Back in the Saddle

It’s been a little while since I last updated this space — okay, a few months — but like any knitter who’s ever left a project mid-row, I always intended to come back. Life got a little busy (as it does), and this blog sat quietly in the background like a neglected WIP tucked at the bottom of a project bag.

So… back in the saddle…

"Back in the saddle" is the perfect phrase for this moment. It not only captures the essence of returning to a beloved routine, but it also brings to mind one of my all-time favorite sweater constructions: the saddle shoulder.

And that phrase — as knitters often do — got me thinking. One of my all-time favorite sweater constructions is the saddle shoulder, and years ago (we’re talking 20+), I fell in love with a pattern that features it beautifully: Nantucket by Alice Starmore. In her 1993 book Fishermen's Sweaters: Twenty Exclusive Knitwear Designs for All Generations, this design captivated me with its intricate textures and timeless appeal.  While the book is currently out of print, it's worth seeking out through local libraries, secondhand bookstores, or online marketplaces.

I knitted the child’s version of this design several times back then—for gifts, for the joy of it, and because it was one of those rare patterns that made me feel both skillful and at home on the needles. The structure, the shaping, and the way it all came together just clicked—and it still does.

The Nantucket sweater embodies the essence of traditional gansey knitting, a craft deeply rooted in maritime history. Starmore's interpretation brings a refined elegance to the rugged charm of fishermen's sweaters, making it a joy to knit and wear.​

This post is just the beginning. I’m easing back into the habit of sharing here — with updates, reflections, and a few peeks behind the scenes of what’s currently on (or occasionally falling off) my needles. Thanks for being here and for sticking around during the quiet season.

Here’s to fresh starts, favorite patterns, and finding our way back — one stitch at a time.

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Pattern Mentioned:

Nantucket by Alice Starmore

Featured in Fishermen's Sweaters: Twenty Exclusive Knitwear Designs for All Generations (1993)​