Thursday, July 24, 2014

Ode to Skye Wrap

Every once in awhile, I open an email and someone has sent me a photo of a design that takes my breath away. And by every once in awhile, I mean once every year or so. Call me jaded, but it takes quite a bit to knock my knickers off.

Monday, one of those designs arrived. It's Ode to Skye by Chris Bylsma.  Gorgeous, don't you think?


I talked to her on the phone about it and she told me that the genesis of the design was a class she's teaching on an upcoming cruise to the Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland and Norway. The class is all about cables and the idea is that her students will be able to design their own Aran sweater by the end of the cruise. Genius! 

We laughed a little about this not being the kind of cruise where you pack a bikini and knitting and you're good to go. Given the itinerary, they'll be seeing sun and rain, warm and cold. She thought having a collar on this wrap would make it a little more versatile too. Just pull it up around your chin and snuggle in. 



The shawl is named in honor of the Isle of Skye in the Scottish highlands, there's a stop there on the cruise where they'll visit a yarn shop. Show of hands, who is jealous? 

It's knit from our Haymarket in 56ns Fjord. For those of you not going on the cruise, you can find the pattern here. And to make it more interesting, I'll send yarn for a lucky winner to make one. Tell me in the comments what color you'd make yours in by Monday at 12PM CDT and we'll do a random number pick.

153 comments:

  1. I,d do it in a blue to go won't denim.

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  2. Kerfuffle, I think it would look amazing.

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  3. beautiful design, yes very jealous. I have used Haymarket for a vest - it is lovely. So many beautiful colorways - hard to pick but for a garment like this I think something semi solid and rich would be best. Skyway, Avondale, Patina and 10 more colors I have on my wish list. Thanks for the giveaway opp - we're glad you are enamored enough to offer this giveaway. Melody

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  4. I love it in the color she used. The cruise sounds very interesting!

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  5. Waistcoat would be lovely, somehow a color I associate with Scotland and Skye.

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  6. Cedar. Definitely Cedar. Or Echo ... mmmm, Echo. Maybe Putty. No, it's gotta be Cedar. Why must you make it so hard to choose??!!

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  7. Hmmm - lovely. Perhaps in Pewter, like a cloudy northern sky?

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  8. The same color as that one-day it's gorgeous!

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  9. I'd go with something bold: Red Rover. I think aran cables are just smashing in red.

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  10. Love Haymarket! Very difficult choice ... when in doubt Demin is always the best choice for me! Love this pattern, way to go, Chris! Can't wait to start it!

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  11. It's gorgeous! It's so hard to pick one color - I think old rose would be lovely, though!

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  12. Waistcoat or Turquoise would look great.

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  13. I think I would chose the haymarket Galena. Used to live in Dekalb and Sycamore many years ago. Kind of makes me homesick. Beautiful pattern.

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  14. Beautiful pattern! I think it would look fabulous in Fjord.

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  15. I'm between Poppy and Dobson. I think either would knit up beautifully but guess I lean towards Poppy as that is what my daughter called my father when he was alive.

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  16. Oh beautiful pattern and yarn! I would love to win this. I think Kerfluffle would be perfect!

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  17. The Skyway, if not too variegated.

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  18. Definitely Cranberry! Absolutely gorgeous pattern! Wish I could make the cruise - sounds fabulous!

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  19. I would knit it in the same lovely gray color. I love it. Thanks for the chance.

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  20. Omg beautiful! I think it would look lovely in the Louisville color way!

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  21. I would have to go with Growth - the leaf pattern cries out for the green but Growth also has that grey in it too which makes me think of the overcast skies. Lovely pattern, btw.

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  22. Oooh...This would be wonderful in Cookie's Deep Dark Secret!

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  23. I would go with Putty. Very nice pattern

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  24. I think Fjord is perfect! Thank you.

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  25. Buffalo Grove would be very traditional looking!

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  26. I would make mine in the shade of blue shown, it blends just great with the concept of the pattern.

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  27. I would love to make one in the color shown!

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  28. Oooh!Cape Cod or Wharf for me!

