A very important question. If you were making this cardigan
with this yarn color
for Austin, TX, where 90F is pleasantly warm, which of these yarn bases would you go for?
I know they are calling is Sandbar, but this reads fall to me. Cinnamon coffee and pumpkin pie and warm on a chilly day. <– wishful thinking, there are very few chilly days in Austin during our very short fall.
This is my big reward to myself for finishing The Inheritance and the yarn is pricy, so I don’t want to stumble. The pattern calls for sport, but I’m thinking maybe DK weight.
What do you think?
I would use in DK weight carried double
This pattern looks beautiful! is it crochet or knitting?
For warm weather – go for cotton,as much cotton as possible. From someone who lives in Israel, where winter isn’t really a thing – cotton base is the best 😉😘
Monocacy- Boucle for the win for those cozy fall vibes. As a fanatical yarn collector ( not hoarder) I think you could get gauge with a boucle even though it is fingering weight. Or size down and use the worsted boucle. Anyway you go it will be lovely. Thanks for introducing me to a new yarn company and most of all for your stories!
I agree. Monocracy.
I’m seconding the monocracy. I think it will be beautiful.
Yes, Monocacy is beautiful and appears to have more white than the others, which would work well with your pattern. Also, the name is cool.
I don’t knit so am no help here, but all I read was “finished The Inheritance” 😀 Thank you!
Same. Pretty cardigan tho! Love the pattern. It reads fall to me too.
I’m a basic crochet-er, so not good enough to offer yarn opinions. One of my favorite yarns I bought was a silk blend, but I knew I wouldn’t do it justice so I gave it to a friend’s daughter (she’s a really good knitter and it was her favorite colors).
Congrats on finishing it and I’m sure the sweater will be beautiful!
I got a silk bend also for my daughter and it was lovely.
I think the lighter the base the less it reads fall.
you definitely deserve a reward for finishing Inheritance. I can’t wait to pre order.
That’s the key bit I caught too.
Severn or Chesapeake. No idea what DK means but a silk (or bamboo) base sounds nice.
DK = double knit. It’s a specific “weight” (thickness class) of yarn, just below worsted and above sport.
I’d choose the cotton-linen or a silk blend if they have one. The linen or silk will give you the beautiful drape you need in the pattern photo. Tencel drapes nicely too, but I’ve heard it grows a lot when blocked. It’s not a fiber I would choose without some small-item-testing or meticulous swatching before making a whole sweater. I wouldn’t pick 100% cotton for a DK because cotton gets heavy and is inelastic. In saying that, I realize cotton-linen is not particularly elastic either, but I still like the feel of knitting it and the feel of the finished fabric better.
Oh my, that Severn looks buttery and soft. I just want to squish it!
And for the pattern, yeah, DK might hold the shape a bit better.
Now pardon me, I need to go drool over yarn I absolutely positively will not be adding to my stash (until my birthday next month!).
+1 on Severn
👍
Severin. It will be very shiny and may be a little slippery to work with, so if you are not likely to be wanting to work with that, I’d suggest one of the cottons. By the same measure, the linen blend may be a little rough on your hands, but would wear beautifully.
also I think linen and cotten blend would do really well in the Austin heat
+1
I’m a crocheted gal so not a lot of help.
I grew up in the Southwest desert and would want a sport or lighter-weight of a cotton linen blend.
That way it’s soft and light and you can toss it in a tote or backpack without it taking up a lot of room.
It was always a shock to the system to go from 110 outside to 75 degrees of AC indoors and lightweight pullovers and sweaters are great for this. They are also good for evenings out after a hot day in the mountains or at sea level during early summer in the PNW.
That pattern is lovely.
Haha, just realized the pattern is crochet go with the lighter weight and a linen blend. I might have to get this pattern myself. Perfect for summer in the library. Definitely a blend or it will stretch. I have a tunic length sweater of a cotton-silk I made that stetched to almost dress length.
Agreed, even if it was knitted.
+1 on Severn.
+1 on Severn
I agree on severn – I think dk would be a bit too heavy in Austin. It would be beautiful if shiny!
Severn is my vote too. Beautiful pattern.
