My second Guernsey wrap, beautifully written pattern from Brooklyn Tweed. I couldn’t work with Shelter yarn, and found the Shepherd’s Wool to be a wonderfully soft alternative and lovely to work with. I was considering eliminating two sections (sections being: diagonal, checkerboard, ribbing, chevron) to make it slightly shorter for a scarf. But decided to knit the pattern as written.

The pattern as I had it from 2010 does NOT have the sections being symmetrical, lengthwise. This was changed in the 2011 update.

Studying the pattern and charts first to understand the layout and then using my own concise written directions while knitting has made it easier for me. Then it became easy to knit intuitively without referring to the pattern much, only to check the order of the sections. And remembering that the first 3 and last 3 stitches of every row are garter stitch bordered by one stitch of stockinette.

For the horizontal borders between sections, if it starts on an odd numbered row it starts with a knit row; even numbered row - purl row.

I originally thought of changing the ribbing section so as not to pull in and require aggressive blocking, but I really like the look of the ribbing as is, especially since it’s reversible as compared with other ribbing variations. So I’ll stick with it, and am using a larger needle (US 9) on those sections. it’s not pulling in so much and only requires a light blocking. It might also be possible to use blocking wires just on those areas to make blocking it a bit easier.

I’m inclined to somewhat modify a design to bring my own creative impulse to it. In some cases such as this, there is an essence of the design that “wants” to remain intact - some modifications may enhance that, but some may disrupt it. Like playing Beethoven, you want to bring out the inherent genius of the work, which is a satisfying creative experience every time.

The Shepherd’s Wool White colorway is a perfect creamy shade, not too white. The project used nearly all of the 3 skeins.