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  29. This is beautiful! I would make it Watercolor or The Bean very different choices but both beautiful. I love all the colors so it's always hard to choose.

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  30. Amazingly beautiful! Louisville or Galena. .. yum

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  31. I would love it in red rover...or navy pier!
    Barbara Munic

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  32. I think it wants to be knit in Cermak!

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  33. It truly is breathtaking! I'd do it in "L" or Grand Street Ink.

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  35. Great pattern and generous offer! The Bean or Ysolda Red? Neutral or bold? I can't decide! Both would be beautiful and I'd love either one!

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  36. Cranberry! Only because I make gray wrap and I love it so much. Loving the style.

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  37. I would love to see this in The Skyway - I think the pattern would really show up beautifully.

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  38. Putty or pewter for me, what a beautiful pattern! I love cables and really enjoy projects with different patterns incorporated into them. Thanks for the draw!
    Rav ID backtoknitting

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  39. What a beautiful shawl! I would love to make one in Cedar.

    Rav Id: nteal37

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  40. This would be beautiful in Cermak! (Ravelry name:TheOtherKathy)

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  41. I used Haymarket for a cowl project that I gave as a gift. I have been searching for a new design to use it again, and this is it! I would choose patina for the color.

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  42. I'd do it in Fjord, it's perfect

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  43. I'd do it in Haymarket Natural. All that creamy goodness would make a cozy wrap!

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  44. I would love the exact color of the wrap It is so beautiful !!

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  45. I think it would look beautiful in neutral colors! I would love to knit this in Cedar or Echo!

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  46. Omg, any color please! But most especially pewter, dusk, echo, cedar... Amazing yarn and amazing pattern!

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  47. Lovely! Pewter or Putty would be my choice!

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  48. A deep pink or a lovely green I think. It is a beauty

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  49. I think it's pretty darn gorgeous in the color it's shown in, Fjord, so I'd do it in that color.

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  50. The serious side of me says putty. The playful side says red rover or rainbow or island blue. Of course I would accept any color sent.

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  51. So hard to choose...maybe Sage. Love the pattern.

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  52. I would knit it in Cranberry Bog. That would be beautiful!

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  53. I would love to make this in midnight blue.

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  54. Laurel Faye Love this pattern ! I've always enjoyed cables. Beautiful in her color choice. I would use The Skyway for mine. Love that color.

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  55. Daley. Cozy . . . .

    Chocolate or Charcoal would also be gorgeous.

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  56. I'd love it in Blackberry. I've been to the Isle of Skye and visited that yarn shop. It's a once in a lifetime experience!

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  57. I think it would look great in Cranberry.

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  58. What a gorgeous pattern I think it should be either Black Watch or Baltic Sea....how fitting
    Thank You for the opportunity
    Mary

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  59. What a spectacular pattern! I think it would be spectacular in The Bean.

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  60. It would be stunning in Hot Pink!!!

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  61. My first choice would be in a natural, off-white. After that it would be a tie between a pale sage and a silvery blue.

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  62. It is stunning in Fjord, but I think I'd like to make one in Patina.

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  63. Ooooh. Lovely. Waistcoat or China blue, I think. Not your traditional Aran colors, but beautiful. Thank you for this contest!! and as a plus sized woman, it might take a little more yarn, but easily accommodated, it looks like! :)

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  64. I think I'd use a natural/undyed color. If not an off white, than a light gray. Light color to show off the stitchwork best. That is a totally gorgeous design.

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  65. Stunning design and would look fabulous in Red Rover.

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  66. I would make it in gray. Or if I were feeling adventurous, a bright yellowy green.

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  67. Sorry I could not locate colors mentioned by others but I would choose a heathery mix of lavenders to the purplish side to go along with the natural plant. this reminds me of the Galway Wrap that I made - only this is much more intricate and so inticing!

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  68. Cranberry, I think—a pop of color to go with the pop of those cables. Or perhaps Waistcoat. Decisions are always the hardest part!

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  69. Putty would be the perfect color for this!

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  70. I think the designer's choice of a medium gray is perfect! It looks like stormclouds on a day when you want to stay under the covers

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  71. This pattern would work in so many colors, but I think I would choose Navy Pier.

