It often happens to me that I see a design, fall in love with it, put it on my queue and then, for one reason or another, I never find the right moment to start knitting it.

Beatnik is a clear example. From the very beginning I found this pullover so pretty. I really wanted to make one for myself. But there was always this unsurety that I have since my childhood… what will other people think? Is it too youthful for my age? Will I look ridiculous in it? Does it suit my style?

Finally, I decided to put my worries aside. I had plenty of Drops Big Merino wool in my stash and thought that it could be ideal for this pullover.

I love knitting cables, but knitting so many of them at such a tight gauge and with these big needles was not easy. My hands and fingers hurt after every knitting session. I was relieved after finishing the back and the front. In comparison, knitting the sleeves felt like enjoying a spa treatment.

The pattern is very well written, I didn’t find any mistake. I lengthened the body a bit (added 5 cm to front and back before starting with the decreases) and also the sleeves. I am always cold and, although I didn’t want to make full length sleeves, I made them clearly longer than called for.

For the collar I picked up 124 stitches (instead of 100) to make sure that it would stand up. It looks ok, but the next time I wash my Beatnik I will stretch/block the shoulders again in order to try to widen the collar a bit.

After sewing all the pieces toghether I was afraid that the pullover wouldn’t fit me. It was very heavy but looked so small and stiff. I could hardly put it on, but luckily, as soon as I took it out of the washer, I saw that everything was fine. It had clearly relaxed, I could block it without problems and it fits good. I am happy