I’ve heard from a lot of my friends in these pandemic times that the only knitting they could bear to do was simple. Stockinette stitch sweaters, garter stitch scarves, plain hats with nothing fancy have been rewarding and soothing, leaving their noggins free to worry about all of the more important things they’ve been facing. I’ve been in a similar spot. My brain hasn’t been quite right this past year; full of anxiety with difficulty focusing.

But recently, I’ve felt that spark coming back. That desire to knit more intricate things, patterns, shapes – something to challenge me a bit more, and thus Twisted Brain was born. The cable and lace pattern isn’t particularly hard to work, but it does require some attention, especially when it comes to the neck shaping and staying in pattern. But it’s perfectly doable.

Knit in Hikoo’s Simplicity, this is a pretty darn affordable project. Machine washable and easy to care for, this makes a decent sweater to throw on over your pjs and wear around the house, too. There are pockets, of course, perfect for stashing cookies, dog treats, and tiny bottles of wine – all of my personal pandemic staples.

SIZE
XS (S, M, L, 1X/ 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X)
shown in size S with 5.75 inches/14.5 cm of positive ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest/Bust, with Collar Overlapping: 34.75 (39.75, 44.75, 50, 55, 60, 65.25, 70.25, 75.25) inches/ 88.5 (101, 113.5, 127, 139.5, 152.5, 165.5, 178.5, 191) cm
Length: 22 (22.5, 23.25, 23.75, 24.5, 25, 25.75, 26, 26.5) inches/ 56 (57, 59, 60.5, 62, 63.5, 65.5, 66, 67.5) cm

Garment is designed to be worn with 4-8 inches/10-20cm of positive ease in the chest/bust circumference.

MATERIALS
Yarn
Hikoo Simplicity (55% superwash merino, 28% acrylic, 17% nylon; 117 yds/107 m per 1.75 oz/50 g skein); color: 015 Ripe Raspberry, 9 (11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23) skeins

Yarn Characteristics:
This pattern will have the best stitch definition worked in a 100% merino yarn, or a blend of merino. Look to have at least 50% merino in the yarn you choose, and choose a solid or near-solid colorway so that the patterning is visible.

Recommended needle size
(always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique)
US #6/4mm circular needles, 24-40 inches/60-100 cm long
US #6/4mm needles for small circumference in the round

Notions
cable needle
stitch markers
stitch holders or waste yarn
yarn needle