Very good pattern. Clearly written, with space to tick finished instructions. Easy enough stitch pattern to memorise but it NEVER gets boring. Pattern can easily be adjusted to knit in the round.
Striking result even in midnight blue.
Would love to knit this again for him although next time I would do the sleeves completely in pattern.

The Story

First big SECRET project for BF’s birthday in December. I have four months and I can only work on this when he’s working and I am not.
This is my first project where all panels are knit separately and then assembled to a garment. How quaint!

This project started out as a Redford (on August 10th) but got changed to a Stonehaven Sweater on November 9th. I frogged everything I’d already knit and cast on anew with only a month until his birthday I’m not sure I can make it.

Before leaving on holiday for France in March, I told him about the secret because A) he didn’t work enough nights so I couldn’t get around to knitting on it and B) I Had Plans to work on it during our holiday. Of course I brought all the yarn and instructions and never knitted a stitch on it all throughout our holiday.

Things started going really fast during the Covid-19 lockdown. This pattern was intricate enough to keep me entertained but simple enough to knit while my brain was in fight-or-flight mode. Half May I cast off the front panel, I finished the sleeves a month later and the finishing touches were the work of a sunny Saturday afternoon.

The Technical bits

I’m using a light fingering yarn held double for this jumper; and so I did the Math! My gauge is off from the pattern with larger stitches so I can knit a smaller size and still make it fit.
I need to add 5 centimeters to the body length because tall boyfriend is tall.

Casting on size L on needles 3.5 mm.
Ribbing is k1p1 for 13 rows.
Main body is stitched on needles 4 mm and purl one row was added so the ribbing doesn’t flip up.

About the yarn
Geilsk cotton and wool is a lovely blend, I’m using yarn held double to get close to gauge. Stitch definition is good even in this dark colour. I’m hoping this will be an all-weather sweater.