sunbeam

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing my design in the newest Shetland Wool Week Annual, the Sunbeam Dog Coat:

I was asked to design a dog coat, it’s not something I probably would ever have designed being (sadly) a non-dog owner. For something that’s quite a simple shape it took me a good few weeks of swatching and planning to get the shape I wanted.

My design inspiration came from vertical panel Shetland Jumpers like these:

My thinking was it would be easier to add width and height if I used seeding motifs at the sides, that is how these types of jumpers are sized – you have a main central/off-centre motif and seeding patterns on either side which can be added or taken away as needed. I think it does create visual impact and offers colourwork options you don’t have with bands of Fair Isle.

I used (surprise, surprise not) 2ply Jumper Weight from J&S in 6 shades, 3 blue (132, 135 and 21) and 3 yellows (23, 66 and 92) Normally if I am changing background and foreground colours I do it on the same round but I didn’t want it to look stripey which can happen if you do that with this style of Fair Isle so even though its a pain I did staggered colour changes.. but I think its worth it!

Construction wise you cast on provisionally at the top of the Fair Isle then work (in the round with a steek) for a set amount of vertical repeats, on the last one you gently decrease to curve the bottom. The coat steek is cut and the neck flaps are added before a contrast i-cord is added the whole way round, you then do the little band and add snaps and cover the steek if you want, I did as you can see here:

The coat was actually modelled by my Aunties Dog, Kallie who is aptly a Shetland Sheepdog and the pictures are so cute. The annual is available to order from Wool Week here or of course it will be available to buy all over shetland once Shetland Wool Week begins (when I post this!)

But since like me there will be those of you out there who don’t have a dog I have also designed a headband using the same colours and motifs:

So if you have leftovers or just fancy making a headband, it’s reversible – with the Norwegian star on one side and the seeding on the other. You cast on provisionally, work both sides then graft the two ends together. I put the bright blue (132) in between the motifs to replicate the i-cord on the coat.. I’m quite pleased with it! Anyway, the headband pattern is available on my Ravelry and Payhip now.

Also, the new annual is out my Roosty Tank Top is now available as a single pattern too, so you can find that on Ravelry and Payhip too.. and yes I am still working on my Hap recreation as per my last post. I have done the edging and started one border, I have everything charted out – it’s just a case of finding the time!!

Speak soon xx