I used custom-dyed yarn based on my fall capsule wardrobe to knit a go-with-everything sweater
The excruciating wait for sweater weather is over! As a sweater-knitting machine of Nordic origins nearing pre-menopause, I could not be happier to see the mercury drop below 15. I can finally adorn the most unique project I have ever worked on: a turtleneck jumper designed to go with EVERYTHING in my fall capsule wardrobe.
A year ago or so, I came up to my trusted yarn colourist with an idea (aka, assignment):
"I'll send you photos of my fall capsule wardrobe (roughly 15 items). I want to knit a turtleneck jumper that will go with every single item in it. Could you create a unique colorway for that garment? You have carte blanche. A little speckling would be nice."
"Challenge accepted," said my talented (and dare I say, ballsy) yarn colourist!
First, the pattern
For this one-of-a-kind project, I chose a classic among the classics: Tin Can Knits' Flax, a unisex top-down crew-neck raglan jumper with a garter stitch panel on each sleeve. If you are about to knit your very first sweater, this gem is a fantastic choice. Since I had already knitted 5 of these babies in the past (you're welcome, husband, niece, nephew, and godson!), I decided to add a slim garter stitch panel on each side of the body, as well as a ribbed turtleneck, in order to showcase the colourway under a fall jacket. The pattern calls for heavy worsted yarn, and I picked super wash merino.
Second, the fall capsule wardrobe
I selected 15 "ride or die" items that support my hectic fall schedule. My occupation requires me to be physically present at work every day and to look smart, polished, and professional at all times. Here are the items I submitted to my yarn colourist:
Bags | Footwear | Jackets | Skirts | Pants |
Vintage taupe hobo bag | Dark brown Chelsea boots | Dark olive field jacket | Vintage navy wool mini skirt | Dark wash straight-legged jeans |
Navy doctor satchel | Navy Chelsea boots | Navy trench | Navy pleated midi skirt | Grey straight-legged jeans |
Gray commuting backpack | Chocolate brown riding boots | Navy puffer vest | Pink pleated midi skirt | Brown wool pleated slacks |
Third, the curveball
Of course, there had to be something else to consider. I should mention that I am also a trained Personal Colour Analyst and, therefore, a firm believer in the importance of choosing colours that enhance one's natural beauty instead of working against it. In addition to "go" with all the items in my fall capsule wardrobe, the colour way created should also complement my "Light Summer" colouring. Of course, I provided my yarn colourist with my seasonal palette booklet for reference.
The result
When I first saw the colour way, I was completely blown away. I knew it would make a stunning garment. Neutral enough to pair with navy, brown, grey, and taupe, yet not a neutral itself, the colour way features the most delicate nuances of lavender, smoke, indigo, blush, and cocoa. A light sprinkle of ink blue and chocolate speckles adds even more depth and interest. I used the most speckled skeins for the upper part of the garment.
In conclusion
Would I repeat the experience again: absolutely. Next time, however, I would most likely pick a cotton-merino blend or any other yarn suitable for a summer garment. Stay tuned.
Should you wish to create a custom colour way of your very own, please reach out here!
Oh my goodness, I love this sweater! I have done numerous Flax sweaters for others but not for myself because I prefer turtlenecks. Can you give more instructions on the neck depth and on the side garter panels? And I'm not entirely sure what a 'heavy worsted' is, or why you say that next time you would do a cotton-merino blend.