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  72. I love this pattern! And I love the color, Fjord, that is pictured. Hail to my Norwegian ancestors!

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  73. Shorewood is my color of choice for this fabulous wrap!

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  74. I think either Rippey or Skyway would be smashing.

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  75. blackberry =) I love color =)

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  76. Tahoe - just beautiful!

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  77. I think I would choose the color of the sample. Such a rich gray. Love it!!

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  78. I'd have a rough time picking between Dobson and Cedar. I agree that this is one of the most stunning wraps/patterns that I've seen in a long time. I'd knit this in a heartbeat!

    KallieKY (on Ravelry)

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  79. I would use Pine or Waistcoat. Such a pretty pattern!

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  80. I think i would do it in bean. I love the bean, and i wear a lot of black and grey. Or i could do it in a dark, dusty rose for my SIL. Or..

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  81. With a name like Ode to Skye, it has to be blue or blue-green. Maybe Cermak?

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  82. Challenging and fun to knit. Haymarket in The Sykeway color would be my chose

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  83. I love it in the black stone tweed

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  84. The colorway is perfect as is.

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  85. Love the pattern, I'd go for pewter.

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  86. I tend to be desperate for color come winter, so I'd want something rich and bright. I love the pop that either Cumberbund or Farwell would give to a drizzly, grey day!

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  87. Job well done, Chris! Knitting cables is one of my very favorite things and this project has some beauties. If I were to make one for myself, it would have to be in Cermak. :)

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  88. This pattern is gorgeous! Oh so many colors that I think this would look stunning in. I can't decide...maybe a nice charcoal grey, but not too dark. Also wondering how I can get on this cruise, hoping they do another one so I can save up!

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  89. Wow! So many beautiful colors to choose from! This beautiful wrap would look fabulous in just about any of them. I think I've narrowed it down to Cranberry, Douglas Fir, and Blackberry. I think... Cranberry... I think. Or maybe... Sorry - this really IS a tough choice. Although I would love to knit it in Hayworth, I have skin problems when I knit with wool, so perhaps in Pearl?

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  90. That is so gorgeous! It would be so hard to pick a color. Red Rover would be great, as would Fjord. Island blue would be lovely, and even putty or pewter (though kind of boring LOL).

    You could even send me neon orange yarn and it would look smashing in that pattern, I think!

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  91. I think that it would look stunning in Island Blue. It would really make the cables pop!

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  92. Blackberry would be lovely. But then Cranberry tempts me, as does Waistcoat. I'm pretty sure Blackberry is my first choice, though.

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  93. This is beautiful! I would love to make one in Waistcoat.

    *Insert heart eyes emoji right here ;)*

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  94. Beautiful Shawl. I would knit it in Naperville.

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  95. I'm torn between Carol Green and Cookie's Deep Dark Secret, it's so hard to choose!

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  96. Something rich - like chocolate or blackberry. So many other great choices though too!

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  97. I think Waistcoat would be lovely for this shawl!

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  98. I think I'd go with Skyway. And then make a second in Charcoal, because they're both lovely.

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  99. wow, I'd love to make this in Dusk.

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  100. What a rabbit hole. I just spent way too much time dreaming of colors and wanting multiple versions. Oh well, for the immediate question I would choose Buckingham Fountain. But in reality almost any color would work up beautifully in this pattern.

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  101. That sounds like such a wonderful cruise, and that pattern is stunning. Mmmmm...BFL might be my desert island fiber. As for a color, I think I would knit it in Putty.

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  102. Charlotte DockstaderJuly 25, 2014 at 3:25 PM

    I think it would make up nicely in Blacmkwatch - one of my favorite plaids.

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  103. Love it in the color it was knitted in, Fjord!

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  104. Oh..to be wrapped in chocolate!

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  105. Beautiful wrap, I am very jealous, that sounds like a wonderful cruise! I would knit it in fjord, but if I had to pick a different color I would go with Cookie's Deep Dark Secret.

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  106. Hard to choose! But I'm thinking Waistcoat or Cookie's Deep Dark Secret. :)

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  107. I've need done cables. This makes me want to try.

