Knitting Review: Brooklyn Tweed “Hugo” Cabled Pullover

THE YARN

As I mentioned in previous posts, I love getting my yarn from KnitPicks. They’re ethical and inexpensive. There are lots of other companies I’d love to get yarn from, but they’re usually too costly. KnitPicks is great because they’re the best of both worlds! I use this worsted wool yarn in Cobblestone Heather. It’s an ashy toned grey with lots of definition.

THE PATTERN

I used this pattern from Brooklyn Tweed. I bought their whole Celtic collection of patterns. This was the first time I was knitting something from Brooklyn Tweed! I had found them by browsing Ravelry (nerdy, I know). I wanted to make something for Josh that he would love, so he actually combed through their (pretty extensive) mens patterns and chose this one!

• I love Brooklyn Tweed patterns! They’re beautiful and well-designed. After taking the time to sit down and actually figure out what the pattern was saying (lots of symbols), it was easy. I’ve only had one bad experience with a Brooklyn Tweed pattern (this one, not sure how such a simple pattern got so screwy) where the pattern literally wasn’t lining up. However, the Hugo pullover is definitely a keeper!
• The whole structure of the pullover is quite sturdy. I’ve seen patterns where you either end up getting little knitting holes from the yarn loosening up or where it starts to shred itself/fall apart. Josh is more of a rough + tumble guy, even when doing something mellow. And this pullover has held up nicely!
• I didn’t put in the snaps. I have the snaps for the collar. I just never got the chance because Josh was a little excited. I will say, though, that it looks perfectly fine sans snaps.
• I definitely went with the version in the pattern to give a more tapered result to the pullover so it wouldn’t be so baggy. It’s still a little baggy. The ribbing at the bottom sticks out and almost looks like it was pulled to loose, but that makes for a great pullover to put on over a button down!

FINAL NOTES

Are you satisfied with the outcome? I love the outcome! Josh definitely loves the outcome! I think my favorite part are the sleeves. The work in beautifully with the whole pullover. The way that they’re designed gives a defined shoulder, which is awesome. Overall, A+.

Would you recommend this pattern? Absolutely! I would love to see this pattern done in a lighter color so you can really see the detail!

How long did this take you? This took me about a month and a half. I actually finished it mid-October and didn’t get around to review until now. I wasn’t religiously knitting for hours each day, but I definitely would put in about 10 hrs/week.

What skill level is required? I would say this is intermediate to advanced. There’s a lot of moving parts. If you’re a beginner and challenges don’t scare you off, then go for it! Just be sure for techniques that are unfamiliar, you look them up on YouTube.

Any other notes? I’m really looking forward to trying out some Brooklyn Tweed patterns in the future! I’ve been eyeing a few from their recent collection that I’ve been absolutely loving. I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt that the one pattern I mentioned (“Rift” sweater) in my other notes was a fluke simply because the “Hugo” pullover came out so amazing!