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There are times when life is forever marked by a discreet change - between the before and the after. In one brief transition zone the pattern changes. This kind of pondering led me to design a sweater with a visible break in pattern, a transition zone, and to make that an opportunity for pockets!

This aran-weight cardigan (slightly heavier than worsted weight) is knit in separate pieces for comfortable knitting and for strength of the finished garment. Knit in a rustic yarn this is a warm, oversized cardigan that can double as a jacket.

This pattern is suitable for an intermediate or advanced beginner knitter who is comfortable working different knit-purl texture patterns, basic increasing and decreasing, picking up stitches, and working mattress stitch. The cardigan is worked in pieces from the bottom up and then is seamed. Instructions for an invisible shoulder seaming method - with a link to video tutorial - is included in the pattern. Pattern is 8 pages long, includes a schematic, and has been test knit and professionally tech edited to be clear and free of errors.

Sizes:
XS (S, M, L) (1X, 2X, 3X). Designed to fit with 4 - 6 in/ 10 - 15 cm or more of ease to be worn as an outer layer. Shown in size M worn with a generous 8 in/ 20 cm of ease and shortened sleeves.

Finished Measurements:
Finished circumference (with button band buttoned): 34 1/2 (38, 41 1/2, 46 1/2) (51, 54 1/2, 58) in/ 87.5 (96.5, 105.5, 118) (129.5, 138.5, 147.5) cm.
Finished length for all sizes: 25 in/ 63.5 cm.
Notes in pattern for adjusting length.

Gauge:
18 sts and 29 rows/ 4 in/ 10 cm over Waffle Stitch (as given in pattern).
16.5 sts and 29 rows/ 4 in/ 10 cm over Garter Rib (as given in pattern).

What You Need:

• Bartlett Yarn’s Fisherman 2ply (100% wool; 210 yds/ 192 m per 4 oz/ 113 g skein); color: Coral Heather; 6 (7, 7, 8) (8, 9, 9) skeins. OR 1181 (1290, 1382, 1517) (1644, 1745, 1847) yds/ 1075 (1174, 1258, 1380) (1496, 1588, 1681) m of a similar aran weight or heavy worsted weight yarn.
• Circular needle 24 in/ 61 cm long or longer (or pair of sufficient length straight needles) in size required to obtain gauge. I used US #6/ 4 mm. You may need a size or two above or below that.
• 8 buttons, approx. 3/4 in/ 19 mm diameter
• 4 stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Tech editing by Sue-Cat
Photography by J.D. Stylos
Maine-made Bartlett yarn is available on-line at Bartlettyarns.com
Many thanks to my beautiful model Melissa Stylos.