First top-down sweater and sold to the idea for two reasons: 1) Much easier technique than bottom-up and 2) Easier decisions for a better fit while knitting, because you can try on the sweater as often as you want and see right away how it looks on you.

James is a great pattern to experiment the top-down technique, because instructions are clear and easy to understand.

Keep faith while knitting the yoke: Even if the instructions are cristal clear … it took me a few inches of work to recognize the yoke’s shape and to finally understand what I was doing!

Modified the pattern all along, for a better fit: Started with the largest size (52” bust circumference) down to the underarms. Then added 2 stitches instead of 13 and worked body without augmentations, until piece measured 17 inches from underarm to ribs. Then changed for smaller needles and made a 1 3/4 inch 2X2 rib.

Made 2X2 ribs for body, collar and sleeves.

Sleeves: A year later, I modified the sleeves to make them full length.

While knitting the yoke requires your full attention, knitting the body gets a little boring and can be done while watching TV.

Love the yarn’s softness and the way it shines under light. It is my second piece with Laines du Nord Mulberry Silk. Chose smaller needles this time, because this fabric will expand with time. I must remember never to put this sweater it in the dryer because it will ruin the silk. I unfortunately made that mistake years ago with that wonderful but delicate fibre.