Friday is pattern reveal day, and I have a brand new sweater design to show you! I’m a huge fan of the arched Selbu motifs which are most often traditionally used on gloves and mittens and you’ll see the long-standing influence of these motifs on my design work in hats like Richard the Roundhead, or Hat 101. But why hats and why not a sweater? Interlocking colourwork arches certainly have a great allover continuity (which I discovered when designing Ursula and Strathendrick). Anyway, in a monochrome mood a month or so ago, I felt a strong yen to design a two-tone sweater featuring allover Selbu arches.
As things ended up, I actually designed two arch-y sweaters, but have just the first to show to you today – Orchle (this is a Scots word, meaning arch).
Orchle is a super-comfortable, oversized sweater, that’s worked in the round, from the bottom up.
This design is about the deep colourwork panel that’s worked around the lower body.
But there’s also some careful shaping around the upper body to make the sweater fit really comfortably: the back neck is raised, the shoulder “seam” faces slightly forwards, and the shoulders are shaped into a gentle, natural slope with short rows.
The fit is roomy, but not at all bulky: sitting nicely under a jacket, for example.
I find this a really comfortable shape that’s wonderful for winter layering (there’s a vest and baselayer upholstering this outfit, before the shirt and sweater!)
Orchle is fitted by selecting the size above your hip circumference: I’m wearing my sweater with 12 inches positive ease at the hip and would suggest a fit with between 6 and 14 inches ease.
As I did with Hat 101, I’ve combined the Squall shade of Buachaille with the Crowdie shade of Schiehallion. Both are natural fleece shades, spun to exactly the same weight and yardage, but they have quite a different woolly composition and character (Schiehallion features lots of Corriedale, while Buachaille is mostly Shetland). I found this combination really satisfying, and I’ve definitely been enjoying working with my two sheepy yarns, and seeing how well they work together!
Temperatures were well below freezing when we shot these photos at first light.
There was no wind, and a little warmth in the pale sun.
It was a truly beautiful day for a walk – which we took advantage of immediately after these shots were taken!
Whatever the weather is like where you are, I hope you have a chance to get outside today.
Happy walking, and happy knitting, everyone!
We now have Orchle kits available and the pattern is available to download from the KDD shop or Ravelry.
KDD & Co 
that Selbu pattern is my absolute favourite…..I did make the hat and loved it. I have made selbu mittens with it and now here it is again…..OH and OH! LOVE it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just Magnifique
LikeLike
This is really beautiful, and the styling is great, too. An instant classic! If only I could get the four or five projects on my needles done…
LikeLike
Oh this is very pleasing indeed. I have not long finished my Seavaiger and am now knitting one up with a few adaptations for a single coloured textured stitch I am fond of. From first look it seems that Orchle is similar in shape and construction to Seavaiger, is that right?
LikeLike
yes – it’s a similar shape – though Orchle has more positive ease and there’s less underarm shaping. The upper body shaping / construction is along the same lines as Seavaiger.
LikeLike
Gorgeous pattern and photos! Also, I love that oversized eyelet lace shirt/tunic/dress! Is it a recent purchase (and where) or a vintage piece?
LikeLike
It’s an oversized broderie anglais shirt that has been in my wardrobe for about a decade!
LikeLike
Lovely idea of using this motif for an oversized sweater.
It just came to my mind how well the combination of these natural shades fits to January with its pale light and the nature dominated by grey, brown and white.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Kate, I never stop being astonished by how clever you are! Just beautiful!
LikeLike
Beautiful 😍
LikeLike
A beautiful shape and those lovely soft monochrome shades. One of the more mundane ways that I am in awe of you, Kate, is your speed of knitting. I usually estimate 3-4 ms for a milarrochy knit and 2-3 for a Buachaille. And it’s not just that I’m only knitting for an hour or so in the evenings; I’m an objectively slooooww knitter and I don’t get faster over time. The only benefit of this is that it acts as a brake on my desire to knit every single thing you make.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m honestly not that fast, Mhairi (you should see Mel knit) – but it’s what I do, and I spend a LOT of time doing it. I was definitely on a roll over Christmas and did very little but knit, walk and eat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kate, for this reminder that speed isn’t necessary to be a good and creative knitter. I love the thought of a week or two of “knit, walk, eat” (a book title?!), but even at that I’m learning (a little late) that a more meditative approach to getting the project off the needles leaves my hands happier and makes the whole project more enjoyable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Knit, walk, and eat – that should be my game plan, with a beer thrown in here and there for hydration!
The sweater is gorgeous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful garment, and, as always, sublime photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful design. I am more of a cardigan knitter but this, with the shaping, could have me knitting jumpers again. Thanks Kate.
LikeLike
Oh Kate, it’s so beautiful !!! how can I resist ….. ?
Happy New Year and thanks being there (here) lighting up our days with such beautiful creations.
LikeLike