My default design-mode always turns towards sweaters. . . .and it seems that of late my default knitting-mode has turned that way too.
Since the start of this year, I’ve actually knitted seven sweaters. This is the last of that number.
Since swatching a particular sequence of stripes a few weeks ago, I was gripped with the desire to knit a sweater in which the sequence featured.
There are five shades of Schiehallion used here: Faded Overalls, Daunder, Crowdie, Eileen and Rhubarb. Somehow I find this particular palette, this particular 2 row sequence, pleasing, calming and rather nostalgia-inducing. I can’t quite explain why. Perhaps it reminds me of a childhood t-shirt, or of the late 1970s more generally . . . I don’t know.
I really enjoy the shape and comfortable fit of Orchle, and thought a stripey one might be just the ticket. I love the look of the allover stripes, and this is certainly a sweater that’s very easy to wear.
Since the weather has turned so lovely and spring-like, I’ve been particularly enjoying layering my Strorchle over a dress and leggings.
I think it’s interesting how colours and motifs make you see a design differently. In terms of general pattern and dimensions, Strorchle is essentially the same sweater as the original Orchle, but the look and feel of the two is rather different!
Perhaps the simple stripes make the sweater feel more easy or more casual? I don’t know.
I love both sweaters in any case, but Strorchle somehow feels just right for early Spring.
Anyway, if you feel similarly torn between Strorchle and Orchle, if you buy either pattern on Ravelry, the other will be automatically added to your library. So, perhaps if you, like me, get the yen, and are on a sweater-knitting roll, you can go on to knit them both. And if you find you are as fond of this stripe sequence as I am, we also have Strorchle kits in the shop, in all sizes.
I’ve really enjoyed my new-year roll of seven Schiehallion sweaters, but think that it has now reached an end, or perhaps just a natural hiatus, as I’m working on two other projects. One of these projects involves Milarrochy Tweed – post-Brexit supplies of which have been eagerly awaited (those of you on our notification list will be happy to know that it shouldn’t be too long now until we are able to replenish our out-of-stock shades), and the other is a collaboration with some former colleagues in eighteenth-century studies, and a brilliant British company whose yarns I’ve always loved. More of both projects very shortly!
It feels good, in any case, to look forward to new projects, new patterns, new publications, as the seasons change. I heard the joyful sound of my first Meadow Pipit of the year while we were out taking these photos. . .
. . . Spring is definitely on the way!
KDD & Co 
Not only the colors, but the size of the stripes, perfectly proportioned to the pullover, really elevate this design. A gem!
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Oh my Lord! yes this is so reminiscent of my childhood of brown and eggyolk yellow stripy t-shirts and dark blue leather clogs. That and the brown leather buckled t-bar shoes has me reeling.
I love it, of course.
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Dear Kate,
I am afraid I have to register a formal complaint regarding your total lack of respect for our works-in-progress. How do you expect us to stay faithful and finish them when you keep producing such fantastic and tantalising new sweaters? How? You even knitted a beautiful new Oa before I even finished the original, and now I want to make a new one as well as the old one. I am relieved to read that some kind of hiatus in in sight, as there is still hope for those of us whose fingers are not as quick as yours, but now Storchle is wriggling its way to the forefront….
Kidding aside, congrats and thanks –
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SEVEN sweaters since the new year?!!! My goodness, your needles must be smoking! I started Fleckit in January and have only just finished it… I’m a slow knitter, a plodder. 😁
I do like the stripe sequence in Strorchle.
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Great stripe sequence. Thanks Kate for the bonus pattern. Now for the decision of what to knit next.
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Love it! Yes, it is the childhood t-shirt. When I was small, at the end of the 1940s beginning of the 1950s, t-shirts didn’t exist in England. My father, who was in the navy, used to bring them back from America. Everyone else wore ‘blouses’ and short little skirts in all weathers! We had American t-shirts and dungarees. And they were these stripey colours. What memories this has brought to the surface!
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So beautiful the way this one catches the light – a lovely soft feel to it.
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That is a lovely sweater – as yours all are.
You say you don’t know what inspired the colour sequence – maybe it was the hill behind you in the shots. All the different colours seem to be on that somewhere.
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Your choice of stripe colors and sequences are such beautiful neutrals…so warm and calming to the nerves.
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I love your stripes sequence and that looks such a comfortable sweater, really lovely with your dress and leggings. My favourite t-shirt has stripes in a pink, a khaki, a mid blue, a turquoise and a white and I find it such a satisfying combination.
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