MODS:

• slipped edge stitch of both fronts all the way up including the cowl neck;
• buttonholes for large buttons - s1, k2tog, k2, cast off next 2 sts, cast on two on return row;
• thumb hole at wrist of sleeve - knitted garter stitch flat, joined in the round for stocking stitch, used tail from cast-on to make button loop for button on the other side.

The pattern

• I’ve only made 11 button holes rather than the 12 predicted for this size - eight in the body and three in the cowl neck. Perhaps my body was a little short? It doesn’t matter in the slightest.
• The sleeves, for which there is no length given in the pattern or on the schematic, are very long. They were knitted according to the instructions, which require an exact number of rows. Fortunately my garter stitch cuffs are not in the round so there’s both a turn-up and buttoned thumb hole option and I’m more than happy;
• Despite the lack of guidance on sleeve lengths I’ve given this pattern five stars because it’s just such a fun construction and so interesting to knit. Not for beginners because of the level of attention needed to work out what to do when. I love the asymmetric style, the long warm sleeves, the versatile cowl. Nothing more annoying than an icy draught around the neck.

The yarn
Oh. My. God. I love this yarn. It’s a “rustic” wool so not exactly merino but despite this it was a bit like knitting with clotted cream. Such a rich and subtle mix of natural colours, lovely stitch definition and really unexpectedly soft. The fabric, on these needles, is quite dense and the garment is going to make a superb coat/jacket, very warm and probably even quite windproof.

My tension on 5mm needles is bang on for stitches but slightly off for rows. Since this is composed of triangle shapes knitted on the bias I have no idea what the overall effect of this difference will be. But since it’s going to be a large, enveloping, unshaped outer garment it shouldn’t really matter. (I hope!)

10 Nov I love how this is coming together. The garter ridges make it look as bit like fish bones. And some more of my antler buttons are going to be brilliant on it, I feel sure.

12 Nov Damn careless pattern reading. I had to rip all yesterday’s knitting because I misread “left side seam” as “left front edge”. Bah. But have now knitted back all the ripped out yarn. Section E is underway and buttonholes have been commenced.

13 Nov Sections E, F, G, H and I complete… somewhat slowed by more ripping back required by inattention as to when to end right front D. But this time only a couple of rows too far and, thank goodness, each row only just over 200 sts rather than the 16 or so rows of 260+ sts ripped after the first lapse.

14 Nov Finished right front, section J, and now starting on sleeves.

16 Nov First sleeve done, second sleeve started and only just got to the end of the second cone of yarn. Therefore the finished item will use considerably less than the 1600 or so yards / 1450 meters suggested. Or these cones have greater length than advertised. Powering on in anticipation of the immanent arrival of Kate Davies’s Yokes, due for despatch tomorrow, from which I’m planning to tackle several patterns!

18 Nov Yokes pattern book not yet delivered, which is probably a good thing all things considered. Second sleeve finished, both sewn in, ends darned in and collar now being knitted. Probably all knitting finished tonight and straight in to soak first thing tomorrow morning. With any luck about the same time as the postman delivers….

19 Nov All knitting done. Ends darned in. About to soak. About 145g / 200m of yarn left on third cone.

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