Uncharted territory with this neon-speckled pullover - though Keeping things a little familiar with a blue base colour.

The speckles, though vibrant in colour are sporadically distributed and so you do get a more diluted appearance once knitted up. I’m a huge fan of speckled yarns, though I try and opt for as near to ‘understated’ as possible. Which of course, sounds bonkers when considering a pullover that can be described as, ’seasick unicorn , vomits over jolly-sailor’s nautical pullover’ - I love it though!

The pattern itself is classic veera: the yoke that stretches across the shoulders; the stripes; the garter stitch detail; and roomy drape of the body section. I find Veera’s designs incredibly flattering and comfortable to wear and the patterns themselves, intuitive and easy to follow - they’re such a pleasure to knit and wear.

Yarn: I’ve used Martin’s Lab Bouncy Merino before and as per the label, it’s super bouncy and beautifullly soft. Simply wonderful stuff to work with and the dye work is phenomenal - unusual and vibrant, but equally familiar and subtle - if at all possible. I’m using the ML as the contrast yarn; the stripes themselves are only 2 rows thick and so ‘fine’. Knitted up, the ML speckles are slightly ‘brighter’ and dominated by ‘fuchsia’ (the VY is generally greener in terms of dominance of speckle shades).

It’s my first time using Vikings Yarn, though Purchased a while back from good old Etsy. Again, wonderful dye artistry - a speckled yarn that blends beautifully creating a really striking but delicate fabric. This is what I mean by ’understated speckles’.

What I’ve done.

I’e pretty much followed pattern precisely.

I’ve had to go up a needle size to attain the gauge.

I’ve used markers to mark my 28 st, reverse stockinette, side seams - If you have markers (and I have hundreds), I see no point in not putting them to use - what’s the harm, eh?!

To create ’jogless stripes’: when beginning a new stripe, knit one round in the new color yarn; before starting the next round, use the right needle to lift the stitch below the first stitch of the left needle up on to the left needle; Knit these two stitches together. This is by far, the neatest method, Imo - though, an elongated stitch is visible.

Sleeves: I’ve knitted 10” of stripe sequence. Knitted 3” of plain MC stockinette and 2” of ribbed cuff. I’m not a huge fan, aesthetically, of garter ‘finishes’ and prefer a 2x1 rib, and so this is what I’ve done.

Overall: everything as described above, in terms of what I love about this design. The fit is generous and with the dipped hem at the back and reverse stockinette side panels, creates a lovely fit and drape to the garment. Thumbs up, as always!