The Chesapeake Collection (1999) was the second collection of patterns by Ron Schweitzer brought out by Yarns International. In keeping with the idea of linking patterns to place, the patterns are all named to evoke the bay and its environs. In Ron's words, "Evolving from Chesapeake Bay life and images, my newest collection of Fair Isle designs for Shetland 2000 yarns celebrates the historic and contemporary life of the Bay." The patterns have names such as Seascape, Waterman, and Lighthouses. Others are named after Bay islands places such on as St. Michaels and Tilghman Island.
As I described in the first part of this story, I have, in the past, knit with the J&S Shetland Supreme. I have also been working to build my skills in stranded knitting, with projects, patterns, and workshops. As I looked at the patterns designed for Shetland 2000, I was struck by their design. While using an allover motif, these are not traditional Shetland patterns. At this point, I decided that, as part of this project, I would knit one of the patterns
A couple of years ago, at the start of this project, I was able to locate a kit for Tilghman Island, which is a cardigan. It uses all five of the original shades of Shetland 2000:
Shetland White, Mooskit, Shaela, Morrit, and Shetland Black. The pattern comes in three sizes with a buttoned chest measurement of 44.5, 48.5, and 52.5 inches. It is knit at gauge of 32 stitches and 32 rows to 4 in (10 cm) on size 3.5 mm needles. Given that I get 33 stitches to 4 inches (10 cm) on 2.25 mm needles, I suspect I will be working on something smaller than what is called for.
Coming Next
I wind and wind.