The Wonderwool Sweater has been inspired by the bold geometric patterns of traditional Welsh double-weave blankets, known as Carthenni. These patterns date back hundreds of years and are still closely guarded and copyrighted by the mills that create them. Sadly, during the 20th Centrury many mills went into administration and some of these historic patterns have been lost. You can still see many of them today in the Welsh Wool Museum, who have kindly helped me with my research ahead of and during the design of the sweater.

Designed specially to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Wonderwool Wales, it seemed appropriate for these amazing and iconic patterns to be front and centre. The colours chosen are those of the Wonderwool Wales logo, and the suggested yarn is Morris by West Yorkshire Spinners, which contains 25% Welsh wool.

Two possible lengths are included in this design - the Tunic length and the Sweater length. Those that have been to Wonderwool will know that some years you need all the warmth you can get – I remember my first year as a vendor running around different stalls before we opened looking for extra mitts and hats to keep us warm during the show. The Tunic length sweater is aimed to ‘keep your kidneys warm’ and cover the tops of your legs to trap in extra heat. The Sweater length is designed to be a more traditional length.

The sweater is unisex in its design with no shaping around the trunk of the body.

50% of the profits from the sale of each pattern go to Wonderwool’s chosen charities.

I have also designed coordinating accessories, so you can now choose to make a hat, Cowl or Mitts to accompany your sweater. You can get all 3 accessories patterns as a bundle for only £6!

Gauge
Approximately 24 sts and 24 rows to 4”/10cm in st-st on 3.75mm needles over colourwork sections.

Yarn
Morris by West Yorkshire spinners - 50g balls, 112m/122y per ball (amounts to be confirmed!)
Colour A - Green - Sage 1281
Colour B - Burgandy - Pomegranate 1294
Colour C - White - Daisy 1275

OR your choice of DK weight yarn to meet gauge.

Needles
For the neck:
1 pair of 3.25mm 16”/40cm circular needles
1 pair of 3.75mm 16”/40cm circular needles

For the body:
1 pair of 3.25mm 24”/60cm or 32”/80cm circular needles
1 pair of 3.75mm 24”/60cm or 32”/80cm circular needles

For the Sleeves:
Your choice of 3.75mm needles for working on short circumferences.
Your choice of 3.25mm needles for working on short circumferences.

Notions
Stitch markers.
Sewing up needle.
Spare yarn or cables to leave sleeve stitches on.

This sweater is worked mostly through charts.

Please check the images for detailed finished measurements and yarn requirements.