I made several changes to this pattern to slim it down and to avoid using bulky weight yarn. Fortunately my customization worked and I love the sweater. I am always amazed at how little yarn a lopapeysa takes.

Mods
• instead of the bulky weight called for in the pattern I used Aran weight Léttlopi which enabled me to knit size M at a gauge of 14sts/10cm (instead of 13sts/10cm) thus changing the finished measurement from 42” to 39”
• used specs for size Small sleeve (I like a skinny sleeve)
• eliminated long flap in the back but kept the split hem
• replaced five rows of neck ribbing with two sets of German short rows in back neck of ribbing, then three complete rows of 2x2rib all around using same needle size as body

Blocking
Cold water in Soak for 30 minutes. Laid flat inside out. Smoothed out, no pins.

Needles
6.5mm Addi Turbo circ 32” (yoke, body, neck & hem rib)
6.5mm Brittany Birch dpns 6” (sleeves)
5.5mm Clover bamboo dpns 5½” (sleeve cuff rib)

KALs
Berocco Lopi KAL (2/1-3/15/18)
Group: Berocco Lovers
Challenge: stranded yoke sweater using Léttlopi

The Colorwork KAL 10 (1/1-3/31/18)
Group: The Colorwork KALs
Challenge: Major Project - colorwork sweater
Project #1

How I added German Short Rows in the neck ribbing
In my description below where I say sl&DS that is the actual German short row double stitch. I like to place a locking stitch marker on the DS after I knit it.

Knit the sweater but stop before beginning the neck ribbing, keeping the BOR marker in place. At the top of each shoulder place a marker to evenly separate the front stitches from the back stitches. It is important to have these stitches centered correctly. You will be working your short rows on the back stitches. Continue to keep your BOR marker in place. Keep the BOR marker unique; use a different kind of marker for the shoulders.

Starting at BOR marker work ribbing across RS back up to the st marker on left shoulder. Turn work, sl&DS, and continue ribbing across WS back, passing and slipping BOR marker. Be sure to maintain continuity of your rib sequence when you turn your work. Rib up to marker on right shoulder, turn work, sl&DS, rib across RS back to 1” before the left DS, turn work, sl&DS. Rib across WS back to 1” before the right DS, turn work, sl&DS. You have completed 4 DS = two sets of German short rows. Option: if you want more height in the back do another set, remembering that one set = two rows.

RS is facing you. Work three rows of ribbing evenly around entire neck, including front and back stitches, finishing at the BOR marker. As you get to each of the four DS knit both legs together as one stitch (like a K2tog). Having put a locking stitch marker on each DS will make them easy to identify.

You will end with 7 rib rows in the back and 3 rib rows in the front with a smooth transition around the neck.

NOTE: An inch is the number of sts in your gauge so if your gauge is 4½ = 1” leave either 4 or 5 sts between the two DS’s - your choice.