Connie's Sheltered Sweater

Photo Credit: Connie Liu

I am so honored to be part of Fancy Tiger’s Ambassador team, and I wanted my first project to be representative. So, the yarn choice was obvious: their brand-exclusive yarn, Heirloom Romney. I looked through my queue on Ravelry and the only thing that called for worsted/aran weight was Andrea Mowry’s Sheltered poncho. This also happened to be one of my #MakeNine2020.

Pattern: Sheltered by Andrea Mowry (Caution, link takes users to Ravelry which may have accessibility and health issues for some individuals)
Yarn: Fancy Tiger Crafts Heirloom Romney in Spruce (6 skeins)
Size: Medium
Modifications: Changed hood to a turtleneck, added buttons and buttonholes to hem


Photo Credit: Connie Liu

I had never used this yarn before, and was surprised that the texture felt a little bit rustic. However, after it was blocked, it bloomed and turned out super soft--it was like magic! This pattern was so easy and relaxing to knit, I was able to finish the main part, leisurely, in a week. It’s also very warm! While I was knitting, I used the work-in-progress as a blanket to keep me toasty and comfortable. I was so happy to see that Fancy Tiger Crafts released the Chevron Throw kits using Heirloom Romney, because I can't think of a better yarn!


Photo Credit: Connie Liu

The colors of this line are amazing, and I had such a hard time selecting the color for this poncho. I’m generally a warm color person, but occasionally I like to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. This time, I picked a dark green colorway, Spruce.


Photo Credit: Connie Liu

I typically knit size small in most patterns. After doing some research on Ravelry, I decided the medium would be a better fit. This was one of Andrea Mowry’s older patterns, and it looked quite overwhelming at first glance. Once I got started, however, everything was pretty straight-forward. The mock "seam" separating the upper and lower sweater body was quite ingenious! It was simply skipping two stitches at a time. The middle "seam" was very similar to the Weekender.


Photo Credit: Connie Liu

I wasn’t a fan of the hood. I debated modifying the design of the hood, but I wasn’t so sure I would be able to make a hood I would be satisfied with. I decided instead to do a cowl or a turtleneck.  Originally, I was aiming to do a cowl, but ended up with a turtleneck! So it all worked out, haha!


Photo Credit: Connie Liu

Another modification I made was adding buttonholes and buttons on the hems. I didn’t realize when I started that the poncho wasn’t seamed, and I wanted the poncho to have more stability, because it gets windy in Colorado.


Photo Credit: Connie Liu

The day I took the pictures was a little over 30F, and this poncho kept me warm during the entire outing. I’m so happy to add this to my handmade wardrobe!