What a fabulous pattern! While I don’t love the way it’s laid out, it’s nevertheless very clear and it is an absolute delight to knit. I even enjoyed knitting the sleeves--and I hate sleeves. I just adore the lacy detail in the yoke; not only is it fun to knit, but it creates an exciting visual contrast with the bold stranded motif. And look how the sleeve cables start at the neckline, then travel over the shoulders and down the sleeves. Amazing! I also love that the sleeve decreases are worked at the edges of the cable section, making them a design feature instead of something you’re trying to hide on the underside. And the rounded, very oversized, one-size-fits-all shape is perfect for my apple-shaped plus-size self. Overall I just really really love this sweater! I am already planning another.

needles sizes 1-5 for neckline; 6 for most of the body; 8 for colorwork. I got gauge on US6.

Mods:

1. Worked the neck on needles two sizes smaller than written, relative to the needles I used to get gauge. This gave me a nice firm neckband.

2. Added two 12-row repeats to the body. I wanted it longer, and also my row gauge always comes up short.

3. Knitted the number of sleeve rounds given in the pattern, but worked the decreases faster and included some extras to make the cuff smaller. Also went down 4 needle sizes (from US6 to US2) for cuff. It’s still a bit wider than a standard cuff, which is an effective nod to the designer’s intended look while providing a better fit.

4. Worked a tubular bind off on the cuffs, using the same Suzanne Bryan technique used to cast on the neck. It’s a lovely, lovely finish and I will use it again! Bound off the body with Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy BO, as the tubular just seemed overwhelming over that many stitches.

This Is Just To Say
by William Carlos Williams

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold