Squishy, gorgeous Saxon Merino farm yarn, paired with lots of texture and cables. Husdon Valley Cider is my not-so classic Gansey sweater.

It’s the transitions between rib, seed, garter, and cables that make this sweater striking. The patterns themselves are all easy, but they are so special when they play off each other.

The cable lines down the body are long and lean and flattering,with horizontal elements then placed both above and below them. The ribbing on the upper bust is placed high, so it lengthens the body and draws the eye to the shoulder and neck details. Dropped sleeves are highlighted by garter stitch shoulders and the seed stitch detail at the top of each arm. Lastly, ribs along the sides of the sweater make bold lines from shoulder to split hem that contrast with all the horizontal patterns and allow for a secret spot to make a few mods, if needed.

For me, something so squishy needed a cowl. But instructions are included for alternate necklines.

I named this Hudson Valley Cider as a nod to the wonderful farmer involved - it’s a down to earth, NY-based drink that I really do love.

The design was created to showcase the beautiful Merino Saxon fiber that Dominique of Catskill Saxon Merino Sheep Farm painstakingly and lovingly creates, and it’s a classic design because I wanted to create something that would be timeless, worthy of the love and effort and hardship that’s gone into this yarn, and into her efforts to keep that farm and her flock going.

Last year Dominique found herself alone at the helm, running Catskill alone, after the sudden loss of her partner Eugene Wyatt. He was a well loved and much respected farmer in the NY sheep world, and they spent years together establishing this farm and caring for their flock. I’d never met Eugene, but I do know Dominique, and she’s warm and kind and smart and determined. She LOVES HER SHEEP, and if you’ve ever met her at Rhinebeck, or Union Square market, or picked up one of the little knit hearts they make with her scraps, you know what I mean. Keeping the farm running is a herculean task, so this is one of those times where your yarn purchase can make a difference - give it a squish next time you see their booth or go to their website!

Details:

Hudson Valley Cider is worked from the bottom up. The body is worked to armholes in the round, and then the front and back are worked separately back and forth to end. Short rows add shaping at neckline and shoulders. Arms are picked up once shoulders are seamed and they are worked in the round to cuffs. Cowl is picked up and worked upwards in the round at end.

Charts are both written and charted. There are notes on substituting either a crew neck or turtleneck instead of a cowl.

Pattern also has lots of details about adjusting length or width as needed, and modifying the placement of the ribbing above your bust to make sure your sweater fits you perfectly! And YES, I think this works as a unisex design.

Yardage by size:

Sizes:
34.5(37.75,41.25,44.5)(48,51.25,54.75)“
87.5 (96,105,113)(122,130,139)cm.
Sizes are circumference around bust, based on finished fabric. Sample is shown worn with 4”/10cm of positive ease.

Yardage:
1200(1350,1500,1650)(1800,1950,2100)yds 1100(1235,1370,1510)(1645,1785,1920)meters.
Yardage does include about 100 yds buffer.