The gorgeous natural colors of the Serenity Sheep Farm yarn was all the inspiration I needed for the bitterroot pattern. I’d fallen in love with the yarn when I discovered the farm’s CSA (community supported agriculture) program many years ago and have been a supporter ever since.The sheep are raised on a family farm and for many years the yarn was spun at a local mill right down the road from the farm. New this year is that the yarn is spun right on the farm – it’s hard to get more local than that! The stitch motif was influenced by thoughts of the ancient Missoula Flood raging through the valley, the more modern thoughts of the sheep walking through the fields, the gorgeous Bitterroot flower that is so prevalent in the area, and the notion of a road trip along scenic byways to visit the place where it all happens.

Sizes
Hat to fit small (medium, large) with finished head circumference: 18¾” (20½”, 22¼”)
Sweater/vest to fit: 24”-27” (27”-30”, 31”-34”, 34”-37”, 38”-41”) 41”-44”, 45”-48”, 48”-51”, 51”-54” bust/chest measurement; worn with neutral to 3” positive ease with finished bust/chest measurement: 27” (30½”, 34”, 37½”, 41”) 44½”, 48”, 51½”, 54¾”

Yarn
Sport weight, approx. 300-320 yd/100 g skeins
Hat: 400 yds (200 yds each of c1 and c2)
Sweater: 1200 (1200, 1500, 1500, 1500) 1800, 1800, 1800, 1800 of c1 and 600 yds of c2
Shown in Serenity Sheep Farm yarn, Shetland x Romney wool grown and spun in Montana, ~300 yds / 100 g. Hat shown in charcoal + white, 1 skein each. Sweater shown in moorit + white: 4 (4, 5, 5, 5) 6, 6, 6, 6 skeins of c1 and 2 skeins of c2. Vest shown in silver (c1) + black (c2).

Gauge and Needles
28 sts & 28 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stranded color work,
28 sts & 36 rows/rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette, and
36 sts & 36 rows/rounds = 4” (10 cm) in 2x2 ribbing (easily stretches to same gauge as stockinette) using US 2-5 (2.75-3.75 mm) or size needed to get gauge; different needle sizes may be needed to maintain gauge in different stitches. Gauge measured after blocking.
For proper fit, take time to check gauge in color work and stockinette (both flat and in the round), and ribbing.

Notions
stitch markers (some removable), stitch holder/waste yarn, crochet hook or sewing thread/needle + sharp scissors to reinforce and cut steeks, sewing thread to match c1 + needle

Skills
Knit, purl, stranded colorwork, increase, decrease, steeking

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