DK weighted all the wool looks lovely
I, too, am a basic crocheter, but do a bunch of cross stitch so am used to subtle color changes. (Think Theresa Wenzler.) I’d go for Sandy Point, as there’s enough color variation to show the color, but light enough base that the pattern won’t get lost. I like the feel of wool, but if I’m going to show off my skill, I want others to know about it from more than arm’s length. Seems like fall to me, too, and congrats on finishing.
+1 on Sandy Point sport, unless you want the DK for a chunkier look, then if Harbor is available, the linen in the blend would be really nice.
I love the TW patterns. I’ve managed to finish the Fruit Bellpull, the Castle (with the dragon in metallics), and am now working on the Unicorn (black 25 ct Lugana over 1–I never said I was sane.) 😉
Yay for rewarding your self for all the hard work!!
And yay that it’s finished, now we just have to all wait patiently for the snippets, thank you for giving us a reason to look forward to Mondays and the extra snippet
I immensely enjoy every single thing you write, your stories are a VR experience for my brain.
But sorry, i have no knitting advice all I know about it is, yarn is pretty and knitting is hard….
for that pattern, I’d go for the Monocasy or the Sand Point. And I’d keep it light.
I prefer the whiter bases over the tan, but that is just me.
Thank you for the serial, it is so fun and so hard to wait for the next installment! But I love it. thank you
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
Wow, I must fall under the part of the population that is yarn color blind, they all look the same to me.
I thought it was just me!
Me too, it must be the feel of the yarn that differs.
Not a knitter here- I am still working on a scarf I started 8 years ago! So I also was looking at each thinking how are the colors different?!? Then I clicked on the link about yarn bases and realized it is different types of yarn. Looks like you can choose a type of yarn then then get it dyed. I will just continue to be amazed at HA’s creativity and wait fluffily for all the goodies to be released.
Aaaaaaaah, if you wait long enough someone in the horde will have the answer.
Lol, I agree with both of your comments 😂
Different kinds fibers take different dyes and absorb at different rates. Even with a skilled hand dyer, there is usually some color variation between the same colorway done on different base yarns. The various sheens and color of the base yarn also impacts the final outcome.
Most dyers buy their base yarns and don’t have it custom made or hand spun.
The color differences are usually more visible in person, especially if you are shopping at the dyer’s trade show booth with the same colorway and can compare them. It might look different in hanks vs skeins, too. Some dyers replicate the colorway look on various fibers with similar amounts (or little) bleed while others embrace the way each fiber tends to work with each dye. People who can look at that photo and visualize the end result probably have experience working with different colorways and fibers.
– Used to work in a yarn store & squished much yarn 😉
+1
I think you’re right about the DK weight. It would probably hold the shape better for that open pattern. The DK limits your base choices. I would go with Chesapeake, because who doesn’t love organic cotton? I find a cot-lin like the Harbor to be a little scratchy for my taste. And mercerized cotton, like Atlantic, feels like I’m crocheting or knitting with string.
+1 for all of this! I think the Chesapeake would have those lovely pops of vibrant falls colours against the creamy.
But I’m personally a sucker for all those colours, fall colours are year-round imo lol😁
I think Kent or Monocracy, seems to me that its the reddish browns that read Fall.
Monicacy – the heavier cream base would let the other colors look spread throughout instead of pooled, I think.
And congrats on finishing! BDH is excited!
I would go with Chesapeake. If going with variegated I prefer depth of color with richer tones for fall
I also like the lighter colors. I crochet a bit and quilt a lot so I can’t really help you. I just completed a Halloween lap quilt. The local quilt shop has the fall lines out and also a bit of Christmas! If you want something made for fall or winter then now is the time to get it started. I’m looking forward to The Inheritance! Please keep cool and safe in this hot weather.
but if its not about the color, but the yarn texture, I think Atlantic seems appropriate to the lacy pattern plus the weather there.
I was confused because when I clicked on the picture to take a closer look at the yarn, it took me to the website, where there are different yarn bases and none of them are called Sandbar.
I do crochet, but I don’t know all the words and names for stuff as I don’t use patterns. but now I have seen all the pretty yarns I would like to buy. unsee! unsee!
anacostia – pretty- congratulations
I’d go with Harbor since it’s a blend. I’m not a fan of 100% cotton in larger garments because of the weight. Sandbar is a gorgeous colorway choice!
