Please see the pattern page for details.

This one was knit up in Holst Supersoft, with two strands held together. The contrast colors were various shetland style yarn leftovers from stash, plus a strand of Meadow in the red motif. As long as the yarns are similar in character and weight, it will work.

The motifs on this sample were a first draft, and the bottom one is more bird-like than the final version. I edited it to simplify the intarsia and reduce the number of yarn balls in play at once. I also changed the angle of the top motif a smidge, for the same reason.

Length: 22 1/2 inches in front, by the side of the neck

Yarn usage: 103 g leftover from a 500 g cone (103 g is the washed weight). 35-40 m used of each CC.

Here are my notes regarding pre-washing Holst Supersoft yarn:

Holst Supersoft is a wonderful and economical yarn, which blooms and softens significantly when washed. Some shades do lose a lot of dye when first washed. I have pre-washed Supersoft, both to prevent color bleeding, and to get rid of the spinning oil. It does take effort, but the result is worth it. Note also that steam pressing fabric knit from Supersoft that has not been pre-washed may result in a noxious odor. My advice is to pre-wash it.

Here’s how I did it:

• Skein the yarn, tying each skein in 4 places

• Wash by hand with little to no agitation – first a vinegar soak to fix the dye, then with soap or wool wash to remove spinning oil and excess dye. I used warm water in both, because without agitation there is little risk, and it makes the process more effective. The vinegar soak could be 1-24 hours.

• If possible, spin the skeins at high speed wrapped in a towel inside a net bag or zipped pillowcase (a few skeins per bundle). If not possible, place the skeins between towels and walk on them. Then stretch them out on a drying rack. They will dry overnight with a fan or near a radiator.

• Re-wind the yarn into balls. I wound a few double, for use on the intarsia portion.