There are occasions when the trigger for a design comes from an unexpected source, and the idea for the Jacobite Rose is a case in point. Jade made me a recent gift of vintage knitting needles. One set of double-pointed British size 10’s (3.5mm), still in its original packaging, immediately caught my attention. They were the  Flora Macdonald sock needles produced by Abel Morall’s Aero. The packaging (see below), was liberally peppered with a number of  important directives such as note the points, rustless and  will not injure the fingers. But the legend If stronger needles are required the “Flora Macdonald” hardened and tempered steel pins are recommended was the one that struck home for me.

It set me thinking of the monument overlooking Stornoway Harbour that commemorates the point where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed on Lewis on that famous flight assisted by the steely Flora.  One thing leads to another and as I recalled the story my eye fell on the Jacobite roses growing in my garden. They were at the stage which I love the best – a few still in bloom with their pure white petals, and others at every stage of fruiting when they range in colour from peachy pink to bright russet orange and rich red. These shades combine with the gold and green of the changing leaves to create a perfect palette for interpretation with my Hebridean yarn. The patterns are my interpretations of the classic rose leaf and the round hips with their beautiful curving and twisted sepals.

I knitted the beret with the set of Flora Maconalds and can testify that my fingers were not injured in the process. I anticipate that the hardened and tempered steel pins will outlast the remainder of my knitting career.

Jade knitted the cardigan and below you can see images of her work in progress.