My first project for Projectrum Spectrum: Earth was actually completed before April even began.
Gretel Gretel by Ysolda knit from Cleckheaton Country Silk {More}
To be completely honest, when Ysolda first published this pattern, I wasn’t that attracted to it. I appreciated it in the same way I appreciate Aran sweaters (gorgeous, but really not my style), but I didn’t want to actually make it. Of course, the rest of the online knitting community didn’t agree with me and different Gretels started popping up all over the place. As usual, it was seeing everybody else’s FOs that got me on the “I need to make this right now” kick.
And I’m glad I did. I knit it over two nights and I really love the finished object. Even though I used a yarn that’s technically classed as DK or 8ply, the beret fits perfectly. I didn’t even bother swatching (it’s just a hat, if it doesn’t fit, I’ll rip it). I started out knitting the “slouchy” style, but ran out of yarn only four miniscule rounds from the end. After trying it on and debating different ways to get more yarn, I decided it was just a bit too floppy for my tastes. I ripped, reknit the “regular” version and it’s the perfect slouchiness for me. I would have worn it plenty already if it wasn’t for the crazy weather we had last week where a hat would have blown straight off my head, and the fact that it totally clashes with the clothes I’ve been wearing recently. Obviously, I need another one in a different colour.
The thing I love most about the pattern is the clever crown decreases. This is where Ysolda really shines. Instead of just popping a stitch pattern onto a standard beret/hat/sock shape like so many other patterns, she’s really put some thought into the way the cables wind their way up towards the crown. It’s not complicated, but it makes the design stand out from the rest. And the pattern was impeccably written, just like Ysolda’s other designs.
Final verdict? A*
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
pretty! I love the tweedy qualities of the yarn. I totally agree with you on the way the decreases turn out! They go so beautifully together to form 6 lovely little sections.
By the way, I’m still waiting for actual FO pictures of your frost flowers and leaves shawl! Those blocking pictures were gorgeous, but you need to model it for us!
This came out so great – I love the color
love it!
now you’ve got me wondering if i should make the regular version as well.
It looks great!
I had the exact same reaction as you when I saw the pattern first, but now that I’ve seen your version, it’s starting to look a lot more appealing… Not to mention the fact that this is the most perfect green ever. Looks beautiful on you!
I felt the same way about the pattern when it first came out. But then, as you say, I saw all those cute versions around the internets, and now I want to make one! Yours looks so cute–I like it in that springy green.
gorgeous! I have some gray Plymouth Galaway Heather to knit this up, but ooooh yours looks so good in that green!
It looks fabulous on you! Great color choice. I’m loving greens!
Beautiful work on the beret. I hadn’t really considered this hat, but I think I’m getting the itch to give it a try. Yours is so pretty.
this makes it final… I must knit me a Gretel (and soon as spring might just be making an appearance in this corner of the woods
)
It’s beautiful! I had the same thing happen to me, only with Urchin.
Yours is definitely my favorite in blog-land. Great job!
Very nice – I like the beret as well as the color!
Ooh, that’s so pretty! I’m loving the green colour, it really suits you.
I’m hoping to actually get something done for Project Spectrum this time around – just ordered some green Peace Fleece to make the 28thirty from ZephyrStyle. I’m forcing myself to try out colours I usually don’t, instead of always picking the same colours…
Anyway. I agree with you on Ysolda’s designs, she really gets into the details. I love that, being a detail girl myself.