All done! The ribbed yoke sweater is ready for a ride to the AFSC basement in San Francisco, followed by a long journey to Afghanistan. Although I had a hard time getting started, once I got to the yoke, which is the interesting part of this design, I was on a roll, enjoying the way the ribbing meandered all the way to the reverse stockinette collar.
To recap, the pattern is a great oldie, "Ribbing Is No Yoke", a design by Charlotte Quiggle that was published in one of the last excellent issues of "Knitter's", #60, Fall, 2000. I made a few modifications: I switched from a shirt-tail bottom to simple 2/2 ribbing which matches the ribbed yoke. I adjusted the stitch number to a smaller size with the help of Sweater Wizard. Studying the ribbing, I figured out that a multiple of 20 stitches was necessary for the patterning of the yoke, so I simply executed a few decreases on the last round before the ribbing started.
The pattern is nicely detailed; there are a bunch of short rows across the shoulders and back in order to raise the back neck for a better fit. I also like the collar which is created by more increases at the top of the yoke, followed by several rounds in reverse stockinette. I'll have to remember this one for future yoke pullovers.
The yarn is Cascade Greenland. At first I was a bit put off by its tight, almost springy feel. It is cool to the touch and I tend to prefer more fuzzy wools, but it softened nicely when I gave the sweater a good soak. I have three skeins left over, which I just may turn into mittens once my holiday knitting is all done.
Wait. Did I say holiday knitting?
Beautiful! I love thinking of your gorgeous sweater keeping a young person warm in Afghanistan!
Posted by: KarenW | December 11, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Beautiful! I think that is one of the most interesting yokes I have seen. I'm sure the recipient will love it, what a nice donation!
Posted by: Delusional Knitter | December 11, 2011 at 05:40 PM
That design is fantastic. I love when the yoke is knitted in an unusual way.
Posted by: riotyarn | December 11, 2011 at 11:58 PM
It turned out great. I love the color and the yoke makes for a really interesting knitted garment.
Posted by: Barbara | December 12, 2011 at 04:18 AM
Just beautiful! Warm sweater with a very cool yoke. Thank you, ScarletKnitter, for sharing your talent and your stash with the kids in Afghanistan!
Posted by: Ann | December 14, 2011 at 12:29 AM
Laura, I like your version of the yoke...so creative! And the color!! Love it!
Posted by: Cathy | December 14, 2011 at 01:50 PM