THIS KNIT: Soe from Laine Winter 2023
Just one more pattern that makes me want to drop everything else and knit it first
While perusing a knitting magazine, watching one of many knitting podcasts or scrolling the Hot Right Now page on Ravelry, I’m often stopped in my tracks by something new and beautiful. It seems imminently more exciting that whatever old thing on my needles right now. I only have a finite amount of time to devote to knitting; should I drop my current projects to cast on this hot new thing?
I’m going to try to have it both ways by indulging in this regular feature where I share one pattern that has given me that do-I-have-the-right-amount-in-stash-right-now feeling in the last week. Maybe if I indulge in the dreaming, planning and research, I’ll be able to scratch the new-to-me itch and return happily to my original plans (and already purchased yarn).
The Pattern
Today’s beauty: Soe by Anna Strandberg.
This pattern was published in the Winter 2023 issue of Laine Magazine and actually made me gasp out loud. Lots of folks have highlighted the bouclée beauty of the Maplewood Pullover from this issue, but this boxy gray number is what caught my eye.
The sleeves have a stunning cable detail on a reverse stockinette background and the body ends in a generous split hem. The mock funnel neck would keep me warm even in the windy Colorado (where I am based) chill and the deep raglan keeps it causal and cozy.
This style is squarely in my wheelhouse; I love boxy, oversized neutrals that look like a (probably slightly itchy) hug. Does it look like a Grandpa would wear it to go fishing off the coast of Scotland? Then I need it in my wardrobe. I can picture it looking at home over my selvedge denim jeans with clunky red Doc Martins. It would absolutely make me feel like the cool Helsinki girl that this Laine issue makes me want to be.
The Yarn
The yarn on this one is a bit of a conundrum, though. Surely a fluffy woolen-spun fiber, but what weight? The pattern calls for DK, but the suggested yarn is listed as Aran weight on Ravelry. My guess is that because it’s such a rustic yarn, it can be knit to multiple different gauges. It doesn’t have wide availability in the States but maybe I could find a store with international shipping.
I have some Harrisville Designs Daylights in my stash, but I don’t know if I’d achieve that glowing halo without a really wooly wool. Maybe a cone of WoolyKnit 4ply held double? Digging through Colourmart for dead stock yarn is always fun, but sometimes a roll of the dice.
Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to visit some fiber festivals this fall so I can look for that perfect hand spun skein. That’s worth waiting for right?
The Projects
Many of the folks who have knit this pattern so far have used the suggested yarn, but a few knitters have paired mohair with another strand to get a snuggly-looking effect. The Nutiden and brushed alpaca combo above absolutely glows.
I don’t know what yarn they used for this pink perfection, but NiklasKnit’s Soe is even pared with a matching cable jockstrap. As James N Watts said in a comment: “Soft pretty and sexy the three virtues”. (Side note, their instagram looks like a good follow.)
This sweater knit up amazingly with lots of different fiber combinations, so it’s even harder to resist stash diving or ordering more yarn. Well, crap. Looks like it’s going in the Ravelry queue…
I promise if I knit this one, you all will be the first to know. And please, please tell me if you cast this on yourself!
Lol “Does it look like a Grandpa would wear it to go fishing off the coast of Scotland? Then I need it in my wardrobe. “ - example of brilliant writing. I love your style!
And 😳 you totally shocked me with the cables thong pic! Men are always asking me to knit thongs , I just never realized that someone finally did it