Being new to the world of knitting, I decided to purchase a couple of knitting magazines see what knitters out there are reading. While flipping through Interweave Knits Magazine, I found an article with beautiful knitted sweaters by Norah Gaughan.
Norah Gaughan
Norah is a famous knitting pattern designer that works for Berroco. I had no idea that there were professions out there where people could actually knit and design knitting patterns for a living. I knew knitting was a fun hobby to learn, but I was truly excited to see that there are possible career opportunities out there that support the art of knitting full-time! Not that I would be ready for something like that for myself. I’m just getting started, after all. But perhaps I could entertain the idea of having my own knitting designs published in knitting magazines and books in the future. That expands the possibilities of my future in knitting. Maybe my hobby can grow into something bigger where I can contribute to my fellow knitters out there by providing beautiful patterns. For now, I’m going to learn to knit a multitude of patterns and stitches to get on that path. See what’s in my queue.
I love Norah’s sweaters. They are simple, elegant, and have just enough interest with unique pattern that make them truly special. I definitely plan on making some of her designs once I get through my current projects. I have to purchase her books to get my hands on some of her patterns.
My first Norah project is her Aida scarf. I’m starting with something more simple than a sweater to test my skills first.
You can get this pattern for free on Berroco’s site: Aida scarf pattern. I decided to use a thicker yarn than what was called for on the pattern. The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Fine Alpaca yarn, but I’m using Suri Merino from Blue Sky Alpaca because it was the only yarn in the store that was remotely similar to the color I was looking for that my mother-in-law likes, since I’m trying to knit this one for her. It’s a light green, and although it’s a bit fuzzier than I wanted, it seems to be the right color for her. I may reconsider my yarn choice if I can find a different brand yarn that is thinner, less fuzzy, and just the right color. I’ve already run into a part of the pattern that doesn’t make sense to me, so I will be taking it to Nina, where I purchased the yarn, to get some help. Everyone else on Ravelry seems to think this is an easy pattern, but I’ve had to rip it out at least 5 times already because I couldn’t get past row 20, which seems to be hanging me up. You can see the part that is giving me some hanups on the left side. I’ve also reduced this scarf pattern’s width by one multiple since the yarn is thicker than the one on the pattern.
I’ve recently discovered that Norah has her own Ravelry page! Now I can add my favorite sweaters from her designs into my favorites and queue. You can also see her posts on the Berroco blog.
Here are some of her designs that I really like and plan on making, some of which were featured in the article:
Loppem
Link to Loppem on Ravelry. This pattern is available in the pamphlet Norah Gaughan Vol. 3, which can be purchased from your local yarn store.
Lacy Waves Top
Link to Lacey Waves Top on Ravelry. This pattern is available in the book Lace Style.
Eastlake
Link to Eastlake on Ravelry and on Berroco. This pattern is available in the pamphlet Norah Gaughan Vol. 3, which can be purchased from your local yarn store.
Chantal
Link to Chantal on Ravelry and on Berroco.
This is the first knitting designer that I have featured in this blog, but I will be featuring more designers whose designs I like and plan on making. Stay tuned!
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