Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Herbivore

Herbivore in Sanguine Gryphon Bugga, 'Charlotte'
I was very tempted to title this blog post something like 'That's a Wrap!' in the great tradition of American Corniness, but instead I'm going with the straight up title of the pattern: Herbivore. Learn this name because at some point you WILL be knitting this pattern, ok?
Herbivore in Sanguine Gryphon Bugga, 'Charlotte'
The Specs:
Pattern: Herbivore by Stephen West
Size: Medium-ish?
Yarn: The Sanguine Gryphon 'Bugga', 1 skein in 'Charlotte'.
Needles: Size 6 Kollage square needles, firm cable because the soft cable ones are dead to me.
Mods: None
Herbivore in Sanguine Gryphon Bugga, 'Charlotte'

This is my first time knitting with the Sanguine Gryphon and Oh My GAH is it nice. Ultra-soft and the color is complex like whoa. HELLO are you checking those yellow flecks in the most gorgeous pale brown ever? I mean, who even thought of that? Wow.

Now on to the pattern itself. Verdict: the most winningest pattern that ever winned. Stephen West loves his twisted stitches, does he not? There is a simplicity in the combination of the twisted stitches and the stockinette that is so satisfying both from a visual and knitting standpoint. The shape is unexpected and makes for a truly versatile garment. Is it a shawl, a wrap, a scarf, or something else entirely? Size-wise you can absolutely monkey around and get the size you like. I made a medium-ish size and am so happy with the results.
Herbivore in Sanguine Gryphon Bugga, 'Charlotte'

I have to say that I was initially prepared to be cheesed-off that there wasn't a chart with this pattern but OMG STEPHEN PLEASE DON'T BE MAD AT ME I WAS WRONG. There is no need for a chart. Pfft--unnecessary. No need whatsoever!
Herbivore in Sanguine Gryphon Bugga, 'Charlotte'

After this and Windschief, I am on a complete roll and have decided to cast on for Clockwork because it has fabulous written all over it. I can't stop! And luckily the guy seems to be churning these patterns out like it's his job (oh wait...) so I am set for the next 24-36 months!
Herbivore in Sanguine Gryphon Bugga, 'Charlotte'
All this is to say that I basically have a new Internet knitting boyfriend and his name is Stephen West. And please don't try to break us up because I will throw some serious hard-core knitting realness back at you...

18 comments:

lauren said...

Ohh isn't that a great pattern? I knit one for a swap once and it nearly killed me to give it away.

margaux said...

I love the color!! Stephen West is pure WIN.

Chrissy said...

I hate that I love Stephen West, because it means I am paying $6 a pattern, which really adds up!

cauchy09 said...

ha ha ha! i'm gonna have to check your bf out now...

Sarah said...

I must be the last person on earth who has not knit a Stephen West pattern. I probably should get on that, because lord knows I'm not knitting socks with all the sock yarn in my stash.

Mereknits said...

This is just a beautiful wrap. I see why you have a new knitting boyfriend...I won;t break you up but I might pay him a quick visit.
Have a great day,
Meredith

Kim said...

Stephen West is MY boyfriend! but seriously, Herbivore is lovely lovely & SG yarn colors are so unbelievablely amazing.

nicole said...

Another beautiful knit. What is this, shawl number 796? Your shoulders must be warm by now!

And surely there is more than enough Stephen to go around. Who says he has to go "steady" with just one girl..? Good knitting like that is hard to find!

Jodi said...

Gorgeous! The colors are amazing, and I love how it's not too fussy -- just the right amount of detail.

BTW, I LOVE Brooklyn Tweed's new men's sweater pattern. I don't think I'm in the market for a new favorite knitting guy quite yet.

Emma said...

Clockwork is AWESOME. Do eeeeet.

Amelia said...

that looks wonderful. my personal SW favourite is daybreak - have you knit that?

gale (she shoots sheep shots) said...

Could you be any more persuasive? Off to queue...
ps both the Herbivore & the model looking awesome in these photos.

Sarah said...

Queued!

I love my Boneyard Shawl & wore it all winter. This guy definitely seems to have an eye for clever neck-based patterns.

(p.s. my word verification is "sheap")

DonnaC said...

Inspiring. Mine is languishing for lack of charts - just can't seem to stop making mistakes while following the written out instructions.

The WoodLand School said...

Gorgeous! Really, truly spectacular!

I discovered Mr. West not too long ago ... and like you, I am completely smitten.

I would continue a long-winded treatise about why he is my latest crush ... but I think I have 28 of his projects on the needles so I'd better go knit instead ...

Rue said...

Gorgeous piece and amazing yarn! I really wish The Sanguine Gryphon yarns were available in Chicago - the website seems to be sold out whenever I check. Oh, what am I saying? I'm supposed to be on a stash diet!

I really do have to queue that pattern!s

Anonymous said...

I recently discovered Stephen West, too. It is difficult to say which of his patterns I love most. Clockwork is waiting for me to cast on; I had the stash yarns all picked out but then decided to use one of them for a gift scarf/shawlette. (Heh. Ran out of yarn right before the end and obtained another skein -- now I can make Clockwork as originally planned. Karma?)

The SG yarn is absolutely gorgeous in Herbivore! Perfect match of pattern and yarn.

nicoledemana crafts said...

the model in these photo's is so beautiful but on another note so is the pattern thanks for sharing your amazing talent