Starting the week with a new pattern on a Monday! Meet the My Time Sweater, my latest breezy summer knit that has become a wardrobe staple already. I simply adore it and shall allow myself some self-congratulatory pats on the back for this one!
Scroll down for details and to purchase the My Time Sweater knitting pattern
The yarns – Rowan Felted Tweed and Kidsilk Haze – had been in my stash for a year or so before I finally cast on. I purchased them with the intention of designing a laddered sweater of some description, but I let the idea formulate in the back of my mind for quite a while before actually casting on. The resulting sweater has a relaxed drop shoulder construction, simple notched neck (a first for me), boxy fit, and dramatic laddered sleeves. They’re exceptional sleeves for wafting around in and feeling fancy, which is what we all need from our knits, let’s be honest. It’s a bit of an ugly ducking during the process, but a quick dunk transforms the rumpled fabric into a wonderfully drapey sweater. See this Instagram reel for the difference blocking makes!
The pattern is available in 9 sizes (as always), and can be knit to whatever length you like – as shown by my test knitters, you can go anywhere between super cropped and hip length with fab results. My friend Helen modelled my sample sweater for a few quick pics too, so you can see the fit with negative ease rather than positive. I like either way!
PS. for exclusive discounts on new patterns, sign up for the Lilykatemakes newsletter.
test knitter roundup
Seeing test knitter pics roll in is 100% my favourite part of the designing process – can you blame me for getting a bit giddy every time I see a new version? So grateful to all my test knitters for being so lovely to work with and sharing their precious knitting time with me!
My Time Sweater knitting pattern details
YARN: either 1 strand of light DK held with 1 strand of mohair (shown in sample), OR an equivalent 1 strand of aran.
Full length version: approx. 799 (882; 944; 967; 1016) (1080; 1142; 1203; 1261) metres / 871 (961; 1029; 1054; 1107) (1177; 1245; 1311; 1374) yards.
Cropped version: approx. 666 (735; 783; 826; 864) (917; 1011; 1064; 1110) metres / 726 (801; 853; 900; 942) (1000; 1102; 1160; 1210) yards.
If using 1 strand, you will need approximately this amount of the 1 yarn. If using 2 strands, you will need approximately this amount of each yarn, ie. 799m of DK and 799m of mohair, not 799m total.
Sample shown in Rowan Felted Tweed in shade Fjord held together with Rowan Kidsilk Haze in shade Aura. If using this yarn, you will need 5 (6; 6; 6; 6) (7; 7; 7; 8) balls of Felted Tweed and 4 (5; 5; 5; 5) (6; 6; 6; 7) balls of Kidsilk Haze for the full length version.
GAUGE: 16.5 sts and 23 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm in stocking stitch, blocked. Suggested needle size 5.5 mm.
SIZING
To fit bust: 28-30 (32-34; 36-38; 40-42; 44-46) (48-50; 52-54; 56-58; 60-62) inches / 71-76 (81-86; 91-97; 102-107; 112-117) (122-127; 132-137; 142-147; 152-157) cm.
Finished bust: 36.5 (40; 44; 48; 52) (56; 59.5; 63.5; 68.5) inches / 92 (102; 112; 122; 132) (142; 151; 161; 174) cm.
Sample shown is a size 2 worn on a 34†bust with around 6†/ 15 cm positive ease. If you have narrow shoulders or are petite, I would recommend sizing down. The same sample is also shown on a 42†bust (redhead model) for a different fit.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS: 4.5mm and 5.5mm circular needles for body & hem (suggested length 30†/ 76 cm)
4.5mm and 5.5mm needle(s) of your preferred length for working small circumferences in the round (ie. DPNs, short circulars, magic loop) for sleeves. You will also need a 5mm crochet hook, tapestry needle, stitch markers, and scrap yarn.
Construction: the My Time Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down. Sizes 1, 2 & 3 use a regular drop shoulder construction whilst sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 use a modified drop shoulder construction. This is due to the differing shoulder to bust ratios across the size range.
All sizes work the main body in the round without shaping. The cropped version has a deeper ribbed waistband than the full length version to ensure the edge doesn’t look ‘unfinished’. Stitches are then picked up around the neck to work a neat ribbed neckband. Stitches are picked up around the armhole openings to work the sleeves in the round. All edgings are worked in slipped stitch rib.
Choosing yarn: this design requires a fairly light & sticky yarn / combination of yarns – anything too slippy will probably result in a neckline that won’t lie flat and heavy sleeves that pull the shoulders out of shape. Blown yarns will probably work particularly well, as will brushed alpaca / mohair combinations.
Blocking: blocking this sweater is incredibly important, as not only does the overall garment relax and grow, but blocking also allows the ladders to open up. Pre-blocking the yarn in the ladders will be crimped and the sleeves won’t lie flat, but after soaking the yarn should return to its natural state and the sleeves will grow considerably.
The My Time Sweater knitting pattern is also available via Ravelry and Etsy.
I LOVE seeing people knit my patterns and make them their own – if you could tag @lilykatemakes and #MyTimeSweater on Instagram that would be great!
Lily Kate x
YouTube | