Studio Donegal Lookbook 1

Bréidín Dhún na nGall

Donegal Tweed

Even those unfamiliar with the whereabouts of Donegal itself, will likely have heard of Donegal Tweed. For this remarkable, quintessentially Irish yarn, is fabled the world over.

Simultaneously playful and traditional, beautiful and utilitarian, versatile and unique, Donegal tweed is renown for its vibrant colours, distinct speckles, and weather-resistant properties.

It was this magical reputation that drew me to the welcoming doors of Studio Donegal when we first became neighbours a decade ago. I did not know it then, but the yarn would play a major role in my decision to become a handknits designer.

I have since released many patterns not just using Donegal tweed, but inspired by Donegal Tweed - some of which I would now like to share with you in this Look Book.

BASICS

The nuanced blends that are used to create Donegal Tweed colourways make this yarn a compelling choice for basic, everyday knitwear.

Whether you select a vibrant statement colour, or the subtlest of neutrals, the fabric will have a depth and complexity that will infuse even the simplest garment with visual interest - while still keeping it suitable for everyday wear.

This is one reason I enjoy designing basics in Donegal Tweed yarns. If I am going to knit a basic beige cardigan, I want a beige that sings and dances!

TIMEPIECE CARDIGAN

features:

v-neck

top-down

compound raglan

vertical neckband

optional flip pockets

Studio Donegal

Aran Tweed

colourway 4585

size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) requires 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19) 50g skeins

SAGLAN PULLOVER

features:

top-down saddle shoulder-raglan hybrid options for crewneck or high neck

Studio Donegal

Soft Donegal

colourway 5527

size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) 100g skeins

requires

GAN VEST

features:

top-down options for:

scoop neck, crewneck or high neck

deep or fitted armholes

plain or ‘winged’ armhole trim

plain or split hem

standard or tunic length

DWS

colourway 3757

size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) requires 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) 100g skeins

Studio Donegal

GAN VEST

Studio Donegal

Soft Donegal

colourway 5541

size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) requires 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) 100g skeins

CABLES

Perhaps the most popular use of Donegal Tweed, cablework tends to accentuate the yarn’s features, creating a richly, almost exuberantly textured fabric. But an additional, less romantic reason I tend to choose Donegal Tweed for cables, is that the non-slip nature of the yarn makes it convenient to work them without a cable needle. When removed from the needles, the stitches stay where they are without unraveling, making it easy to rearrange them and swiftly move ahead.

PENINSULAR VEST

Aran

colourway

features: bottom-up split hem oyster & wave motif

Studio Donegal Tweed 4897

BRIGHTER CARDIGAN

features:

top-down circular yoke

fold-over button bands

Northern dawn motif

Studio Donegal

Soft Donegal

1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) requires 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) 100g skeins

colourway 5548 size

BRAIDS OF GRASS PULLOVER

features:

top-down

circular yoke

mock neck

cabled edgings

braided motif

Studio Donegal

Soft Donegal

colourway

5536

1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) 100g

size

requires

skeins

COLOURWORK

Whilst I started designing with Aran-weight tweed, when it comes to colourwork I find the finer weight tweed ideal.

Worked slightly above gauge, it produces a lightweight fabric with elegant drape. And the colour palette invites possibilities for both neutral and striking pairings.