This is a Big Girl’s sweater on the Ziggurat framework. I love the quick-n-easy Ziggurat method with its careful details, but wanted my own special fit and features. The Ziggurat patterns are so easy to adapt using the Helpful Table! I was able to get exactly the fit I wanted, using yarn that did not give me gauge.

I cast on for a size 44, then halfway through the table, switched to the columns for size 50. This gave me the wider upper arms I wanted, as well as more rows to compensate for my way-off row gauge. I also made the neck opening deeper and slightly less rounded, by spreading out the neck increases to the end of the Helpful Table, joining the fronts, then working an additional ten rows (still doing increases, but spread out) before separating for the sleeves. To figure it all out, I did that thing they always recommend in knitting books: measure a sweater you love to wear and convert it to fit the gauge you’re knitting. Well, it worked quite well! Next time--start with narrower opening for neck (knitting more stitches in those initial short rows), but go just as deep for a nice scoop neck.

Worked the largest size bust darts because I was concerned about the row gauge. Probably could have worked 2-3 fewer rows for a perfect fit.

After the waist decreases, I increased more rapidly and for more rows than written, to give me a nice flared hem around my roundness. I also made it longer overall than the nicely tailored shape in the pattern.

Worked sleeve decreases every six rows the whole way down. I have short arms and big upper arms; this is necessary to get to a small enough cuff by the time I have the desired sleeve length.

Finished sleeves and hem with a few rows of K2, p1 ribbing on same size needles as body. Finished neck on US2 needles by picking up 3 out of 4 stitches and working k1, P2 ribbing for 5 rows. Bound off loosely, decreasing gently as I bound off to keep the neck lying flat.

Working with Eva Lace held double. Creating gradient by switching one strand at a time, every 25 rows.

Gauge: 23sts/4 inches and 32 rows/4 inches on US 4 needles, washed and blocked lightly.