This is the story of the knitting pattern that started it all: The Caledonia Sweater.
I am often asked how I get my inspiration. Most times, I have an idea then match it to a yarn. But for Caledonia, I saw the Lore yarn by The Fibre Company at the Edinburgh Festival in 2019 and immediately fell in love with the base. I knew exactly what I wanted to make with it and also which of their colours I wanted it in. This pattern holds a dear place in my design heart as it was the first pattern I produced as an independent designer and organised and managed testers. This process helped me to understand how test knitting is very much needed alongside a good tech editor in the design process!
The sweater gets its name from the old Roman word for Scotland; Caledonia. As I grew up in Aberdeen, Scotland, this design is also a homage to my roots here in the UK, and forms a bridge between my West African heritage and my youth in the north of Scotland. The inspiration for both continents are evident in my designs, and by using the Argyle cabled diamond pattern in combination with a twisted stitch, the pattern conjures up the spirit of the Caledonian Highlands. The fit of the set-in sleeves gives it a timeless style, whilst the slightly cropped length gives it the modern twist that looks so good over dresses and with skirts.
I still enjoy knitting my sweaters flat, rather than in the round. When I travel, I just take a sleeve with me, or maybe the front piece that I am working on, rather than having to take a huge project bag around with me with all the yarn! When I am knitting like this, cables are easily managed, and I simply put in some markers each side of the pattern every 20 rows, which makes lining up for sewing together really easy.
I will alway look at my Caledonia design with a smile as it started the process of designing for myself, and being able to build a community around my own work. I also loved working with The Fibre Company for the project, and it was special to do this as an independent designer who was launching out on her own!
I can't wait to see your versions of this design on Instagram, and see which colours you have chosen; there are so many to enjoy!
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