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  108. I would knit the lovely Ode to Sky wrap in the colour Putty to accentuate the cable patterns. Thank you for the opportunity to also win some of your blue faced leicester yarn to knit this wrap in time for fall.

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  109. Beautiful! I would knit it in Blackwatch. I love the colors on that one.

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  110. I'd knit it in the Fjord colorway. It's gorgeous!

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  111. I think I'd try for a colorway in the jade family, to really bring out the viney texture. Or a lovely all kinds of grey, so it looked like the beach on Skye (where I spent a happy morning with my sister, a lifetime ago).

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  112. I would love to do this in Blackberry. I was on a knitting cruise and stopped on Isle of Skye and visited that yarn shop. A day of a lifetime...

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  113. Sage green or grey. Beautiful pattern!

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  114. I'm a big fan of your bold multi-colorways. But for this wrap, I think a solid color like Dobson would be best. It would be a clean palette that would showcase the beautiful cable design.

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  115. Such a beautiful pattern! Such a hard decision, but I would probably want to knit it in Waistcoat or Campbell!

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  116. I think I would do it in Charcoal. It's beautiful. (Hammaboo/Rav)

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  117. Monrovia is one option....there are many. Diane

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  118. Monrovia is the color I would choose. This is a gorgeous pattern.

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  119. I love knitting cables! I think I'd like to do this in Periwinkle.

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  120. What a gorgeous pattern! Hard to pick a color but maybe kerfuffle or Cookie's deep dark secret.

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  121. So beautiful! Would like to knit in Rippey. Love purple...

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  122. I'd just use a beautiful cream colorway. Show up the stitch definition!

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  123. Oh my that is a lovely piece!! I love, love, love Haymarket and I think I would knit mine in Monrovia...just enough color changes to keep things interesting. I might even strand it depending on the lots...ahhhh knitting!!

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  124. Thank you for this generous offer. I would choose Dusk for this pattern. Lovely

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  125. "Dobson" or "Dusk" I think...or maybe "Echo". They are all so lovely, it is difficult to choose! Thanks for showcasing such a beautiful pattern as well. It is already in my Ravelry queue!

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  126. I love the Rippey, the deep purples are gorgeous <3

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  127. Perhaps Waistcoat. Definitely something more solid. What a lovely pattern!

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  128. Lovely design. I would love it in pewter!

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  129. Carmen/Tapgurl on RavelryJuly 26, 2014 at 11:01 AM

    I would knit it in the same color as the sample. It's gorgeous and would go with anything, just like your favorite jacket.

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  130. Oh, thing of beauty! I'd knit one in pale gray.

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  131. Diane/bearknitter on RavelryJuly 26, 2014 at 1:13 PM

    The pattern is gorgeous in this color, but I'd make it in Blackberry.

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  132. Beautiful. I'd knit it in Perwinkle or Pine.

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  133. Beautiful piece! Cedar would be my choice. Or Grant St Ink. Or Putty. sigh.

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  134. That is a beautiful pattern. How can you pick one color? I've narrowed it down to Cookie's Deep Dark Secret or Waistcoat. CDDS if I had to pick just one.

    Rav conradk

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  135. Sage! It would be so pretty!

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  136. I would probably go with Humboldt.

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  137. I think a red would be great with the cables...Cranberry or Chagrin, hard to tell on the computer...whichever, it would be lovely! (Ceejay on Rav)

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  138. Navy Pier would be perfect...all the colors of water blended together and flowing with the cables. Lovely.

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  139. I love the Fjord color. Beautiful pattern.

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  140. That is really gorgeous; I think that would be beautiful in your sage yarn.

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  141. There are so many choices of excellent colors! I'd pick Dobson, I think.

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  142. Pick me, pick me! I love the Ode to Skye wrap and would knit it in Chocolate or Firefly.

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  143. I would love it in Kerfuffle, what a great wrap! Putty would also look great.....too many great choices!

    rav name: vstarborn

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  144. And, Cheryl Lewis is our lucky winner. Cheryl, I've sent a Rav note. Please get in touch so we can get yarn and a pattern on their way to you!

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