DAHLIA PULLOVER
I love propagating begonias (specifically spotted angel wing ones), and the satisfying process of watching cuttings slowly develop roots and morph into thriving plants.
This pattern follows a similar path in that the initial idea for it was a “cutting” from my Dahlia Blanket pattern and an experiment as to whether, given enough time, a garment version could take root. The round shape of the blanket lent itself perfectly to the construction of a yoke (as did the cascading petal motif), and I soon found that the volume created throughout the body provided a beautiful sense of comfort and ease to the final garment.
A shaping challenge I faced along the way pertained to the collar and trying to figure out how to work it in a way that kept everything smooth and simple to adjust for all of the sizes. I decided to try a technique I once learned from Barbara Walker where she drew a piece of thin elastic thread through the inside waistband of a knitted skirt in order to imperceptibly draw it in. Doing the same thing along the bottom inside edge of the collar for this project worked like a charm and (as shown in the images below) not only enabled a smooth, uniform transition to occur from collar to yoke, but also made the collar circumference largely customizable.
I started to work out the details for the pullover around the time that I was finishing my Little Red Riding Hood 3-in-1 doll pattern and with a drafting table filled with the yarn I used for that project, I quickly realized how stunning the Silver Birch color could be for this one. The muted, subtle hints of gray dappled throughout the yarn make it feel organic and elegant, while the sport weight helps to keep the drape flowy and light.
In launching the Dahlia Pullover today and putting the pattern out into the world, my hope is that the project may ultimately germinate in your imaginations and inspire you to give it a try.
MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
4 (4, 4, 4, 5) (5, 5, 6, 6) skeins of Workshirt from Kelson Goods (80% superwash merino, 20% nylon) in Silver Birch. Each skein is approximately 430 yards (393 meters). Approximately 1670 (1680, 1700, 1720, 2050) (2065, 2080, 2260, 2275) total yards (1530 (1540, 1555, 1570, 1875) (1890, 1905, 2070, 2080) total meters) required.
US 4, 16-inch circular needles
US 4, 24-, 32-, or 40-inch circular needles, depending on sweater size
A set of US 4 double pointed needles
16 stitch markers, including 1 in a unique color
Small amount of elastic thread (optional)
Tapestry needle
GAUGE
26 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
24 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in 1 x 1 ribbing, slightly stretched
SIZES
To Fit Chest Circumference: 32 (36, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 60) inches
Waist: 24 (26, 30, 34, 38) (42, 46, 48, 50) inches
Body Length from Collar to Hem: 21½ (21½, 21½, 21½, 22¼) (22¼, 22¼, 22¾, 22¾) inches
Full Circumference of Pullover at Hem: 103½ (103½, 103½, 103½, 113¼) (113¼, 113¼, 118¼, 118¼) inches
Neck to Wrist Length from Collar to Cuff: 27½ (28, 28, 28½, 29¼) (29¼, 29¼, 30, 30) inches
Sleeve Cuff Circumference: 6½ (7, 7½, 8, 8½) (9, 9½, 10, 10½) inches
Unadjusted Neck Circumference: 24 inches. As outlined in the pattern, a length of elastic thread can be used to adjust the neck circumference. Adjustable Neck Circumference: 15 (15½, 16, 17, 18) (19, 20, 21, 22) inches
The sweater images pictured here all depict a size 34-inch waist circumference.