I used size 6 circular needles for the neck and sleeve bands, and size 8 circular needles for all other parts. This is a contiguous pattern knitted from the neck down (no seams). Cathy Carron is one of my favorite knitwear designers, and who doesn’t like a pattern without seams!

Normally I don’t like 100% acrylic yarn. However, this Stylecraft Extra Special DK is just that - very soft, lovely to work with, and comes in a few pretty marl colorways. And it’s machine washable and dryable! The yardage is fantastic - 322 yds/295 metres per 100-gram ball, and it’s very inexpensive.

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn. I don’t recommend yarn this heavy. This style calls for yarn that drapes well. I was able to achieve gauge with DK weight yarn and size 8 needles. However, I think this style would look even better with something less heavy than DK. So if I ever make this again, I’ll follow instructions for a larger size and use fingering weight yarn with smaller needles. I might do something different with the sleeves next time just to entertain myself a bit more.

BTW, I don’t like the way the hem rolls up at the bottom. I turned mine under and stitched with sewing thread, but then it looked even worse. So I ripped out the sewing thread and steamed it with the iron lightly. Next time I’ll try a different treatment at the hem instead of casting off in the normal way. Also, I don’t really like the way the sides pull up. This has nothing to do with my knitting. It’s just the way the pattern was designed. The sweater looks cute from the front and the back, but not particularly great from the side view due to this problem of it pulling up at the sides - especially if you raise your arms at all. (You can see it in the second pictures at left - me and my sweet Mommy.) Nevertheless, I think it turned out cute, and it’s extremely comfortable to wear.

Should have combed my hair before these pictures were taken!