Carley has a PhD and a sweater!

This is a sweater I made to celebrate a PhD in pharmacology!

It's called Humulus, which is the scientific name for hops (a flowering plant in the hemp family -- who knew?).  I liked this sweater at first sight, and loved the idea of the hop cones twining around its yoke.  So I was excited when this was the sweater Carley chose. 

I grew up in hop country, and will admit that the fragrance of hops, especially from a kiln in the fall, is an acquired taste.  One I did eventually acquire.  This beautiful blog has more articles about hops, beer and the Yakima Valley.  I grew up in the number one hop-growing county in the US, where they grow 75% of all hops grown in the US.  One of our favorite bike rides went past orchards, corn fields, mint fields, and a hop kiln.  Lots of memories, lots of interesting smells.


But this sweater has other origins.  It's by German designer Isabell Kraemer.  The yarn is a wonderful combination.  The colorwork is Spincycle Dream State, and hails from Bellingham, Washington.  The gray is 3-ply Snaeldan, from the Faroe Islands.  (The Faroe Islands are a self-governing archipelago, part of the Kingdom of Denmark, according to the google.)

Humulus

• Designed by Isabell Kraemer
• Main color is Snaeldan 3 ply, in a natural dark gray color, 100% pure wool
• Contrast is  Spincycle yarns Dream State, in the Salty Dog colorway.  This yarn is hard to find, at least if you are looking for a particular colorway.  Weirdly I bought two skeins though I only needed one.
• Size 6 and 5 US needles.
• On Ravelry here
• for Carley to celebrate her and her PhD!

PS  The picture of hops above was from an amazing day spent tasting beer AND wine thanks to Bale Breaker Brewing Company, a brewery set in the midst of hop fields.  I highly recommend a stop at their brew pub.  If you go on a Sunday (and sometimes other days -- check), you can buy something delicious to eat from Guerra's Gourmet too.