Irish Coffee

When we lived in San Francisco, there was a place called the Buena Vista Cafe, down in the tourist mecca that is Ghiradelli Square. Usually, we'd avoid the whole area, but that cafe made some amazing Irish Coffees. And after a hike in the fog, that drink was just kind of perfect. A warm and cozy pick me up that was both bitter and sweet, with a little kick.

So, when deciding what to call a cozy tweed tunic in the midst of February, the image of a spot at that bar, with a glass in hand, on a foggy day, finally made Irish Coffee the winning name. If you want their exact recipe, it's right here. Step by step. I get wistful just thinking about it!!

Anyways, Irish Coffee, the sweater, is also a pretty perfect mix too, if I do say so myself.
Simple, but different, fun to knit (all the concentrating is up top, and then it's smooth sailing to the bottom!), and easy to wear. The SHELTER yarn is unbelievable - it's a perfect midweight for wearing, a light lofty tweed for knitting, and the colors and texture are spot on for making the texture of the garment really stand out.


I tried to create a sweater where the focus would remain on the yarn, but I wanted to have a little fun with the details. This long line of cables brings the eye into the waist and enhances the slim line of the tunic. Up top, the short sleeves and seamed ribbing at the yoke balance out the length and give the neckline a distinct focus.


Top down construction means that modifications are easy.
The length, width and sleeves can be altered for whatever shape you prefer without changing the basic pattern instructions. You can go straighter or enhance the A line, and the length can be whatever works on your body. Notes are in the pattern at places to think about mods, as well as options for working the yoke in order to flatter different bust sizes.

I think it's a great, basic piece in a very versatile yarn that can be dressed up or down and worn with a variety of different kinds of outfits. I know I've been wearing mine around tons. A few of the testers have already posted their pics, and it's fun to see the mods and outfits they've chosen for their sweaters.

Here's Thao's. You can see she added a little flare at the bottom, which suits her perfectly.


The pattern is available on Ravelry or on the sidebar above for $6.50.

Basic Info:

Sizes: 32-50 (based on bust size)
Yarn: SHELTER 800(800,900,900,1000,1000,1100,1200,1300) yds
Needle: #8 (or size to get gauge)
Gauge: 4 st, 6 rows in 1" stockinette, lightly blocked

More information and testers photos are here on the Ravelry page.

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Lastly, in the spirit of mods, here's another take on Irish Coffee
for those of you who like your drinks a little sweeter.


Baileys n Coffee (still Irish, but without the whiskey!)

2/3 cup of hot black coffee
2 oz Baileys
shot of milk
1 tsp sugar (optional)
whipped cream

Enjoy!!

PS: The great pics of the sweater that even make my dining room look good, (and make me wish I still had my long hair) are by Caro of Splityarn , who rocks :-)