Okay, I know I say this a lot, but this was one of my favourite test knit projects that I have ever done. The design is timeless, and the joy I had in making this project was unbelievable. This particular sweater is destined for a friend, but I have half a mind to cast on a second one, because that’s how much I enjoyed it.

• 314g / 565m of Manos del Uruguay Alegría Grande – a worsted weight (4) yarn (colour A: Turmeric)
• 52g / 100m of Malabrigo Ríos – a worsted weight (4) yarn (colour B: Ivory)
• Size 7 (4.50mm) knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride 100cm circulars)
• Size 9 (5.50mm) knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride 100cm circulars)

Pattern (Size B) by Autumn at Gingko B.

Mustard yellow is not in my typical colour palette, but it IS for my best friend. When she asked for a yellow sweater, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out visually, but I honestly love how it turned out, and the vibrancy of the colour made me happy each time I was knitting it. Originally, I had planned for the sweater to be entirely mustard yellow, but when I got to the yarn store, they only had three full size skeins of the Turmeric colour, so I knew that I would have to get creative. Luckily, they also had two mini skeins of Turmeric, and I was able to find a nice contrasting colour in the Ivory. To be honest, I’ve never spent this much on yarn before for a single project, but since it was for a gift, it was easier to justify. I lowkey wish I could knit with more expensive yarn more often, but life is about balance, right?

I wasn’t sure how I was going to add the Ivory to the sweater pattern at first, but good old Google has never let me down. After a few searches for a colourblocked sweater and back-and-forth exchanges with my best friend, we decided that a nice thin-thick-thin stripe pattern across the chest would be a great way to add in some contrast. For those of you who are interested, on the body it is 5 rows in Ivory, 3 rows in Turmeric, 15 rows in Ivory, 3 rows in Turmeric, and 5 rows in Ivory before switching back to all Turmeric. I completed one row after the sleeve separation in Turmeric before starting the above colour pattern. You can’t really see it in the pictures, but there is also a similar thin-thick-thin pattern on the sleeves! Here, it is 3 rows in Ivory, 2 rows in Turmeric, 7 rows in Ivory, 2 rows in Turmeric, and 3 rows in Ivory. I placed this block of colour right before the ribbing for the cuff pattern, so you may need to adjust the exact row count positioning based on how long your arms are.

If I were to make any changes to this pattern, I would tweak it so that the turtleneck is slightly shorter and the sleeves shorter as well. As written, the turtleneck goes right up to my chin, and it would actually be nice if it was a little lower for more movement. I did have to adjust the sleeve length, but that was a common feedback during the testing process. I ended up redoing the sleeve length a few times actually, mostly because my arms are shorter than my friend’s, and I wasn’t sure if it would be long enough for her. I’m still not sure that I got it completely right, but hopefully the cuffs make it a forgivable mistake.

I also want to give a shoutout to Autumn who ran the best test knit I’ve ever taken part of it. This girl sent out weekly updates and check-ins, as well as ran an impeccable Instagram AND Discord group chat options. I’ve never had so much accountability before in a test knit before, and it was super helpful in keeping me on track! Autumn is also extremely size-inclusive in her designs, which is super exciting to see in the knitting world, which often caters to the slender. I know that I’m guilty of that too, but seeing Autumn work has inspired me to do better in the future.

I really hope that my friend ends up liking this sweater, but even if she doesn’t, I think I love it enough that it would live a good life with me, even despite the unusually bright and happy colour choices. The wool yarn and thick turtleneck will also make it a great choice for staying warm in the winters, which is perfect for my friend who is chronically cold. This is the beauty of bespoke clothing, since you can make it exactly how you would want it for your lifestyle. Do you have pieces like that in your wardrobe that fit your personality so wonderfully?

Until next time, happy crafting!