Dunrobin Sweater: Inspiration for Corinne's Latest Design

Just in time to start working on your new Fall wardrobe, Corinne is launching a brand new pattern! The Dunrobin Sweater is a new take on the classic boxy sweater knit up quickly on US 9 needles. Intended to be a layering piece, this design will comfortably fit over a t-shirt and under your winter coat when the season gets cold. We’ll be offering kits, an online course, and all the Woolly Thistle extras you know and love about our unique designs! 

The Design

Corinne has put lots of thought into the components of the Dunrobin sweater, and we just know you’ll appreciate her eye for the small details! Knitted bottom up, this sweater uses drop shoulder shaping for a cozy fit. For the garment making pros, there are tons of clever takes on the classic sweater you’ll enjoy…

• Neck: Knit in 1x1 ribbing, this mock turtleneck gives you the coverage of a turtleneck without any of the tightness.
• Body: More stitches on the front than back means you’ll have plenty of room for the ‘girls’ while the back is a bit more fitted, giving it a sleeker box shape without the frumpiness.
• Sleeves: Say goodbye to sleeve island! The shaping of this sweater means you’ll be halfway done with the sleeves by the time you finish the body. They’ve also got a tighter fit which means less stitches to knit and less time on sleeve island and the sooner you’ll be able to wear your sweater!
• Hem: Corinne’s added a "tent top" detailing in the split seam which keeps the boxy shape while also giving you more room to move. 

The Inspiration

Much like the Balvonie Bonnet, named for her aunt and uncle’s home in Inverness, and Flowers of Fortrose, the name of her grandfather’s town, Dunrobin is a memorable spot from Corinne’s childhood. She and her family used to visit here in the summer when she was a wee one. It’s also the site of her most recent trip to Scotland where, before the pandemic hit, she and her kids visited the iconic spot complete with blue skies (no small matter in the often cloudy Scotland). 

The Castle

Dunrobin’s name is an ode to one of Corinne’s favorite places in Scotland: Dunrobin Castle in Golspie on the northeast coast of Scotland. The most northerly of Scotland’s castles, Dunrobin looks like a palace with its 189 rooms, stunning gardens, and ocean view. It is also the longest continuously inhabited royal house in the UK since the 1300s, housing Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, a Naval Hospital in WWI and even a boys boarding school from 1965-1972. You can learn more about the castle’s history, and maybe even plan your trip, on their website here! 

The Kits

The Dunrobin calls for a heavy worsted/aran weight, and we’ve curated kits in a variety of yarns that are a perfect match for this cozy sweater! If you’re wanting the original look, Corinne’s design was first knit up in Studio Donegal Irish Heather in Charcoal: a perfect neutral layering piece! Prefer something lighter? We’ll have kits in Studio Donegal ranging in color from Oatmeal to Navy, Sky Blue, and Moss. 

For an even warmer finished object (and an even more cost effective purchase), check out the kits in Lettlopi! Lopi knits up into a lightweight fabric that is super warm and water resistant, perfect for an all-weather sweater.  Available in a variety of colors, there’s bound to be one that’s the perfect fit for your aesthetic.

Each of our kits comes with all the yarn needed for your size, a large Woolly Thistle tote, and a PDF download of the pattern. Is this one of your first sweater projects, or do you just want Corinne to keep you company while you knit on yours? Then make sure to add the “Knit the Dunrobin” Course to your cart as well! Corinne will walk you through all the design elements of the sweater and you can watch as often as you like, when you like. 

The Woolly Thistle has everything you need to get this quick and cozy sweater on the needles, and we can’t wait to see how yours knits up! Comment below the color you’re looking at for cast on, and make sure to visit our Facebook and Ravelry groups to share photos and chat with other Thistlers!