Yarrow is inspired by the medieval apothecary who’s been living rent-free in my head for years.

Many moons ago, I dreamed up a series of patterns inspired by the local and medicinal plants in my garden, and Yarrow marks the first entry in that collection.

The body of the sweater is kept simple in stockinette, letting the sleeves shine. Each sleeve features a striking Estonian inlay motif inspired by the yarrow flower. I pored over medieval manuscripts for inspiration—where plants are often rendered with delightful oddities: wild proportions, whimsical colors, and fantastical flourishes. I wanted that same dreamlike charm to blossom in this design.

-Construction Details-
Yarrow is knit top-down, beginning with the back, then moving into the front panels which are joined before working the body in the round. Once the body is complete, stitches are picked up for the sleeves—that’s where the real magic happens.

The contrast color is introduced with the Estonian inlay technique (think intarsia in the round), which is both rhythmic and addictive. Before you know it, one sleeve is finished—though of course, you’ll get the joy of doing it again for the second! Afterward, delicate French knots are embroidered onto the yarrow motifs, creating a soft, textural effect reminiscent of the flower’s blossoms.

This sweater is especially close to my heart—rooted in the garden, touched with folklore, and wrapped in the rustic coziness of Rauma Vams.

Yarn
Rauma garn, Vams 
100% Norwegian wool
83m (90 yds) = 50g

MC: 416 Bark Melert
9 (9, 10, 11, 12) (13, 14, 15, 16) balls 
grams: 415 (440, 495, 540, 580) (625, 660, 715, 765)
metres: 690 (730, 820, 895, 965) (1040, 1095, 1185, 1270)
yards: 745 (790, 890, 970, 1045) (1125, 1190, 1285, 1375)

CC1 with yarn held double (estonian inlay): 306 Reinlav Melert
1 ball

CC2 with yarn held double (bobbles): 304 Gul Melert
1 ball

Needles
6 mm (US 10) for the body
3,75 mm (US 5) for the ribbing

Gauge
14 sts x 23 rows = 10 cm / 4 in, on 6 mm (US 10) needles, knit flat

Tools
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)
to fit a bust circumference of:
75 (85, 95, 105, 115) (125, 135, 145, 155) cm
30 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62) in

The sample is a size 3 on a 95cm (37,4”) bust
Choose the size that is the closest to your bust measurements