This is not actually the real Drops pattern but a combination of two patterns: I took the shape and measures of “Beatnik” and combined it with the pattern of “Dreams of Aran” because I wanted to make a classical Aran jumper with more traditional cables but couldn’t find a good pattern. I used “Dreams of Aran” as an inspiration but I wanted a cardigan instead of jumper - et voilà, this is my Drops-Beatnik hybrid!

Since I improvised with the cables quite a bit it turns out that the front and the back don’t really match pattern-wise where they’re joined at the shoulder seams. Something I need to improve for next time. I also liked the traditional sleeve inset of the Drops pattern but figured that the Beatnik way was easier. If you want the exact changes I made I can try and re-construct it but a lot was improvisation so I can’t promise very clear instructions.

I bought the yarn on a whim when I was in Lithuania last year and it was super cheap as it was natural and undyed (I could still find lots of small twigs while I was knitting and it totally smells of sheep in my living room now). The buttons were left over from another project which I unravelled but I think they fit perfectly and they give the classic Aran jumper a bit of a twist. If I get bored of them I can still change them.

I also discoverd a genious way of altering the pattern because the cables make it very easy to add a bit of ease just before finishing the project. Basically I had calculated a bit sparingly and before adding the button band, I just included another cable and joined it up with the two front parts so it looks like part of the pattern. Very practical for people like me who always end up miscalculating (or not calculation at all).

All in all I’m very happy with the result, looking forward to the winter to be able to actually wear it!