Fisherman’s Sweaters
September 17, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Inspiration, Juniper Moon Farm Yarns, Mirasol, Noro, Queensland Collection, Sweaters, Viking of Norway
The fashion update in Friday’s Wall Street Journal was about Fisherman’s Sweaters being a big trend this fall. (You should be able to read the article here as a free preview.)
It’s nice to see the fashion industry catching up with what us knitters have known all along. Namely that these sweaters are visually stunning, cozy to wear, and a ton of fun to make.
The article gives a nice, brief introduction to the history of these beautiful cabled sweaters, but as knitters also know all that already.
That just means we can skip straight to the good stuff of inspiring patterns that we can knit and continue to wear proudly after fickle fashion has moved on to less appealing garments.
Viking of Norway
This beautiful tunic length turtle neck is from the Viking of Norway book #1103 (Balder, Naturgan, Alpaca Superfine). Turtlenecks were mentioned frequently in the WSJ article.
This sweater is knit using Balder, a chunky, 100% wool yarn available in 31 solid and variegated colors. You can see them all here.
Debbie Bliss
With her classic styling of course Debbie Bliss would have a pattern (or two!) to fit the bill.
This stunning Cable Paneled Sweater is just one of four in her new Blue Faced Leicester book that will keep you both warm and stylish.
There is also a cabled scarf and shoulder capelet if you want to bring in the elements of the Fisherman’s Sweater trend without knitting an entire sweater.
This book supports Debbie’s new Blue Faced Leicester yarn, which is available in 16 colors.
Blue Faced Leicester sheep are a traditional British breed whose wool has a long staple length, which creates yarn with luster and drape. You really need to see and feel this beautiful new yarn in person to really appreciate it.
Mirasol
Inka is another beautiful cabled turtleneck, this time from the Mirasol line. This is one of four cabled sweaters Jane Ellison designed for the new Book #29 (Api & Hasa). Another pullover and two cardigans round out the cabled entries, along with simpler sweaters and some accessories.
Inka is knit using Hasa, a 50% Alpaca 40% Wool 10% Silk blend available in 12 colors.
Not only are the cables on this sweater a lovely combination of a braid and honeycomb, but I love the generous collar. Great for keeping the wind out!
Juniper Moon Farm
If being traditional isn’t your style, then turn the cabled trend on its side with this cardigan from the Juniper Moon Farm Willa book. This cardigan is finished with a zipper so no need to worry about knitting button holes.
This sweater is destined to become one of your favorites since Willa is a soft, chunky 60% Merino Wool, 40% SuperKid Mohair blend that will make it a joy to knit and wear. See all the 12 colors here and start plotting your own.
Queensland Collection
For people in warmer climates (or age ranges, haha) who are getting warm just looking at all these long sleeved sweaters, I haven’t forgotten you!
This pretty cabled vest is from the Queensland Collection pamphlet #1001-Sweet Pea Multi.
Sweet Pea is a soft, 100% Organic Pima cotton yarn available in 20 colors both solid and multi.
Noro
And don’t forget the young ones in your life. This Child’s Cabled Vest is from Noro Volume #32. Children’s garments are a great way to practice new techniques because their small size means they work up quickly, but take long enough to let you really practice.
This booklet also has a great unisex cabled pullover pattern for adults.
This vest is knit using Kureyon, a hard wearing 100% wool yarn. Check out the eight new colors for the fall.
More to Explore
I have only scratched the surface of all the cabled sweater patterns available from our various yarn lines.
There are plenty more to inspire you for men, women, and children. You can preview more of them here.
Then head out to your local yarn store for even more inspiration and supplies. If you haven’t tried cables yet, I’m sure the staff at your local yarn store will be happy to arrange a lesson for you.






