Knitting a pattern from Rowan Cape Bay book by Martin Storey

Recently a large box arrived at the Craft Barn from Rowan. Any box that comes from Rowan is guaranteed to be full of treats. The box in question was full of yarn packs to be made into garments and accessories for the new season.
Black Sheep staff members dived head first into this magical box. We were all given the option to knit or crochet one of the packs to display in the shop / wear to work over the coming summer months. The offer to knit or crochet with beautiful Rowan yarns and have the chance to wear your make was an offer many of us could not refuse.

Amongst the new designs were two pieces from Martin Storey's new Rowan book - Cape Bay. A pattern book featuring designs for women, men, children and the home all knitted in Rowan Softyak DK. A relaxed easy to wear collection that you can imagine wearing for coastal walks. Martin has taken inspiration from nautical themes and New England.

Carmen chose the cabled 'Porlock' sweater. An oversized design with a boat neck knitted in Rowan Softyak DK. Within two weeks Carmen was casting off her final stitches on her beloved Lykke needles. Then it was time to sew up this perfect spring knit.

I asked Carmen how she found the pattern and using Softyak DK for the first time.
Carmen says - "It is a well written pattern, which was easy to follow. The design actually looks a lot more complicated than it is. The cable repeat is only a 6 row pattern repeat. It is a chart, but once you get the hang of this you will be fine. The Softyak was beautiful to knit with, especially on Lykke needles."

Carmen shared the photo of her sweater on our Facebook make along group to an overwhelming response. Although the sweater is not knitted in the round Carmen used Lykke circular needles. As she knits continental style Carmen prefers the ease of a circular needle, plus it distributes the weight of knitting more evenly as it sits of the cable. Something that I am going to try when knitting the front of the garment I am knitting. Although I don't knit continental, I am hoping that it will help to prevent an aching shoulder after knitting. 

Tracey picked the 'Starburst' cushion cover to knit for display in the shop. Having never knitted an intarsia design before Tracey was ready for a challenge. Equipped with yarn bobbins and a Magma Knitting Chart Keeper Tracey was ready for the star design. She said that without these two handy accessories she wouldn't have been enjoying knitting this pattern as much as she is. Keeping on track with her row using the magnetic chart keeper and not getting in absolute tangle with the yarn bobbins. Sometimes these little things are what will make you continue with a project over it becoming forever a UFO (Unfinished Object). Tracey hasn't finished it yet but we will keep you updated on her progress.

Sara has done a flick through video of the Cape Bay book. One of her favourite projects is the 'Stardust Throw'. Watch the video below to take a look through the book.

Have you got any of the designs from Cape Bay on your needles? Don't forget to share a snap on Instagram #blacksheepwools or in our Facebook Make Along group.