Horses have many different meanings in folklore and world mythology; they are symbols of power, strength, courage and loyalty. In Scandinavian mythology, Odin has an eight-legged horse named Slepnir who lives in Asgard and helps warriors find their way to Valhalla after they die.

Inspiration for this pattern comes from a Viking period rune stone discovered in Gotland, Sveden. The Tjängviden stone is painted with terracotta and white; it illustrates Odin with his horse Sleipnir, Valkyrias and a longboat.

The sweater is knit seamlessly round from the top down and the body is narrowed at the waist: I wanted to knit a sweater that would be suitable for riding in that it wouldn’t get caught in the saddle, and inspiration for it came from an Icelandic horse that moved into the stable I frequent.

Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)

Bust circumference 94 (110, 122, 136, 149, 158) cm/ 37 (43, 48 , 53.5, 58.5, 62) inches Waist circumference: 84 ( 96, 108, 124, 133, 148) cm / 33 (37.75, 42.5, 49, 52.25, 58) inches

Gauge: 20x24 sts 10x10 cm / 4x4 inches

Supplies
Yarn: Retrosaria Brusca 100%Portugalian wool n. 50g = 125 m / 136 yds DK weight

Main color (6C) = 6 ( 7, 8, 9, 9, 10) balls OR 720 ( 790, 920, 1 020, 1100, 1180) m / 787 (863, 1000, 1115, 1203, 1290) yds
Contrast color (B) = 2 ( 2, 3, 3, 3, 4) balls OR 200 ( 225, 250, 280, 310, 330) m / 218 ( 246, 273, 306, 339, 360) yds

Needles: Circular needles 40 cm /16 inches and 80 or100
cm / 32 or 40 inches in two sizes 4mm/ US 6 and 3,5 mm / US 4
Double-pointed needles in same sizes for the sleeves.

Notions: Removable stitch markers, waste yarn and a tapestry needle.