I’d go for the Atlantic base, as it’s machine washable and unlikely to shrink. Second choice, Harbor as I like the linen element but it’s got less longevity and some risk of shrinkage which I don’t think would be ideal for that very pretty cardigan!
Harbor would be my choice, to get some extra drape and the linen cotton blend would be good for a hot climate.
GORGEOUS yarn brx
I would consider sport since you don’t get much cool weather. If you go with DK or something heavier, you might not be able to wear it often. Check the WPI or gauge on the Sport to see how it matches with the gauge on the pattern. Some DK is more light worsted and might be way too heavy. The other option is going with a cotton Dk to make it lighter for the cooler (but not cold) weather in Austin.
But I love the sweater and think it’s a great color for the fall! Congrats!
I would knit a test swatch of that pattern and see how it turns out.
Personally I would be concerned about the high color contrast in the yarn combined with the openwork in the pattern. But that’s me. I can 100%guarantee that if I tried it, it would look like I spilled coffee on my beautiful cream colored sweater.
OTOH my all time favorite sweater (that I still have) was knit with black sport weight, and navy, grey and brown lace weight all combined as one yarn without a pattern or a test swatch, so if you feel it, then go for it.
something about Severn calls out to me. I have a hard time picking yarn unless I physically see it.
I’m sure you’ll make the perfect choice for you!
I think DK would be fine. Don’t worry about the fall-ish color. It will be great all the same. And DK is lighter anyway, so you’re good. Also, remember that sweaters and shawls are very useful in air-conditioned spaces, even when it’s like a furnace outside.
I would probably use Anacostia. The pattern is a lacy loose knit and if you use a 100% cotton yarn without anything to stabilize it, it will grow. It would be lovely, but 100% cotton probably wouldn’t be a good idea.
You could always order a skein of a couple of the different bases, knit a swatch and then hang it with a little bit of weight to see how much it grows.
So one of those is the name of the town where I live and a nearby river. The rest seem to pertain to other waterways, parks and islands in MD/DC/VA
Sandy Point State Park is on the Chesapeake Bay near the Bay bridge which goes from Annapolis to Kent Island.
An expansion to the collection could include Magothy, Patapsco, Patuxent and St. Michaels.
Well, given your temperatures, I would go with the cotton linen or the cotton linen stencil, if you want more drape. However, none of these fibers has elasticity so they are harder on your hands, so the vegan sock in heavy fingering might be the best option if you can get the gauge.
I would do Chesapeake in DK. I kind of always swap in DK for sport and Chesapeake looks somehow cleaner and more balanced.
Sorry, I just saw that the pattern is crochet, so it would be a little more stable. I’d still lean towards a blended yarn. If I knit with 100% cotton, my hands hurt. I don’t know if that’s a problem for you or not.
100% cotton yarns usually also hurt the tiny muscles in my hands and arms to knit. A highly variegated color will make that lace pattern more difficult to see, so you might want a yarn with less/no halo. Love the idea of a book finishing yarn self present!
I was like lalala lovely yarn, don’t really know anything about yarn….
Wait what??? you finished inheritance!!! Sqeeeeeeee!!! take my money 💰 🤑
Chesapeake or the Severn. I would go with a DK as well.
Sandy point, Kent, or monocacy
Definitely the Monocacy- lightly colored enough for warm days, with surprising shimmers of color to echo shifting autumn colors.
The Severn looks super soft. Or the Atlantic looks super smooth.
I know little about yarn but the Sandy Point looks to have a lot more of the cream with some warmer colors, but if you want more color then Severn reminds me of all the colors of a calico cat and would be my pick.
I would go for the Harbor Cotton/Linen DK. it would drape beautifully but hold it’s shape a bit better than straight cotton.
Are they really different colors? They all look pretty! (I don’t know how to really answer but glad you are getting a reward in!!!)
Monocacy is my choice
Congratulations on finishing the Inheritance. I am so enjoying every installment and will pre-order as soon as it’s available.
