Sommet

Those who don't subscribe to the newsletter probably don't know that we recently added something new to our collection:This is Sommet - it's a pure baby alpaca which knits up at the same gauge as Nordique. Trust me... I've tested it every which way to Sunday!First, I swatched by its lonesome using Laura Grutzeck's Hunter Jacket pattern as its basis:Next came a portion of the border from the Green Mountain Shawl. I went up a couple of needle sizes, as I did when I knit the original.I was having fun, can you tell? So, I tried to see how the halo would stand out against Nordique. Jared used Boreale in his Northlight Mittens pattern (scroll down a bit - it's on the fourth row), but Nordique and Sommet will also work - it'll just be a warmer pair of mittens.I then tested out a strand each of Nordique and Sommet... perhaps I'll add a big collar to Gamine at some point in the future.For a lighter weight garment, a strand each of Boreale and Sommet. This is the border from Robin's Woodward Cardigan from the last issue.Finally, I swatched Sommet double stranded. Oona's Hoodie is a good choice for a heavier, pure alpaca garment as it is fitted and seamed. Alpaca does not share wool's elasticity so care has to be taken when selecting a pattern for it. I am planning a yoked cardigan knit in the round, but it will be fitted and knit using a single strand - I don't imagine I'll have any problems since it is a sport weight.Now, it's your turn! Enjoy swatching...