I highly recommend this pattern. Like all Tin Can Knits patterns, it’s very well written, easy to follow and the fit is great if you match gauge exactly. This is my second Dogstar, but I knit a different size this time. It’s for my 13-year old nephew who’s still growing. Therefore, I intentionally gave him some growing room. I think he’ll be able to wear this all through high school.

Due to a major defect in the yarn dye (2 balls), I completely frogged what you see in one WIP photo. Started over during the week before Christmas, so no way will this be done in time for the holiday. But better late than never. I cut out all the bad portions of the yarn which I didn’t notice on my first attempt due to constantly having the knitting all wadded up on my lap during commuting. This time I went down a needle size because the pullover was too large. I had to go down TWO needle sizes from what is recommended in the pattern in order to match stitch gauge. Row gauge only becomes important when you get to the yoke portion.

This is the exact same yarn and color that I used for my last cardigan project. I seldom knit two sweaters in a row with identical yarn, but Tristyn’s favorite color is also green. Tristyn and his sister will be receiving Dog Star pullovers because this is a totally unisex design.

I cast on normally using a size 4 US needle. I stayed with this needle for the entire body and sleeves. When it came time to join the body and sleeves together, I switched to a size 3 US needle (with 60” Addi cable) which was used for the remainder of the yoke. The 3 mm needle was only used for the neck ribbing. I used the size 4 US needle for binding off in pattern.

Instead of Chart F, I used my own chart which is a row of galloping Mustangs. The Mustang is the sports mascot for Tristyn’s grammar school. The other two charts (G & C) are the same ones used in Sawyer’s Dog Star pullover.

For this project, I used Tatyana’s (HeavenlyClassy on Ravelry) 2-color technique which she demonstrates in this video. I just LOVE this way of knitting fair isle. This will be my method of choice from now on. So easy, neat, no floats and no tangled yarn!

My co-worker, Riley is modeling in some of the photos. Riley started working with us as an intern and is now a full-time employee (computer support group). He’s also a student at the cutting edge “42” University located in Fremont, CA. Read about this FREE school here and here. To those who are admitted, there is also a free dorm room for the first year. Why only one year? They assume that after one year at this school, you’ll be able to earn enough money to pay for your own housing. The tuition itself, continues to be free as long as you choose to attend this fabulous school. If you’re into computer coding, this is an amazing school with an extremely unique and effective approach to education. BTW, I was involved in the construction of the 42 campus - specifically creating engineering drawings for the classrooms. It’s an impressive facility.

This pullover fits Riley perfectly. My nephew, Tristyn isn’t yet as big, but he’s growing very fast. Hope to have some photos of Tristyn modeling soon.