Pattern is organised over eight A4 pages. Photos are grouped so that pattern is only on central four pages for printing
Muireann is a top-down girls’ cardigan with ribbed bodice and feather-and-fan lace swing. The girls’ name Muireann (pronounced Mwih-RhaN) is derived from the Irish words for “muir” which means ‘sea’; and “fionn” meaning ‘white’ or ‘fair’. True to its name, the combination of the color-changes and the shaping of this jacket re-create a “fair sea” for the dolphins.

The color-changes of the yarn on the bodice are like the play of sunlight on a deep, blue sea. When the structured ribbing reaches the empire line the change of gauge to ridged feather stitch allows the fabric to flare.

The ridged feather stitch pattern is textured enough to allow the variegations of the yarn to shine. As a bonus, the waves formed by the stitch pattern are like the waves breaking on our local beach.

Muireann is worked from the top-down using Barbara Walker’s method for simultaneously set-in sleeves as follows:

1. After a provisional cast-on, the back is worked until it is one-sixth of the armhole circumference.
2. Then each front is worked from the cast-on stitches to the same length as the back.
3. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves and the fronts, back and sleeve-caps are worked simultaneously, with paired increases forming the sleeves.
4. Just before the sleeves are divided away from the body, stitches are added to the body and the sleeves for the underarm shaping.

SIZE
For children’s garments: 2yrs 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16yrs
Assumed chest sizes (inches):20.522, 23, 24.5, 26.75, 30.75, 32, 34
Assumed chest sizes (cm): 5255.5, 58, 62, 68, 78, 81, 86

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 2123, 25, 26.5, 28, 31.75, 33, 35 inches
Length: 1819.75, 20.5, 22.75, 25, 27.5, 28.375, 29.375 inches
45.550, 52, 58, 63.5, 70, 72, 75 cm

SUGGESTED YARN
Shown in Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky 85% Wool / 15% Mohair; 125yd/114m per 113g skein;
color: Blue Skyways; 56, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9 skeins

MATERIALS
48inch/120cm US #10.5/6.5mm circular needle
Set of 5 DPNs of same size
Crochet hook of same size

NOTIONS
Waste yarn for provisional cast-on
Spare circular-needle cable or waste yarn for long stitch holder
4 stitch markers (at least two need to be different)
Yarn needle
22, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4 toggle-style buttons
22, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4 Locking stitch markers or safety pins

GAUGE
Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter’s gauge is unique. Also, please note: Row gauge is important on this one!

14.5sts/19rows = 4” in stockinette stitch
22 sts/21 rows = 4” in 1 x 1 rib, unstretched
17 sts/20 rows = 4” in Ridged Feather Stitch (unblocked)