Glentrekker

Posted on Posted in projects

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I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this cardi. Months ago, we sent Jen Hagan skeins of various Bare Naked Wools to swatch and explore. Breakfast Blend DK immediately struck her fancy.

She told me, “I knew right away I wanted to swatch some cables with it. The wool/alpaca blend is perfect for cables. Alpaca for softness and wool for definition.” After spending some time swatching and sending me sneak peeks, she finalized the design and chose Bakery Rye. She said, “It really is as scrumptious as rye – my favorite bread.”

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As she knit through the design she would release progress pics on Instagram making the knitting world just drool over the photos.

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Even the wrong side was gorgeous! And then, two months ago she posted this pic

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with the caption, “She’s all done, buttons and all! Now to finish writing the pattern and get some testers.” I wasn’t the only one dying to see the finished piece! Test knitters were clamoring for a chance to work on this design.

Throughout this process Jen and I kept in touch and she shed some light on the design.

How did your design come to fruition?

The yarn often tells me what to do. It’s the boss of me sometimes. The Glentrekker came to me as a perfect use of this lovely yarn. The structure of the cardigan took some twists and turns (haha), but I finally decided to let it be simple. The garment structure is pretty traditional.

How is BB DK different than other yarns you’ve designed with?

I love that this is American-made fiber and I am working with another small business in this project. Teamwork! Also, the yarn is of exquisite quality. I don’t remember encountering one single knot and I was able to work felted joins for the entire sweater, leaving few ends to weave when I was done. The fabric washed and blocked out gorgeously. The whole project was a delight.

I am pleased to introduce Glentrekker by Jen Hagan, a limited edition Bare Naked Wools kit.

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The allover cable detail is strategically placed in this raglan design for intrigue and flatter, complete with a shawl collar it is a super comfy design to wear this fall and even into cold winter days with a scarf or cowl.

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Plus, Jen also designed a hat as a great accompanying piece, an idea inspired by her hero Elizabeth Zimmerman. “In her book The Opinionated Knitter, the instructions for her Leaflet #6 Circular Aran Sweater state ‘I shall not ask you to make the hated swatch, but a useful cap, which will familiarize you with the patterns, and give you a perfect gauge.’ What an excellent idea!”

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Kits are available in five colors of Breakfast Blend DK here and the first 30 kit customers get the sweater and hat patterns for FREE! Grab one here.

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Need buttons for your cardi? We have shell and glass options here.

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And, in case you haven’t heard, we now stock ChiaoGoo needles in our online store! Shop sizes here.

Join us for the After Party next weekend in New York and you can see these pieces in person! They will be on display Oct 19-21 in the popup store. Want to make sure you snag a kit during the After Party? Order your kit online today, make a note on your order that you want to pick it up in New York, and we will pack it in the van!

I’m super pleased to announce that Jen will also be hosting a KAL in the Bare Naked Wools ravelry group. You can choose the Glentrekker cardi or hat, or both! Cast on begins November 1 and runs through February 1. Join the fun here.

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And HAPPY I LOVE YARN DAY to everyone! Go ahead and give some a yarn a squeeze and cast something new on. Enjoy!

5 thoughts on “Glentrekker

  1. That is a stunning sweater! I just love those cables and the hat. You look so cute in that last picture Erica!! That yarn is just lovely and squishy!

  2. Wow, what a beautiful sweater! I wish it didn’t take me so long to knit. Slowest.knitter.ever!

  3. This is so beautiful. Even on the pictures you convince me that yarn and pattern are “married” in the perfect way!!! Thanks for sharing all this with us.

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