Technical editing by Alison Green. Photo credit Amy Herzog. Thanks to Beth Russell for modeling.

Dalriada is a great transitional-weather piece that’s figure flattering to boot. The long vertical lines formed by the Ornamental Rib panels, combined with the deep V-neckline, slim and lengthen the body. The single button closure and empire waist panel draw attention to the narrow part of the torso under the bust, a very flattering choice for many shapes. To help Dalriada best flatter your figure, before knitting compare your own measurements against the schematic to identify whether you might need to raise or lower the horizontal band. It should fall a couple of inches below your bust.

Bijou Basin Ranch Bijou Spun Sport is a soft, lofty, and completely luscious 100% yak yarn. I recommend it for its lighter-than-air feel and lovely softness and warmth. Should you desire to substitute yarn, please choose one that has little drape. You’ll need approximately 1108 (1226, 1311, 1422, 1530, 1660, 1787, 2011, 2211, 2394) yds/1014 (1121, 1199, 1301, 1399, 1518, 1634, 1840, 2022, 2190) m.

Dalriada offers great options for all body types. As written, the deep V neckline and long, straight sleeves balance one another out to flatter a proportional figure. The stitch panel beneath the bust highlights a wonderfully narrow spot on the torso for many women, and clearly differentiates between a larger bust and the tummy. The long, unbroken panels on the back and front of the sweater keep the below-bust stitch panel from visually shortening the torso.

Bottom-heavy figures might consider shortening the sweater, and extremely top-heavy shapes might consider lengthening the sweater, to a low-hip length or even a tunic!

Vertical darts enable easy customization to fit your needs. Should you desire less waist shaping than specified, either omit the shaping rows entirely, or omit/reduce only the shaping on the front of the sweater. Bustier women can work more increases on the front of the sweater, and not in the back. Extra stitches should be decreased into the neckline.

As with all patterns, compare the schematic against your own measurements and make alterations as necessary.