly Aa.

    Reply
  26. renee Avatar
    renee

    Kate, your patterns and yarns are beautiful and Tom’s photos are stunning! I love your blog and I thank you so much for sharing your amazing talents!

    Reply
  27. Barbara Mack Avatar
    Barbara Mack

    I used this colour scheme to make a pair of Baffies that I love. I was thinking of knitting the Oa in these shades and am so glad to see it before I decide. Thanks for the photo of Tom wearing the hoodie! This winter in British Columbia we are having huge snowfalls so I better get knitting!

    Reply
  28. Martha Steinbrueck Avatar
    Martha Steinbrueck

    Love the hoodie knitted with two colors, will be knitting this for sure! Unlike most of the responses to Tom’s beard I say shave it off, I think he looks older with it. I personally prefer to snuggle up to a clean shaven face! No offense to Tom intended, he’s a lovely man regardless of what he does with his beard! I’m actually from Ft. William and now live in the States, thank you for sharing the photos of locations I hold very dear. Beautiful!

    Reply
  29. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    So beautiful! All of it!

    Reply
  30. Sue Williams/Highfield Crafts Avatar
    Sue Williams/Highfield Crafts

    Those colours are lovely together. My difficulty with this club is that I want to knit them all (!) at once. Thank you, Kate, for being such an inspiration in so many ways. And I think the beard suits Tom too. Stunning photos.

    Reply
  31. streepie Avatar
    streepie

    I’d keep the beard as well – I love ginger beards that are turning grey (my husband sports one as well). As for the hoody – I love the 2-colour version. Unfortunately, my husband does not like hoodies, and the sizes are too large for my 8yo (who loves hoodies)

    Reply
  32. ellegeemakes Avatar
    ellegeemakes

    What a beautiful sweater and what a gorgeous place! I say thumbs up on the beard!

    Reply
  33. smonakey Avatar
    smonakey

    It’s amazing how different a sweater looks in a different colorway! I really Tom’s color combo version & will totally steal it for my Oa. While I’m not generally a fan of facial hair on men, I think Tom looks rather dashing in his beard! I agree with the “pirate” comments – he’s quite swoon-worthy in that combo of beard & sweater! Perhaps it’s time for us to start a Tom Fan Club?

    Reply
  34. Mandy Avatar
    Mandy

    Wow! Beautifully designed sweater- and very handsome man!

    Reply
  35. Max Avatar
    Max

    I agree that this colour scheme makes it look like a different pattern. Although I liked this in the first colourway I saw, I could not imagine wearing it. Now I see it differently.

    Tom’s beard seems to go well with this hoody, but if he shaves it off it will be easier to coordinate with other outfits. Nice to see you out and about!

    Reply
  36. thetinfoilhatsociety Avatar
    thetinfoilhatsociety

    Oh, I’m sorry to see the beard go! I thought it was quite a handsome addition!

    I really really like this version of the hoodie. I didn’t even realize it was the same pattern. I may have to get the book just so I can knit this for my sons (and one for me).

    Reply
  37. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Very rich colours make the design look so different! Love Tom’s beard, makes him (a redhead, who knew!) look different too.

    Reply
  38. catmum Avatar
    catmum

    Love the hoodie, and I do like Tom’s beard as well. My British grandmother used to laugh at Grandpa’s trimmed “face music” and say “kissed and brushed off at the same time!”

    Reply
  39. sarah Avatar
    sarah

    Love, love LOVE this sweater!

    Reply
  40. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    Love the hoodie and the beard!, it suits Tom.

    Reply
  41. Rene Walkin Avatar
    Rene Walkin

    It looks great in that colour way as well. A really lovely pattern for both sexes-so happy I signed up for the club!

    Reply
  42. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    Stunning sweater in those colors! I thought it a new design, it seems so different. I don’t usually wear hoodies, but I am sorely tempted.

    Reply
  43. Claire Hawkins Avatar
    Claire Hawkins

    I love that hoody in those shades. My only regret is that I don’t have anyone to knit it for as my brother won’t wear hoodies. However my 12 year old son will. How difficult do you think it would be to resize the pattern down slightly for a tall 12 year old?

