Brownstone Pullover

Pattern: Brownstone Shawl Color Pullover from Brooklyn Tweed by Jared Flood

Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in cast iron

Size: 47.5" at chest

This year was my dad's 60th birthday.  I wanted to make him something special, especially because I rarely get a chance to knit menswear.  I thought this sweater was particularly nice because of its simple lines and classic look.  My dad is not the type of guy to wear a lot of color and I am not entirely sure cables would be his thing, either.  The most amazing thing about this project- I actually finished it by his birthday! I was down to the wire, but I got it in the mail and it even arrived a day early.  Yes, yes, you can hold the applause.  His birthday is in July, though, so it was a bit of an off time to gift a sweater, but I am sure it will keep until the weather cools.

Proof that swatching is important- I had to choose a size down in needles for this project to match gauge.  Also, along with the idea of swatching, you should definitely take complete measurements of whomever you are making the sweater for.  I had to add an inch to the sleeves and almost two inches to the length of the body to get a sweater that would fall in the appropriate places for my dad.  It's so much work, you don't want to fall victim to 3/4 sleeves on a men's sweater...or a crop top.  I think the pattern is wonderful, very clear and well-written, but the sweater did seem to run a little small in length.  My dad is right at six feet tall, which is tall but not crazy tall.  The sweater knitted as written would not have suited his length at all.  

One of the great things about this pattern is that the sleeves are up first.  This means you get them out of the way before you get the chance to feel too terribly stuck on sweater island.  The sleeves do look a little stumpy when you knit them on their own, but remember, you will be adding length in the shoulder as you knit them into your sweater.  (These sleeves have live stitches that you pick up when you get to the armpit of your sweater.) 

I chose to use the recommended Shelter for this project.  It's no secret I love Brooklyn Tweed.  (Have I told you how much I love Brooklyn Tweed?) I did choose a different color- this sweater was knit in cast iron, which is pretty much black with little flecks of color throughout.  This yarn is a woolen yarn, which is great for sweaters as it is super warm but not heavy.  However, be mindful, the yarn is easy to break.  You don't want to put too much tension on your thread as you knit, a truly woolen yarn can pull apart quite easily.  My grabby baby's hands broke quite a number of working yarns in this project. Do note, the fabric, when knit, is strong- so don't feel like you should avoid the woolens lest your sleeves fall off your sweater or some other crazy calamity.  (Woolen yarns do tend to pill, though, so make sure you treat your sweaters kindly and give them a little shave when they need.). 

I was really happy with the results of this pattern and I am so glad I was able to make something so special for my dad.  I think it really looks nice on him, too.  Even the shawl collar is lovely yet still very masculine, especially with the addition of the toggle buttons.  I would definitely recommend this sweater for anyone looking for a nice, clean men's sweater that has a few special touches but isn't fussy.  It is also a great design for dressing up or down.  So if your recipient is a jeans person or a slacks person, this sweater would be a nice addition to their wardrobe.