I’ve been dropping hints about this project for weeks, and I’m over the moon to finally have a finished object to show off. From the colour contrast to the simple design to the boxy fit, everything about this sweater brings me so much joy.

• 4 and 3/4 skeins* of Autumn and Indigo Local Sport – a sport weight (2) yarn (colour A: Light Grey)
• 1/2 skein* of Autumn and Indigo Local Sport – a sport weight (2) yarn (colour B: Umber 2)
• Size 7 (4.50mm) knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride 100cm circulars)
• Size 5 (4.00mm) knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride 100cm circulars)
  *The skeins of the Light Grey were only available 56g while Umber was available in 100g.

Pattern (Size 2) by Claire at Autumn and Indigo

In case it’s not clear enough in the following picture, I was ecstatic to be able to try on a finished sweater. To be honest, I was imagining the day where someone would ask me about my sweater, and I could pretend to casually say ‘This old thing?’ while secretly gushing on the inside about how much I love it. Part of my joy is because I splurged and bought real wool for this project, so seeing it turn out so well was a huge relief. I justified it by telling myself that the wool will definitely make this sweater warm enough for those colder Canadian winters.

Some of the other pattern testers added extra colourwork right before the cuffs on the body and the sleeves to add interest to the sweater, but I decided not to. Being on the smaller side, I was worried that having the extra rows of colour might make my arms or torso look shorter. In hindsight, I wish I had just trusted the other testers because the modified sweaters all looked beautiful. Instead, you can have a picture of me looking wistful with my boring cuffs.

I will note that this sweater is designed to have a looser, boxy fit, so if you’re looking for a tight, body-skimming sweater, this is not the right pattern. On the other hand, if you’re looking to stay cozy in the cold, it’s perfect. I wish that I could show you my progress pictures so that you could see how it fit evolves from the collar to the yoke to the body, but most were taken in a less-than-pristine bathroom mirror, and shouldn’t be placed on the Internet. I’ve always loved to try on my crochet/knitting projects as I go, as I find it easier to get the right fit when it’s worn, and with the long cords of the interchangeables, I was able to do that with this project too! It was so rewarding to see the sleeves and body grow from week to week, and knowing that every row was bringing me closer to the end.

This was a huge milestone for me, as making and wearing my own sweater has always been at the top of my maker list. I’ve even secretly harboured dreams of making Weasley-family style sweaters for my whole family at Christmas, but after this project, I can’t conceptualize the time and yarn involved. Is there a big project, crafting or otherwise, that’s still on your list?

Until next time, happy crafting!