    Tom looks really nice in it, and I like his beard, although, like you, I prefer a clean shaven look. Less itchy when you kiss them as well.

    Reply
  44. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    I love this sweater Kate. And I’d keep that beard.

    Reply
  45. knit swing Avatar
    knit swing

    ce pull est magnifique, des couleurs aux motifs et la forme. la capuche le rend sûrement très confortable.

    Reply
  46. Penny Avatar
    Penny

    Loving the raglan – the art of joyful construction!

    Reply
  47. jocolumbine Avatar
    jocolumbine

    Love the sweater – very tempted to give it a shot (despite biggest colour work project to date being a set of mittens…) actually rather like Tom’s beard and agree with earlier poster about it being a wee bit piratical. Just a thought, and not entirely serious, but if we women were told by our significant others to lose our hairstyle or some other part of our appearance I don’t think that would be permissible. Can you imagine?

    Reply
  48. Gloria JB Avatar
    Gloria JB

    The two-colour design is very striking, especially with the star/sun in the midst of the squares. Terrific.

    Reply
  49. Susan Hobkirk Avatar
    Susan Hobkirk

    I love this pattern but I couldn’t wear wool so high up as I have virtually no neck. Do you think it would be possible to put an opening in at the front with perhaps a short zip? Would it affect how the hood was attached?

    Reply
  50. Hanna Avatar
    Hanna

    These colours might be even more stunning than the original – if that were possible. I adore these two beautiful man-appropriate designs (Oa and Ardmore) – thank you for brightening up February with them!

    Reply
  51. mrsgrimsdale Avatar
    mrsgrimsdale

    I think Tom looks nice with a beard (but I live with a beardy – he only shaved it off once in 25 years – horrible!). Nice to see the details of the raglan on the Oa as they dont show up so well on white. I’ve reversed Kate’s colours and it’s looking good, but progressing slowly.

    Reply
  52. justthreadtwiddling Avatar
    justthreadtwiddling

    The sweater and the beard fit the man. My Tom has had a beard for 45 years!

    Reply
  53. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    Your man is quite attractive, isn’t he! Or maybe is the hoody….

    Reply
  54. hawthorn-livelovecraft Avatar
    hawthorn-livelovecraft

    Yes to the beard (she says coz she lives with a similar beard) and yes to the Oa 2 (thinks that the beard she lives with would like one for his birthday!)

    Reply
  55. Karen Dow Avatar
    Karen Dow

    Absolutely love that version of the sweater those colours have such depth and richness. New to the blog and your designs but have been knitting for 50 odd years. Excited by new techniques and projects. Photos are amazing and thrilling for an exiled Scot in Yorkshire

    Reply
  56. Deborah Keep Avatar
    Deborah Keep

    Tom very much the “Pirate” look NICE :)

    Reply
  57. Betty Tyler Avatar
    Betty Tyler

    Keep the beard! Adds to his chiseled good looks.

    Reply
  58. Irene Avatar
    Irene

    Wow, great photo’s. We try to come to Scotland at least once a year and my husband always says: ‘i haven’t been in Scotland if we don’t go Glen Coe and Glen Etive’ and i agree. It is such an impressive and beautiful place to be. Oh and i love the sweater too.. lol. Just kidding.. love the sweater.

    Reply
  59. Kathryn Gearheard Avatar
    Kathryn Gearheard

    Oh la la! Is it the sweater, the scenery or the man that puts me in a swoon?

    Reply
  60. OneFrenchWord Avatar
    OneFrenchWord

    Oh Kate, he looks lovely with a beard… what a shame! But I love the variation in colourway, I’ll knit one like that when I’ve finished Dunyvaig,which I’m doing with lopi.

    Reply
  61. itwasjudith Avatar
    itwasjudith

    A nice colour scheme in this interpretation of the sweater, it looks great.
    Shame for the beard going, it actually seem to suit him rather well..
    Well done for being ahead of your schedule, you both must be proud of yourself!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Susan Hobkirk Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *