Diana, inspired by Anne of Gables’ Diana Barry, was designed with special occasions in mind. Available in sizes Newborn to 16 years, this sweater is worked from the top down, beginning with a yoke. One shoulder is bound off and a panel is created, before repeating for a second shoulder and panel. These panels are then joined in the round and knit to the desired length. The set in sleeves are constructed from the top down using German Short Rows and simple increases and decreases to make the puffs. The neckline and ruffle accents are picked up and knit at the end. The most difficult skill required is grafting the folded collar, but video tutorials are provided to guide knitters through this and other techniques used in the pattern.

A low vision file is included with the purchase, featuring a 22 pt sans serif font and no italics.

Gauge:

Body: With a strand of mohair and a strand of fingering weight yarn held double, 22 sts and 31 stockinette rows in 4” (10.16cm) blocked, using larger needles.

Sleeves: With two strands of mohair held double, 24 sts and 27 stockinette rows in 4” (10.16cm) blocked, using larger needles.

Collar: With a single strand of fingering weight yarn, 7sts and 10 rows in 1” (2.54cm) blocked, using smaller needles.

Materials:

Fingering Weight Yarn: 185 (235, 285, 330)(360, 380, 425)(495, 630, 715)(800, 905, 995, 1030) yards or 165 (210, 255, 295)(320, 335, 380)(435, 555, 630)(710, 800, 880, 910) meters of Knitting for Olive Merino, a fingering weight yarn with 250m in 50g.

Mohair Yarn (Total): 520 (605, 680, 805)(875, 950, 995)(1205, 1385, 1595)(1715, 1895, 2035, 2185) yards or 485 (560, 620, 725)(795, 860, 905)(1090, 1255, 1430)(1545, 1710, 1840, 1965) meters of Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair, a lace weight yarn with 225m in 25g.

Please note that many children find mohair to be itchy. If you do not wish to sacrifice the look of the sweater by substituting a different yarn, plan to wear a shirt underneath the sweater. The collar does not utilize mohair for this reason.

Yardage for each of the mohair components is given separately in the pattern, so you can mix and match mohair components, if desired.

An important note about matching Knitting for Olive mohair and merino colorways: Even amongst the same colorways, there may be slight differences between the mohair/merino held double, the mohair held double, and the fingering weight held single. The merino is sometimes cooler in hue, and the mohair sometimes warmer. Generally, all these work well together and do manage to create a cohesive look. The issue seems to be more obvious in some colorways than others, but it is something of which to be aware when choosing colors for the sweater.

Suggested Needles:
Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular knitting needles, or size needed for correct gauge. Keep in mind that you may be able to achieve mohair gauge with this needle size, or you may need to size up or down, even if you achieve body gauge on size 5.

Size 3 (3.25 mm) circular knitting needles. The smaller size needles should be at least two sizes smaller than the largest needles needed for correct body gauge.

Circular needle length should correspond to the chest or sleeve measurement of your garment. The smallest sizes will likely require DPNS or the magic loop method for the sleeves, but sizes 4 and up may be able to utilize 10” (25cm), or 12” (30.5cm), circular needles.

Notions:
Stitch markers Tapestry needle
Button, .75”-1” diameter

Use #thedianasweater to share your project on social media. Small handmade knit shops are welcome to make to sell, but I would appreciate credit for the design.