Tudora
If everyone has one bit of inspiration waiting to be set loose, then this would be mine.
In a brief moment of clarity, I could see the design. After that, an endless stream of prototypes. Then deciphering cryptic notes on bits of paper. Can’t imagine doing anything three-dimensional…
But it’s done and it’s published and I’m happy.
You can find the Knitty.com pattern here.
Warning: Shameless Ireland Promotion Ahead
The coolest thing about doing this was the opportunity to promote Irish wool. Say what you will about other new-to-the-market tweeds, but Kilcarra’s an original and simply the best. I get mine from Friends-Warren-And-Jenny at Craftspun Yarns in Co. Kildare. And lest I forget, many thanks to Mandy, who works with Knitty, for her technical editing wizardry.
So, what d’ya think the family are getting for Christmas?
Postscript for Neck Preferences:
I happen to like things close and tight around my neck. Baggy necklines? Not for me…nope. But the thought has occurred to me that not everyone likes that same degree of firmness around their windpipe…perhaps giving them noose nightmares and I wouldn’t want to feel responsible, so…
If you use 5mm/US8 needles (the recommended needle size for aran weight yarn), you will gain a few extra inches in the length and then make it as tight or as loose as you desire with the button placement.
Whew, I feel better now.
Cheryl, imagine my surprise when I excitedly open up the new Knitty and I see someone I know!!! I saw your picture and name and was so excited to see that you published a pattern! I haven’t knitted in forever, with two toddlers, a baby on the way, a recent (in-town) move, etc. I haven’t the time. I am hoping to when in Win Lake for Christmas. Anyway, hope y’all are doing well. I am happy to find your blog and read your news!
06 Dec 2007 at 1:41 am
I was so happy to see this. What a wonderful pattern! Congratulations (and thank you!).
06 Dec 2007 at 3:07 am
Congratulations! It is lovely! Thank you for the great pattern.
06 Dec 2007 at 3:22 am
I know! How exciting and well done for getting accepted.
06 Dec 2007 at 3:40 am
OMG, how cool are you!? congratulations! it is really beautiful. i love this style of neckwarmers and had plans to knit one after the holiday knitting was done. now there is this truly wonderful pattern! thanks so much! i hope the family loves them! congrats again!
06 Dec 2007 at 5:13 am
Congratulations!! It’s a beautiful knit. So appropriate for this blessed country
06 Dec 2007 at 8:29 am
That is one great neckwarmer, beautiful and quick to knit. I just wish I could get my hands on that lovely Irish yarn.
06 Dec 2007 at 10:26 am
Congratulations on your wonderful pattern. Lovely to see a fellow Irish knitter making her way onto Knitty. Well done!
06 Dec 2007 at 11:27 am
It is gorgeous, congratulations!
06 Dec 2007 at 12:23 pm
Oh my goodness, it’s beautiful. And isn’t the model gorgeous as well! My slow knitting learning will someday get me to this. Congratulations on getting published!
06 Dec 2007 at 12:53 pm
Congratulations on your pattern being published! I will make a neckwarmer for myself - Christmas ahead or not…
I really like Knitty - and it’s interesting how I (from Austria) come across a pattern from an Irish lady on an American website. The world feels small. How wonderful! Mona
06 Dec 2007 at 2:37 pm
Made my first ‘Tudora’ last night - thank you very much - with the yarn you gave me last time I saw you. (and is that Kilcarra, by the way? It looks similar, but didn’t say. . . .)
It’s gorgeous! Great pattern. Prepare yourself to see it everywhere.
When I’ve picked out a button for it, I’ll send you a picture. . . .
Congratulations, again. Well done!
06 Dec 2007 at 3:48 pm
Hello! Just saw your pattern in knitty - wanted to say hello from Liverpool - am spending a lot of time working over at Beaumont hospital at the mo so I’ll wave next week when I’m in town! (at the general direction of the mountains
06 Dec 2007 at 4:28 pm
I love this neck warmer. It has class and style. Which is what I love. You are so bright to come up with such a pattern to share with us girls.
Have a great holiday. I will be making some mfor us in the family.
As I live in Vermont USA and it’s near Canada where I live. I gets very cold here.
Dottie
06 Dec 2007 at 9:19 pm
I absolutely love the pattern and Ireland has the best Aran tweed…Kilcarra! I hope I look as good as you when I knit up a Tudora for myself.
06 Dec 2007 at 9:52 pm
Thank you so much for such a wonderful pattern and congratulations on being published in Knitty.
