I have been eyeing the Patagonia Synchilla sweater for a long time, mostly because I love the idea of a quarter-opening pullover. I haven’t pulled the trigger on it yet, but when I saw Joan call for testers on this gorgeous cable-knit quarter-zip sweater instead, I felt like this was the much better alternative for what I had been looking for. This way I could customize the colour however I wanted, while still keeping the benefits of the quarter-opening!

• 513g / 1036m of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes – a worsted weight (4) yarn (colour: Chestnut)
• Size 6 (4.00mm) knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride 100cm circulars)
• Size 7 (4.50mm) knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride 100cm circulars)

Pattern (Size 2) by Joan in Cable Knit Style

To preface this post, I should clarify that Joan was actually looking for testers not just for one pattern, but for FIFTEEN patterns, as she is releasing a book of knitwear patterns! Because of that, I don’t have a live link for the pattern, but keep an eye out, as the book is expected to be released in September 2023. I will try my best to update the information as I receive it.

Joan’s specialty is designing cables, and the one that she has included here is so dreamy. The cabled section is mirrored on the front and back, while the ribbing on the remainder of the pattern helps to keep the sweater fitting perfectly. I did end up lengthening the body of this sweater by repeating more rounds, as Joan had designed it to be more of a crop, and I was looking for more of a full-lengthed sweater.

Like I had mentioned on my post from the previous week, I was scared about adding the zipper after I had spent so long knitting the rest of the sweater, and I didn’t want to ruin it. However, at the end of the day, I think that a metal zipper was the perfect finishing touch and contrast for the knit fabric. I will note that the instructions on the test pattern were a bit confusing for the zipper installation, but I am thinking that Joan will have made adjustments to the final wording before publication, as a few of us raised similar points in our feedback. After all, that’s the whole point of test knitting!

This sweater is actually destined for a friend as well, but I am thinking that this pattern might be too good for me to only make once, especially since I still haven’t bought the Patagonia sweater. I really like being able to customize the fit to my body, especially since standard sleeves are often too long for me. This is the beauty of bespoke clothing, where it was made specifically for your body. Do you have any pieces of clothing that was made with you in mind?

Until next time, happy crafting!