I bought the two variegated yarns for this project at The Wool Company in Bandon, Oregon, in the summer of 2020, with a different sweater pattern in mind. I actually knit the entire sweater before deciding that it wasn't right and tearing it all out again. Two years later, I picked a different pattern and started again, this time adding a strand of Berroco Aerial for softness and texture. I improvised with the neckline and love the way it turned out! Larger needles created a more open weave with the yarn (which wasn't as soft knitted up as it felt in the skein) and the mohair/silk fiber added bulk and texture to make up for not using the chunky yarn recommended in the pattern. The two color blocks work amazingly well together, bringing the simple design up a level. The front and back panels are 25" long and 26" wide, with 6" shoulder seams connecting 20" long sleeves. The collar, cuffs, and lower edge have 2" ribbing; the ribbed bottom is 48" in circumference. Collar opening is 32" in circumference, allowing it to be worn over the shoulders like a boatneck top. The variations in texture and color are part of the organic patina of the locally-sourced and hand-dyed yarns. This is a stunning sweater, full of rich textures and vibrant life.
