On searching through my sweater stash, I decided that it was the perfect time to revisit the Heather sweater by Kim Hargreaves. This beautiful sweater has been sitting in my wardrobe for many years without being worn.
The Pattern
Heather is a classic knitting pattern created by Kim Hargreaves, who is known for her incredible knitwear designs. It was included in the Rowan collection ‘A Season’s Tale’, and can now be purchased at Rowan or Ravelry for $5 or approximately £4.15
Available in both turtle and polo neck styles, this sweater is semi-fitted and has a contemporary Aran-style cable design. The sweater skims the body instead of fitting it due to the absence of a ribbed base hem or cuffs.
Gauge and Yarn Weight
The pattern suggests using Rowan’s Kid Classic, or any 10 ply Aran weight wool. I used Debbie Bliss Aran in colour charcoal, that I already had in my stash, purchased in a sale.
The gauge: 19 stitches and 25 rows = 10 cm square using 5 mm needles and stockinette stitch
Knitting needles: US 7 – 4.5 mm & US 8 – 5 mm
Yardage: 1071 – 1377 yards (979 – 1259 metres).
The Knit
I knitted this sweater a few years ago, but for some reason I have never chosen to wear it. I’m not sure why, maybe it is because it’s such a simple traditional design. This cable sweater has a turtle neck that can be extended into a polo neck. It is semi-fitted and shaped at the waist, which makes it flattering and comfortable to wear.
It’s possible that the design is too traditional, which is why I’m not particularly inspired to wear it. I have made a decision to intentionally wear it this season, so maybe I will now change my mind?
My current challenge is to repurpose old sweaters that I am no longer wearing instead of buying new wool.
Why am I sharing this pattern now, well it is because I am considering frogging (unravelling) the sweater. I am contemplating knitting another Aran-style sweater design by Debbie Bliss that I have fallen in love with. I still have three balls of wool left over from this project, which I hope will enable me to complete my new dream sweater.
The only other option is to knit a small project, like a co-ordinating scarf, snood, or hat, to make use of the leftover wool. Otherwise, it will sit in my wool stash forever!
If you’re new to knitting and trying out a cable knit sweater pattern for the first time, this is certainly a straightforward knit. The repeat is simple and intuitive, once you get going. If you’re looking for a relaxing knit to work on and unwind after a busy day, this is a great choice.
Conclusion
This sweater is both timeless and classic, and it is also comfortable to wear. Although it’s cosy and warm, it doesn’t feel bulky and skims over the body gently. This sweater is therefore easy to wear under a jacket or coat. It can be worn casually or formally depending on how it is accessorised.
I knitted the turtle neck version, but in hindsight would have preferred a polo neck finish.
I am still undecided about this sweater, so I will give it another chance until the end of this winter/spring season. If it doesn’t make it out of my wardrobe regularly, it’ll be given a new life and recycled and re-worked for next winter.
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