Brandy Alexander

And another project celebrating a small farm for Rhinebeck --

I was introduced to Catskill Merinos by Jill Draper, who knows her sheep. And as soon as I touched a skein of Dominique’s gorgeous fiber I wanted it wrapped around my neck. She raises Saxon Merinos on her farm in upstate NY, and they really make a lovely yarn!

It’s soft and round, and just a bit rustic. To allow the character of the yarn to stand out, I chose strong lines in a simple ribbing, paired with an alternating lace motif that plays off the proportions of the ribs. The cowl is worked in ribbing for one third of the length, and then in lace for the remaining two thirds so you get a bit of contrast between the textures when worn either long or wrapped.

It’s a quick and satisfying knit, easily modified for length, width, or another weight of her yarn you might just fall in love with…

The sample was made with Catskill Saxon Merino Yarn Saxon Merino Worsted. A suggested substitute yarn is shown below.