A couple years ago, I knitted a wonderful colorwork sweater from a complex pattern in gorgeous colors of Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend. This yarn is a light, soft DK single-ply with deep saturated semi-solid colors that has lovely drape when knit at a slightly looser gauge than is typical for DK. The leftover yarn was still so beautiful, sitting in a little nest of hand-wound balls, that I decided I had to find a project that would let me make use of, and showcase, every scrap I had. Being an analytical type, I pulled out my kitchen scale, weighed all the bits, and decided that with an extra ball of black, I could create a complete sweater! I arranged and re-arranged all the little balls in circles until I liked the order of the colors. I calculated a bit more and this lovely sequence of varied stripes emerged.

I wanted the colors to be the main event, so I chose a simple, flattering sweater shape and construction; top-down raglan with 4-stitch increase lines, and a relaxed, drapey body. To keep the simple look elegant instead of sloppy, I tapered the sleeves to slim-fit wrists, with the stripe sequence continuing right to the end of the ribbing. Continuing on the simple but elegant theme, I crafted a fitted low-crew neckline that is flattering alone, and also easily supports a scarf or necklace.

As I worked on this design, I thought about the satisfaction that comes from making something lovely from what we have on hand; about how, with a little extra effort and creativity in the planning, we can find a way for every ingredient to make a valuable contribution to the whole, and that the end result is infinitely more beautiful, comfortable, and special as a result. I named this sweater Cammac after an amateur music organization where my friends and I make music in exactly the same spirit.

SIZE
XS [S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
shown in size S with 5 inches/12.5 cm of ease

Sizing note: The amount of ease for each size is calculated by percentage rather than adding a consistent amount of ease to each size. Consult the finished measurements and the schematic when choosing your preferred size.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest/Bust: 35.2540, 44.75, 49.5, 54.5, 59.25, 63.25, 68, 72.75 inches / 89.5101.5, 113.5, 125.5, 138.5, 150.5, 160.5, 172.5, 185 cm
Length: 23.2523.75, 24, 24.25, 24.5, 24.75, 25.5, 25.75, 26 inches / 5960.5, 61, 61.5, 62, 63, 65, 65.5, 66 cm

MATERIALS
Yarn
Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend DK 70% Merino, 30% silk; 150 yd/137 m per 50 g skein;

• MC Black 3008; 23, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4 skeins
• CC1 Pewter 3064; 1 skein
• CC2 Pine 3206; 22, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4 skeins
• CC3 Henna 3049; 1 skein
• CC4 Bing cherry 300M; 22, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4 skeins
• CC5 Steel 3029; 11, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 skeins
• CC6 Midnight 3011; 1 skein
• CC7 Nickel 3031; 11, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 skeins

Yarn characteristics: The sample sweater in size S weighs 350 g, and used approximately: 95g MC, 20g CC1, 75g CC2, 20g CC3, 75g CC4, 35g CC5, 20g CC6, 30g CC7. Any DK weight yarns will work.

Recommended needle size: always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique

• 1 US #7/4.5 mm circular needle, 32 inches/80cm long
• 1 US #4/3.5 mm circular needle, 32 inches/80cm long
• 1 set of US #7/4.5 mm needle(s) for working small circumferences in the round
• 1 set of US #5/3.5 mm needle(s) for working small circumferences in the round
• 1 US #4/3.5 mm circular needle, 16 inches/40 cm long
• 1 US #3/3.25 mm circular needle, 16 inches/40 cm long

Notions

• 8 stitch markers
• 2 stitch holders or waste yarn
• yarn needle