06 Dec 2007 at 10:38 pm
I love the pattern! It doesn’t get too cold down here in South Georgia, USA, but it just looks so cozy! I love to wear turtlenecks, so I love the fact that it hugs the neck. I’m going to make one just because I can!
06 Dec 2007 at 11:04 pm
Wow, that’s some inspiration! Be prepared to be innundated with Tudoras. I love the style an’ the drape an’ everything. Congratulations!
07 Dec 2007 at 6:05 am
I am completely in love with your pattern! It is classic and stylish and I can’t wait to get started on it. Kudos to you!
07 Dec 2007 at 6:17 am
I just saw your pattern on knitty, which led me to your blog. I wanted to tell you that you look *beautiful* in that shade of red! Lucky you.
07 Dec 2007 at 7:25 am
Well what a great surprise to open my Knitty e-mail and find your pattern and a really great picture of yourself looking out. Well done on such a lovely design, and the colour suits you perfectly.
07 Dec 2007 at 9:48 am
I just came over from knitty - I love the pattern (and am going to make a few for holiday gifts, I think). But I actually came over to say that I love your haircut! Geez, but that is cute!
07 Dec 2007 at 6:46 pm
I love this pattern and as soon as I saw it on Knitty yesterday, I promptly went to my LYS, bought the yarn and came back and knitted it until late last night. I am on the last 14 or so rows and can hardly wait to finish it! It will be part of my Mom’s Christmas present. I am also making her “Fetching” from Knitty, which will compliment your pattern with the cabling. I am doing it in black (which she requested) Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. I’ll be making some more of these for sure! Thanks for such a great pattern!
07 Dec 2007 at 7:44 pm
Mmmm. What a cozy looking neck warmer…and you’ve convinced me about Irish wool.
09 Dec 2007 at 1:13 am
Congrats on the neckwarmer.
I love it and cant wait till I done with whats on the needles to get this thing going..
09 Dec 2007 at 2:08 am
Gorgeous! I haven’t knitted in years but your pattern has inspired me to pull out my knitting needles! I love it! I just hope my old skills will serve me in trying my hand with your lovely pattern.
By the way, the Irish countryside photo’s on your blog are just gorgeous…how lucky you are to find yourself in such a beautiful country. Can’t wait to read more.
Elizabeth
09 Dec 2007 at 2:19 am
Congratulations on getting it published on Knitty! Definitely a pattern that needs to be shared. Clever and good looking!
09 Dec 2007 at 2:22 pm
Wonderful!!!
09 Dec 2007 at 9:38 pm
Also followed you from Knitty! I love the pattern & plan to make one to get me through the New Hampshire winter. I’m always cold and HATE being cold.
I also wanted to say that I think you have beautiful hair!
10 Dec 2007 at 1:24 pm
Well, congrats on the publication. I didn’t make the connection at first . I so enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for sharing.
16 Dec 2007 at 9:48 am
this was my first trip down cable lane. and, boy, gee, howdy. was it fun and a half. what a delightful pattern! you must have a fascinating brain, m’dear. so logical, and yet nothing i would have been able to imagine. i can’t wait to give it to my mother for Christmas!!!
24 Dec 2007 at 3:39 pm
Cheryl, Now I see where to comment. I sent an email earlier, but have to say again I love this pattern and have knitted 3 this week and plan to knit many more. I am so glad to have found your website through knitty.com.
12 Jan 2008 at 5:06 am
Many thanks for such a wonderful pattern! I’m a petite lady and, as much as I love turtlenecks in the cold, I hate scarves. They are always so long, fussy, and add too much bulk. This is such a practical alternative! And a great way to use up some smaller amounts of handspun yarn to boot. Thanks again!
14 Jan 2008 at 8:21 pm
I just put 2 + 2 together, duh! I had not known you designed this. I have been so enjoying your blog (lol and now i know what you like like as well..always nice to have a face connection) . I made one of these for my trainer! She is not my trainer through the winter as we work out and it is just too cold, but she had once commented that she wished she had a neck warmer and i thought of her immediately when i saw this, she loves it by the way and i have plans for more! Beautiful! (i also have a Cait at home, 15…teens!)
16 Jan 2008 at 2:55 am
I was looking at Tudora on Knitty yesterday, making sure I remembered the yarn requirements right so I can knit one soon, and my 5-year-old came up and noticed your picture. He asked me who you were, and then said he thought you are very pretty. Thought you ought to know you have a wee admirer in NY.
25 Jan 2008 at 11:44 pm
A beautiful pattern, I’ve just finsihed making one in purple for my mum. Do you know anywhere that does mail order for the Kilcarra tweed? I live in Germany and have not been able to find it here, and it is beautiful.
15 Feb 2008 at 12:26 am