The polar star has been an essential navigational tool for sea-farers for thousands of years, it is the axis point upon which the earth turns and around which all stars appear to spin. Here in the Hebrides, on a cold, clear winters night we have beautiful dark skies and I love nothing more than to step outside to seek out the polar star amongst the myriad of sparkling constellations. If we are lucky, we may also catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

A key feature in this sweater design is the polar star motif down the length of the arm that uses the Eriskay star gansey pattern as a starting point. The sweater is designed to be worn on breezy Sunday stomps or to cosy up on the sofa with a good book but will also look great in the city on a cold winters day.

The sweater pattern is suitable for intermediate skilled knitters, it is loose fitting with split sides and a back slightly longer than the front. All parts are knitted flat then sewn together. The sleeves are cast on at the wrist using a provisional method such that once the sweater is stitched together the cuffs are knitted down from the sleeve in the round to the desired length. The sleeves are knitted up from the wrists, continued across half of each shoulder (left & right) and are then grafted across the back and front to form a yoke. Once all sections are sewn together stitches are picked up around the neck, which is then knitted upwards to create a cowl.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7, 8)

Chest measurements: 80 (89, 98, 107)(116, 124, 134, 144) cm / 31.5 (35, 38.5, 42) (45.5, 49, 53, 57) “.

Recommended ease: 30 cm / 12”

Garment chest measurements: 110 (119, 128, 137)(146, 154, 164, 174) cm / 43.25 (47, 50.5, 54)(57.5, 60.75, 64.5, 68.5) “.

Yarn: The Birlinn Yarn Company 4-ply / finger weight, Hebridean & Cheviot blend, 100% wool, 150 m / 164 yds per 50 g.

Skeins: 9 (10, 11, 11) (12, 12, 12, 13).

Yardage: 1350 (1425, 1500, 1575) (1725, 1763, 1800, 1875) m / 1477 (1559, 1641, 1723) (1887, 1928, 1969, 2051) yds of 4 ply / fingering weight yarn.

Sample knitted in shade: Haar

Gauge
22.5 sts x 33 rows = 10 / 4” on 3.5 mm / US 4 needles or size required to match tension in st st knitting flat after blocking.

Techniques
Provisional cast on Kitchener stitch grafting Twisted stitches (RS & WS) Yarn overs
Drop stitch