Inspiration
In summer 2020 I traveled to one of the northern-most parts of Russia and was absolutely fascinated with the raw beauty of its harsh nature.
One thing I didn’t get to see during that trip, but have long dreamed of, are Northern Lights (also known as Aurora Borealis). My husband and I decided to come back in January 2021 to hopefully vitness that natural phenomenon. In preparation for the trip I knit a sweater that would keep me warm in the extreme temperatures and always remind me of this unique experience.
I am delighted to share it with all other Northern Lights lovers!

About this pattern
Aurora Borealis sweater has classic fit (~5% positive ease at the bust), it is worked top-down in the round and decorated with colorwork on the yoke and along the hem (optional). It also features raised back (for all sizes) and horizontal bust darts (for adult sizes 3-14 only, optional) - worked with short-rows – for anatomic fit.
You can make it fully your own by choosing to:

• trim the neckline with an I-cord or ribbing (feel free to combine different trims). Children sizes up to and including 6-7 y.o. with an I-cord neckline are worked with a button fastening at the back to make putting it on easier;
• knit the body straight (default), or use additional instructions to create A-line or waist shaping;
• add or skip colorwork along the hem;
• work the neckband narrow (crewneck) or long (turtleneck).

Sizing and yardage - see further details in a table and schematic in the pattern photos

• 8 children sizes: 1year – 13-15 years or 52-78cm/20-31” bust circumference//86cm-164cm/2’8”-5’5” height
• 14 adult sizes: 1, 2 /3, 4, 5/ 6, 7 {8, 9 /10, 11, 12/ 13, 14} or 86-153cm/32-60” bust circumference, 166-170cm/5’5”-5’7” height

Yarn
Fingering-weight wool in 2 contrasting colors. For yardages per size see table in the pattern photos.

I do NOT recommend using 100% superwash merino or alpaca (>50%) for colorwork as those might leave holes / sag considerably in wear.

• Main color (MC): suggest tweed in dark blue/ black / purple tones for the ‘sky’
• Contrast color (CC): suggest bright green/blue/pink (or a gradient of all of them) to imitate the natural phenomenon

Needles:

• Stockinette - 3.5 mm / US 4 (or size to get gauge)
• Colorwork - 4 mm / US 6 (or size to get gauge)
• Ribbing & I-cord- 3mm/US 2.5

Notions:
Waste yarn, crochet hook, stitch markers, stitch holders (optional), row counter (optional), tape measure (optional), tapestry needle, scissors; for children sizes up to and including 6-7 y.o. – 1 button (~8-12mm/ ¼-½” in diameter)

Gauge in 10x10cm/4x4” square, knit in the round; after wet blocking:

• Stockinette: 24 sts by 34 rows
• Colorwork: 24 sts by 26 rows

Pattern tech-edited and translated into English by Olga Barshai GingerHandcrafts

Should you need any pattern support, please, contact the designer via MrsKnowall Ravelry Group