Completed Project – Stockholm Sweater.

When planning for a new knitting project I usually look for patterns with interesting colour work or textured motifs. Something a bit challenging that can potentially teach me new tricks. However a few months ago it came to my attention that there was a gap in my clothing for a plain and simple jumper.

Soon after I came across the work of danish knitwear designer Mette Wendelboe Okkels aka Petite Knit. She won me over in an instant. Her minimalist designs are all about shape and proportions. She also uses a lot of mohair which I was itching to try out.
I originally set eyes on the Novice Sweater but went for the Stockholm Sweater instead. Its short and fitted shape lends itself better to high waist trousers. I wear a lot of them so it seems logical to take it into consideration while choosing a pattern.

The Stockholm Sweater is knitted top down holding two strands of lace weight yarn together. The pattern recommends using a blend of silk and mohair resulting in a super soft, super light and super squishy fabric. With so many stunning colours available in the Onion – Silk + Kid Mohair range it wasn’t too hard to find a good match for that project. I went for Gylden. Kid mohair comes from the first shearing of the young angora goat. It is a good option for people with sensitive skin as they usually tolerate it better than wool. The silk brings extra shine and lustre to the fabric. It also creates beautiful reflections and colours changes depending on the light.

I wasn’t 100% satisfied with the drape of the fabric when using 4 mm needles so I decided to drop a needle size and go for a tighter gauge. At the result I had to knit the size M to reach a size XS. Overall I had a lot of fun with that project. I was a tad concerned about putting myself through hours of stockinette stitches but some interesting construction elements really made up for it.  You start working the top of the back flat all the way to the underarm. Then you pick up the stitches along the cast on edge for the shoulders. Each shoulder is shaped separately using short rows. The front is worked flat before being joined to the back at the underarm. The body is then worked in the round as well as the sleeves and the collar.

The cast on edge at the top of the back  creates a seam just behind the neckline which helps the jumper hanging nicely above the shoulders. The shaping around the armholes makes for some beautiful almost-dolman sleeves. And there is a folded neckband! I am a sucker folded neckbands…
In the end  the use of plain stockinette stitch really serves this jumper as it brings out all those small construction details that might have been lost otherwise in a textured or colourful fabric. It focuses the attention on the shape, fit and finish.

To say that I am pleased with the result is an understatement. I know it is one of those staples that I’ll keep wearing time and time again. It was worth every stitches!