Jamie's jumper (or 50 shades of beige)
In the summer of 2023, my sister and I embarked on an exciting course focused on natural dyeing using woodland plants. We had a wonderful time exploring the art of dyeing and creating beautiful colors. Upon my return, I was delighted to find a bucket of washed dock roots waiting for me, which my husband Jamie had dug up from our garden while we were away. Traditionally, Jamie hasn't been too keen on my colorful knitting designs for jumpers, but after witnessing the soft, earthy hues produced from my dyeing experiments with some lovely Bluefaced Leicester Aran yarn, he finally agreed to let me knit him a pullover. This relaxed fit garment is unique and functional, knitted in the round from the bottom up. It starts with a stylish broken rib at the hem, leading up to a subtle waffle pattern that adds a touch of texture while providing a comfy fit up to the underarms. The sleeves are knitted separately from the cuffs upwards, ensuring a perfect fit and ease of movement, before being joined with the body for a seamless look. The design features simple yet elegant twist and cable patterns that decorate the upper sleeves and body, providing a sophisticated finish to this pullover. For the yoke, I've incorporated raglan shaping combined with a small saddle, which not only enhances the garment's structure but also adds to its overall aesthetic appeal. Finally, a wide crew neck is designed for extra comfort, allowing for easy layering with a shirt underneath for cooler days. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy addition to your wardrobe or a thoughtful knit gift, this natural-dyed pullover pattern is perfect. Dive into your next knitting project with this beautiful pattern, showcasing both skill and creativity, and embrace the tranquil autumnal colors inspired by nature. Plus, it's a great opportunity to experiment with natural dyeing techniques using the ingredients from your own garden.