Making this yarn (reclaimed from a previous knit) into a random lace sweater.

This is an idea I saw in a magazine many years ago - unfortunately I can’t remember the details of which magazine or pattern it was, but the basic idea is to have the same number of increases and decreases in each row but to space them relatively randomly rather than in any specific design.

In my case I’m using yo and k2tog alternating, with 0-3 stitches of stockinette between each one.

The basic numbers for the sweater are from Ann Budd’s top-down sweater book, using the raglan design but you can’t tell in amongst the lace. I did some extra short rows at the front to drop the neckline a little, and the ribbing is 1x1 twisted for a neat finish with an Icelandic bind off. I increased the number of stitches by about 10% going into the ribbings so they wouldn’t pull in so much.

I originally made this regular sweater length, but after putting it on a few times decided it would be cuter cropped, so I ripped out lots of length from the body (and a little from the sleeves too) and now it’s a great length for wearing with dresses.