DK in the Kent, cotton and lycel blend tobkeep it’s shape but still be drapey.
also, congratulations on finishing Inheritance!! can’t wait to read it. The updates are a current highlight of my weeks ❤️
Gorgeous yarn and pattern! However, do you think the pretty pattern will get lost in the multi-color yarn?
My knitting skills are very modest so my opinion carries little weight but I’d go for Wicomico because is such a wonderful name. Whatever you choose please show us the finished sweater, the colors are very enticing. As is The Inheritance!
I think that would be a gorgeous cardigan! Just turn the ac really far down 😂😂
Were it my choices, ‘Chesapeake’, intrigues me most, with ‘Severn’ the 2nd. These 2 hint closest to the spices & tones you sought, in my mind.
I would go with Monocacy. Love the organic cotton. But the Severn would be very nice as well.
Love the patten! Thanks for sharing However, no, no, no! Don’t need more yarn.
Congratulations! And stay cool!
I would go for the Harbor organic cotton-linen blend in DK weight I think. Mainly because I like cotton-linen better than cotton
Since the names are different type of yarn fiber, I would go with Chesapeake or Atlantic to stay in cotton land.
But if you like tencel I would go with Severn.
Severn dk
Anacostia, it a more subtle blend.
I made this cardigan and LOVE it!! No opinion on yarn choice but to share ..I used sport weight cotton and love it over anything in summer. My one opinion to share is…antique buttons!! I found some amazing Czechloslavakian glass buttons and they really stand out and elevate the sweater:)
Good luck!
It it’s ok with the Powers That Be would you post a picture?
blog comments no longer support picture attachments 🙂
Atlantic, chesapeake, harbor, sandy point, and wicomico stood out to me based on the descriptions of care and characteristics. Severn (shrinkage), monocacy (bumpiness), and anacostia seemed like definite noes to me.
I did not base my choices on color since there would probably be more variation between the hanks of a single yarn type anyway. I did not factor in price either.
Oops I meant *stretchiness as the reason against Severn
This is a trick question. They are all the same to me
Sandy point or Kent.
How soon can we get the rest of The Inheritance? Ts finished, so tomorrow right?? 🤣
😝 Horde planning at its best
Lol !!!
I would take the Harbor. The color patterns look so close on my phone it falls to texture for me. Harbor looks like a nice compromise between soft and easy to work with.
Thank you for the book.
Kent reminds me of caramel and praline ice cream, one of my favorites, so it gets my vote. I would go with the sock weight because I adore a lightweight summer sweater.
Sport and DK weights are so similar, I don’t think it would matter too much. Best thing is to swatch when you do get the yarn to see if you need to change hook sizes. (I crochet on the tighter side so I always have to change sizes from what a pattern calls for, especially with garments).
**going by pictures and descriptions only as I haven’t used this brand of yarn**
The Sandy Point is very nice (I like the twist it has) and seems like it would look great with this pattern. Also the Atlantic if you would like a little sheen to the cardigan.
I agree. But I haven’t crocheted in over 40 years. My opinion should have no value.
I know nothing about wool etc but I can’t wait to see the finished product!
First, Congratulations on finishing The inheritance.
Second, well, I like all of the yarn colors shown.
Since all of the yarn is beautiful this might be a case of you printing a picture, closing your eyes and letting your fingers choose blindly.
since tomorrow is my birthday my opinion should count double Severn is my choice
It’s beautiful! I know that here in central Tx, we don’t cool off until about mid-December so it’s perfect!
I like Sandy point, neutral with a touch of the fall in it
Love that color! I vote for DK. I have three projects going, none are DK and everyday I bemoan that fact. I keep gazing longingly at the skeins of DK I have set aside for another project after these. (I’ve been forcing myself to branch out and trying to achieve that “flow state” with weights other than DK on my needles. It may be a lost cause as I’m barely making progress on these other projects utilizing skeins of fingering, sport and extra bulky.) Gah! I know DK leads me to peace and contentment! Yet, I think I will torture myself for a few more weeks of poor, unsatisfying, and awkward progress as penance for the wishful-thinking-expenditures on expensive yarn that does not bring me joy when worked and then pack all evidence into my yarn oubliette (aka giant bin on the top shelf of my superfluous back closet). Then, I will go back to DK. I am never breaking up with you again, DK.
I think you’re right about the DK. That being said, only Altantic, Chesapeake, and Harbor are available in DK weight. The notice says they are out of Chesapeake DK for dyed to order until July.
Considering where you live I would pick the Harbor DK because of the linen in the blend.
I agree. The Harbor DK will be comfy in the heat and should work up nicely for that pattern.
Chesapeake.
I totally get a DK weight. I’m old enuf to know that tiny needle tips make for eye and hand strain LOL
I know nothing about knitting but that sweater is SO CUTE! The colors read Fall to me as well but I defer to the experts here. Enjoy every minute of the project, you deserve all the beautiful yarns❤️
Go with what draws you — no matter the season. Happy to hear that the issue with the hands has resolved enough for you to resume knitting/crochet projects. Am looking forward to purchasing Inheritance. Happy Tuesday!
I would go with as thin a yarn as you can get. Yes it will take you longer but the drape should be lovely and when I see a thin yarn garmet it seems to be worn more lightly.
I would go with the Harbor, a cotton/linen blend would have a lovely drape without stretching out of shape. It would also allow you to wear it more often in the warmer weather (mid autumn to mid spring) without wilting from the heat.
Now that I have moved from Minnesota to North Carolina I’m using more lighter weight yarn and knitting my heavier yarns for relatives who live in Colorado and other places that have snow.
So I would stick to sport weight yarn and I would choose cooler tones like blues, light grays, maybe sagey greens?
Just my 2 cents. Browns (oranges, golds) are fall to me too.
It would be Kent for me. The cooler and slightly finer and glossy looking garn would go best for hot weather in my honest opinion.
I’d use the Wicomico. I think it’ll drape better and give a nice subtle shine while not adding a lot of weight. also thanks for this site.
Not wanting to be negative, but a variegated yarn like that isn’t the best choice for a lace pattern. The varying colours will detract from / obscure all the hard work you are putting in on the lace pattern. A relatively solid colour without such strong contrast would show off your lace texture much better.
Wicomico, Sandy Point or Harbor. personally I love the idea of linen or linen blend for a change of pace 🤔
They’re very pretty though!
I would not go DK if they’re calling for Sport on a lacy pattern if you want the pattern to still stay visible and delicate. If anything I might go lighter, especially in Austin. I was fond of using bamboo and cotton when I was down there so I could wear anything I made more than once a year.
Severn has the more shiniest colors.
definitely fall vibes as a skein. I wonder if the colors blend and mute a bit when used giving a sandbar look. the sweater looks heavy enough for a fall cardigan versus a light cardigan too. idk anything about yarn weight though so a light oneight help. but HOPRAY for inheritance being done I can’t wait to finish it!
Sport and DK are very similar weight wise. I use them interchangeably. I agree with you on the sandbar colors. It is very pretty though and would make the sweater very feminine. I would love to see a picture of it when it is finished!
I have no experience with yarns or knitting/crochet work, so I am of no help. I Just wanted to comment that I knew the company was in Maryland just from the yarn names. I hope whatever you pick makes you very happy (and that you post a photo of the completed project).
I like Severn. It’s a little brighter, which imo makes it a bit more wearable for any time of year. If, for example, you travel to Washington State, where it’s 50s at night and 70 during the day if it’s sunny. Perfect cardigan weather.
Ooo, the sweater is so pretty!
I’m not a knitter, but that Severn has the cinnamon/fall colors if you want to play that up.
Definitely NOT Anacosta; the colors look muddled to me
If I had to choose, Severn strikes me as the most vivid and silky looking… but honestly they all gorgeous!
I think it depends on what you are going for as a base. I would go for more muted and pale, like the Anacosta. But if you want darker, the Severn is a standout dark, and the Harbor is a muted dark. I think Severn might possibly clash with your body thread, that they are too similar. But I am only one opinion.
Nothing heavier than dk. Most of the posted projects on Ravelry used baby yarn.
Most hand dyed yarn is fingering wt, too thin.
I would pick either a cotton/wool or cotton viscose blend in a dk weight.
If you do choose a hand dyed yarn you need to ALTERNATE skeins ea row to avoid weird color pooling.
Have fun!
