Let me start by saying that this is going to be a very different pattern than perhaps any you’ve knit before. Ultimately it will produce a sweater, whether you choose the cardigan or pullover. The construction however is quite unique. This design is knit entirely sideways! While you may have seen sideways knit sweaters before, most are created using drop shoulder construction, as loose cape-style draped garments, or as vests. This however is fitted more traditionally with raglan sleeves and colorwork resembling traditional yolk style patterns.

My patterns have been likened to a “Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” novel; a description I quite enjoy and find very fitting, especially considering that the working draft is currently a 32-page manual. I also look at them as “Color-by-Numbers” designs, where you could quite literally choose a shape and pick your color with the help of the diagrams and schematics included, and knit accordingly (a great stash buster with fun results!).

While not complicated once you get into the actual knitting, it may look intimidating at first. Truly the most complicated part of the knitting will be keeping track of your stitch counts and following closely along with the pattern using the diagrams provided and written information. Techniques used in this design are basic short rows in both the wrap + turn style as well as the more traditional double stitch style.

To say that this has been a labor of love is an understatement. I began working on this design in the fall of 2023 when Junction Fiber Mill first approached me. They wanted me to consider working on a project in conjunction with them for the 2024 New York Sheep & Wool Festival. I had in truth already been contemplating designing a sweater, though not one this complex (the complexity completely stemming from the way my brain works through designs - not in any way from the mill proposing any type of complex solution), however, I never shy from a challenge especially one of my own making and quite enjoy the nature of discovery. Thus began an intense period of in-depth design and planning. I could have never imagined that it would take almost a year to complete, countless hours of my life and time away from my family. Many days I sat in their midst wearing headphones to isolate myself in my thoughts, relentlessly pouring over numbers and re-writing areas of difficulty. I wanted this pattern to be as approachable as possible to as many people as possible. (So, for an advanced knitter, there may be too much information, and you will find it easy to skip delightfully through long sections of counting; but for the novice, I hope that you can relax and take the time to count your stitches until you find the right rhythm and find that you are quite capable of even the most daunting of projects!) I also wanted this pattern to be as size inclusive as possible. (My test knitters can attest to the number of revisions it has taken to get to this point!)

And after stating all of that, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to Amanda and Peggy at Junction Fiber Mill for supporting me through the entire process, and to each of my test knitters for taking on this challenge. The initial pattern I entrusted to them bears little resemblance to the finished design we have today. I must admit, this journey wasn't without its fair share of cautionary notes. From the outset, I made it abundantly clear that the pattern might undergo significant change and may not even work! Having not personally knitted all eleven sizes at each of the three lengths myself, I couldn't guarantee its flawless execution. Any confidence I had rested solely on mathematical calculations. 

And so, without further ado, let me begin by presenting you with the initial framework for this design as below. If you are as excited as I am and want to get a jump on ordering your yarn for the big launch, here is the information you will need:

SIZE: (Sizing is based on chest circumference. All measurements are actual finished garment sizes without the addition of any positive or negative ease in the total figure. You may decide to choose a size slightly smaller than your actual measurement if you want a nice fitted look - knowing that knits will stretch a little, or go up a size or two for a more comfortable fit.)

1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)

82 (92, 102, 112, 122, 132) (142, 152, 162, 172, 182) cm

32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52) (56, 60, 64, 68, 72) inches

LENGTH: (Because this design is knit sideways rather than top-down, or bottom-up, where you can decide upon your length as you work the garment by trying it on; here length must be pre-decided upon prior to starting. I offer instruction for the following three different lengths. It is possible to modify this by leaving off the bottom garter edge or lengthening the garter edge, however direct instruction to do this is not included.)

A. 56cm / 22”

B. 62cm / 24.5”

C. 69cm / 27”

SLEEVE LENGTH: (Measured from center back to shoulder edge, and from there to wrist. Sleeve length is pre-determined by garment size as follows. Modifications are not included in the pattern but can be made at the garter edge by increasing or decreasing stitch count.)

74 (75, 76, 77.5, 79, 80) (81, 82.5, 84, 85, 86) cm

29 (29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5) (32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34) inches

YARN DETAILS:

This design was made exclusively in fiber from Junction Fiber Mill, available online at https://junctionfibermill.com

YARDAGE: (Yardage will depend on the yarn you use - fiber content, ply, etc., your personal gauge, and any modifications you make. Please note that these are estimates based on all available information.)

CC: Making Tracks - 210yds / 2-ply, DK Weight, 100% NSW, local wool, this collection focuses on beautiful color transitioning plied yarn.

Size 1-3: 210-240 yds / 192-220 m

Size 4-11: 270-320 yds / 247-292 m

MC: Farm Fresh - 210yds / 2-ply, DK Weight. This collection features small-batch, limited edition runs of 100% NSW, locally sourced wool.

Size 1: 32" / 82cm

Length A: 725 yds / 663 m

Length B: 806 yds / 737 m

Length C: 888 yds / 812 m

Size 2: 36" / 92cm

Length A: 783 yds / 716 m

Length B: 870 yds / 796 m

Length C: 957 yds / 875 m

Size 3: 40" / 102cm

Length A: 840 yds / 768 m

Length B: 934 yds / 854 m

Length C: 1027 yds / 939 m

Size 4: 44" / 112cm

Length A: 883 yds / 807 m

Length B: 986 yds / 902 m

Length C: 1089 yds / 996 m

Size 5: 48" / 122cm

Length A: 926 yds / 847 m

Length B: 1035 yds / 946 m

Length C: 1144 yds / 1046 m

Size 6: 52" / 132cm

Length A: 969 yds / 886 m

Length B: 1082 yds / 989 m

Length C: 1195 yds / 1093 m

Size 7: 56" / 142cm

Length A: 1012 yds / 925 m

Length B: 1129 yds / 1032 m

Length C: 1246 yds / 1140 m

Size 8: 60" / 152cm

Length A: 1055 yds / 965 m

Length B: 1176 yds / 1075 m

Length C: 1297 yds / 1186 m

Size 9: 64" / 162cm

Length A: 1098 yds / 1004 m

Length B: 1223 yds / 1118 m

Length C: 1348 yds / 1233 m

Size 10: 68" / 172cm

Length A: 1141 yds / 1043 m

Length B: 1270 yds / 1161 m

Length C: 1399 yds / 1280 m

Size 11: 72" / 182cm

Length A: 1184 yds / 1083 m

Length B: 1317 yds / 1204 m

Length C: 1450 yds / 1326 m

NEEDLES: No. 8: 4mm (US6) 2 - 36” Circular (or as necessary to work body length and to pick up stitches for grafting sleeve)

GAUGE: 19sts and 32rows to 10cm (4”)

STITCH MARKERS: 9 (You can pre-mark these as follows: A, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, B)

CROCHET HOOK: G/6 4mm

LAUNCH DATE: July 5th, 2024 - Pattern Published to Ravelry and Woldten.com

JFM MILLCAST EVENT: July 9th, 2024

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Please consider tagging your work @woldten and @junctionfibermill along with the following hashtags: #jfmkal #lindalsweater #lindalcollection #woldten.

Please do not include images of the pattern in your photography other than the cover page or your Color Planning Sheet.