The His & Hers Michigan Winter Pullovers are finished !
Interesting improvisations I’ve done, with ‘His’ v-neck. I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to do it, never having done it before. But now I think it looks very unique ~ steeked on the body, then after shirt-yoke was finished up to the steek in front, I transfered the live stitches on to waste yarn while I continued the yoke across back to be grafted together. Finally I cut the steek, and then picked up the steek stitches , back edge, and live stitches all around for a K2/P2 rib.
‘Hers’ crew style neck was a cake walk ! I really love the tweedy look for these, sparkling with flecks of buff, browns, black, ivory, and occasional bright-colored Donegal nebs. I wonder do they do look a little long in the arms? Yeah, I guess, partly because they are sagging a bit off of the hangers (I know, not the ideal way to display a handknit garment such as these) however, I assure you these sweaters were custom measured, and I stayed true to the wearers’ measurements, but I believe I added an inch (or two) to the sleeves to ensure they weren’t too short, and the end result is, well, much longer sleeves. But we’ll see when they are slipped on Him & Her.
Here is the back !
Just look at that spectacular design of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s,
the seamless shirt-yoke . . .
A close-up detail of how the decreases go into the yoke. . .
Another (rather fuzzy) close-up of moi’s wild improvisational work. . .
And I just love, love, love the two-stitch cord bind-off on the rib. . .
Lastly, my mark !
I like to sew on the label just above the rib, in the back . . .
Now these his & hers pullovers get shipped to Michigan, to keep warm two very dear young homesteaders, Rosanna & Felix , in their first year of settling & farming, undoubtedly shivering in their yurt, in the soon-to-be snowy winter landscape. Not without a herd of goats, flock of chickens, geese, and a manic farm dog to chase after !
Rosanna & Felix
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Yarn : Knit Picks Wool Of the Andes Tweed ( 80% Peruvian Highand wool, 20% Donegal Tweed) . Worsted weight.
Needles: size US#8 circular.
Pattern : Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Seamless Shirt Yoke sweater, in “Knitting Without Tears” ~ somewhat modified throughout.
Details on Ravelry here
All posts about this project here
Jenjoyce Design 
These are awesome! I love the two different neck treatments. You done dooed it.
Oh Thank you Morrie. You know… I think they turned out fine, I’m happy with them ! Oh, and I knitted these mostly while walking (remember I was knitting a sleeve when we got together for our knit & walk on Cavedale? Lets get together for another !
Can I come too?
Of course Lizzi ! You have a standing open invitation ! xx
…..and the hot chocolate recipe? For when we return………
I must get out more – I am getting to involved in the virtual.
Second posting, with edits ~
Lizzi asked for the hot chocolate recipe I had mentioned in “Thought For The Day” which I improvised recently after a cool walk in the woods.
Here is how I made it :
~~Jen’s Spicey Hot Chocolate for Two~~
In a morter & pestle, toss in a two or three or four cardomom pods, a cinnimon stick, about 2 or 3 ‘petals’ of a star anise pod, a good pinch of grey sea salt, and about a pinch or two chile flakes. Then mash a little, to crunch up the pods and cinnimon. Toss into about 3 cups of water, simmer these for a few minutes to release the flavor of the spices into the water.
Into the spicy water, on low heat, add about 2 or more ounces bittersweet chocolate, (any dark chocolate) and let melt a little, then whisk all together. The chocolate will thicken , and take note that the only sweet comes from the chocolate, you don’t add more. Do not boil ! Turn off heat when all melted and ready.
Lastly , pour about 1/3 cup (or more, I always like left over) whipping cream into a small bowl and just a tad of sugar, a teaspoons or so (for barely detectible sweetness)… and whisk until whipped. Poor chocolate through a small seive into glasses very hot, about 2/3 up glass and top with lots of cool barely-sweet whipped cream ! Voila !!!! Drink and be prepared for a pleasant taste sensation.
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Notes: Sipping hot through cool cream is key, and having the brain take in the unusual spices is the other bit. The first time I made this I only used cinnimon and chile flakes, and it was great, so you can do that too. The whole idea is to make this chocolate suprisingly chocolatey… that is use more than you would think to, but suprisingly bitter, however not short on flavor… all those spices sound out ! THe pepper is the key ‘what is going on here’ ingredient… building heat with each sip.
Answer here if you’ve made it !
I mean ‘too’ (spelling and grammar, Lizzi – tut tut!)
Thank you, Jen.
We are just home from a weekend away – i am desperate to try out your recipe – I will get back to you when I have!
I can’t wait ! 😉