Anacostia. So the inheritance is done … ( sharpens cutlery in anticipation of devouring)
Have you considered a 2 ply lace weight. In the uk you can get it from the shetland islands. Some fabulous colours. Pretty sure they supply the us. The very finest (cobweb) traditionally will create a shawl you can pass through a wedding ring.
I don’t know anything about yarn bases but I like Chesapeake – it looks like driftwood.
It’s hot now so I’d go for fingering or DK. I love the pattern! Currently working on a cotton star top for my neice.
Monocacy or Kent
Lovely pattern and yarn combination! I wouldn’t go for a straight cotton or tencel, because it sounds like either of those would grow (in size) after you finished it. The linen blend sounds very intriguing, it might be harder to work with, but the linen would soften up beautifully when you block and wear it. The color contrast would be a little less because of the linen as well, which would make me go for it a little more. So that would be the harbor.
please let us know what you pick.
Colorwise I would go for a more monochromatic color like Anacostia or Monocacy and then let the Sandbar provide all the pops of wonderful color.
I know very little about yarn, but the Monocacy is superb for overnight paddling trips. Seeing that name brought back some absolutely wonderful summertime memories. My kids loved going to the annual jousting festivals at Lily Pons.
The Anacostia has come back from some pretty bad pollution problems over the past few decades. During my decade at UMCP (70s-80s) I once saw an eel swimming upstream in it, over a shallow gravel bed. After leaving College Park, it flows through the National Arboretum, and those water gardens are very worth a visit if you’re ever in the area.
Some days I really miss Maryland.
p.s. Note that it’s Terrapin Fiberworks, for the state reptile and UMCP mascot.
The pattern calls for sport weight yarn. DK and sport weight are pretty close, so you should be able to substitute. Just check your gauge carefully. I would not do any of the 100% cotton bases, as they will be quite heavy. I personally like the Severn base or the Wicomico base. They will both drape beautifully and be nice and light.
I’m a weaver so I can’t comment much. I love all of the colors.
One question to consider is whether you want any blue. Several varieties seem to have a small amount, though I struggled on getting more information.
Enjoy the project and thank you both for Inheritance!
Atlantic mercerized – it’s recommended on their site for projects with silky drape. Regardless, it’s going to be lovely!
from my point of view this cardigan needs a yarn with balanced colours, not big colour changes, otherwise the pattern will not be seen. Just my thoughts. Both are beautiful, pattern abd yarn. But if they mix well I honestly can’t say
I live in Dallas, so I am familiar with long summers and short falls. I am not familiar with this yarn but I would go with the lightest yarn. Is one of them silk? Perhaps that.
I would choose something that you can wear during a slighly chilly fall or spring evening over a thin shirt that was warm enough during the day, but *just* short of warm enough during evening or very early morning. Or when sitting in a room where the Aircon is set too low.
Not sure what that translates to in yarn bases, as I’m utterly unfamiliar with the english/american terms. Something with linen and or cotton in terms of fiber would probably be a good shout.
For warm weather, I’d personally go with the cotton/linen blend. It’s usually the coolest. Since they offer it in different weights, go with the lightest that will let you meet gauge.
inheritance is finished😲
I would pick the Atlantic Pima cotton. The longer fiber makes it easy to work with but breathable.
Cotton can get very heavy when made into a large garment. From what I remember, the Hill Country isn’t as humid as other parts of Texas, but it can still feel really muggy. My recommendation would be the DK Harbor, since the cotton is blended with linen. If you go with a full cotton, I would move down to the pattern’s recommended sport weight and choose Sandy Point. I look forward to seeing the finished product!
Love the colors but the pattern will be lost with too much variance.
Going with a heavier weight will make the pattern more bulky losing the flowy feel that the sweater has.
Want to see the finished product!
Don’t know a thing about yarn, but I love the color and the pattern and I’d go for whatever would be lightest but still hold the shape.
PS. Love the new artwork for Inheritance! And congrats on finishing!
Congratulations, you’ve definitely earned all the rewards! If this is for Summer, try the Anacostia colorway since it is lighter and less distracting from the stitch pattern. Have fun!
DK yarn would be great for your area. I love the pattern but I would have to fine a little less expensive yarn. Be sure to post pictures when you’re finished