Thanks for the kind words guys, I'll definitely pass them along to Mrs. Standard.

The colour does seem to change a bit depending on the lighting. Although the camera might have picked up a bit more dramatic of an effect than does the eye.

As per the yarn and needle specifics I'll ask her this morning and post here.

Okiwen that article did a fine job of completely confusing me! Here in the US from what I've always been taught jumper and sweater are clearly two differing items with the former being a type of ladies dress, and the later being an item worn by both men and women to keep warm made out of heavy wool or cotton yarn. There is also the sweatshirt to be thrown into the mix just to muddle up the issue even further! I've always heard the lads from across the pond refer to the garment that I am wearing as a jumper here on XMarksTheScot. In addition a very good friend of the family whose parents still live up in York wrote a quick message to her father on FaceBook to be sure to show mother my new jumper. Here in the US I'll keep referring to my new wool sweater just to be on the safe side!