FIREWORKS PULLOVER
Every once in a while, if we’re lucky, the creative work we set out to do lands us in “the Zone,” a place where hours pass like minutes, food becomes a concept and other forces take over that allow the visions we have in our heads to materialize. Developing this pattern over the last three years has been a thrilling puzzle to figure out, and one that has brought me repeatedly into the Zone.
In order to create a bottom-up raglan using a 30-stitch repeat (in a way that would provide an all-over pattern on the sleeves and allow unobtrusive shaping of the yoke), I charted and customized the sleeves and yokes for each size. Wanting to then also include written instructions (for those who prefer to work that way and not solely from charts), I wrote out each line of the charts for each size as well. Although these two versions of the pattern provide the thoroughness and clarity I wanted, they also make the final PDF quite long (43 pages). This is of course not to say that you need to print out all 43 (and I provide a page break-down for the charted version, the written version and each size). But I wanted to mention the length because at first sight it may make things seem more difficult or involved than they actually are. Writing the pattern and figuring things out took time, but skill-wise, if you can make a bobble (and hopefully like to!) the work itself is solidly advanced-intermediate, and the instructions (although lengthy) hopefully serve to make the process easier, not harder.
For an initial version of the pattern, I used a finer weight yarn on size 5 needles and was pleased with the results. But, given the scope of the charts and written instructions and really just wanting the knitting to remain manageable and fun, I moved up to bulkier (yet lightweight) yarn on size 10 needles. This helps everything go considerably faster.
In all of the patterns I’ve ever worked on, the journey this one took me on has made me feel the most proud. It is a happy day in my world to finally be able to share it.
MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
There are two different yarn brands suggested for this project from which to chose. The first is:
4 (5, 5, 6, 6) skeins of Purl Soho’s Big Good Wool, 100% Andean highland wool. Each skein is approximately 274 yards; approximately 975 (1105, 1290, 1435, 1570) total yards required.
The second is:
5 (6, 7, 8, 8) skeins of Brooklyn Tweed’s Quarry, 100% Targhee-Columbia wool. Each skein is approximately 200 yards; approximately 975 (1105, 1290, 1435, 1570) total yards required.
US 10, 32 or 40-inch circular needle, depending on sweater size
US 10, 24-inch circular needle
US 10, 16-inch circular needle
A set of US 10 double pointed needles
Stitch markers, including several in a different color
Stitch holders or waste yarn
GAUGE
15 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Swatch Pattern, relaxed after blocking
SIZES
32 (36¼, 41½, 44¾, 48) inches
Finished Chest Circumference: 32 (36¼, 41½, 44¾, 48) inches
Finished Length from Shoulder to Bottom Edge: 22½ (23½, 25¾, 26¼, 27) inches
Finished Length from Underarm to Bottom Edge: 14¼ (14¾, 14¾, 15¼, 15¾) inches
Finished Length from Underarm to Cuff: 17½ (18, 18, 18½, 19) inches
Sample: The sweater pictured here is size 41½.