This pattern has two of my favorite traits: stripes and reversed stockinette stitch for right side (and it doesn’t require a lot of purling!).

Post-knitting note. It was very enjoyable knit. Shoulders are probably hardest part (and not that hard in reality), but past them knitting is pretty straightforward. Pattern is clear and easy to understand.

Only major change I did is neckline finishing. My yarn is quite soft and original variant felt a bit flimsy and prone to stretching. But I wanted to keep overall style so came with my own solution.

I also got not enough red color for the last stripe on second sleeve so replaced it with gray (and re-knitted first sleeve).

As for yarn I decided to try with Novena. Even if it’s listed as fingering weight on Ravelry atm (and I swear it was worsted and then DK before!) Novena can be knit with quite thick needles - thanks to its chainette structure.

C1 - dark melange gray
C3 - burgundy red
C2 - apple green (though I might replace it with more traditional light gray if gray/green/red combo turns to be too quirky).

Post-knitting note. I might be paranoid but Novena’s red color seems to have different quality comparing with gray melange: it’s thinner and less fluffy. So I’m glad that main part is knit in gray color. It’s light, soft and has pleasant velvety finish.

I got required gauge (more or less) with 4,5 mm needles but going to use 5 mm because my vertical gauge while knitting in the round is usually tighter.

Choosing size was tricky. With 40-41’’ bust I usually knit L or XL but measurements in pattern suggest I should use XXL. So i’ll try it. // Post-knitting note. I think i could go with XL or even L easily but slightly oversized feel is not bad too.

2014-12-20: Cast-on.

Shoulders are done.
Knitting in the round now.

2014-12-27: Divided body and sleeves. 2,9 balls of MC used at this point.

2015-01-04: Body is done.

2015-01-08: First sleeve is done.

2015-01-16: Holidays are over so last sleeve took me a bit longer. But it’s done now!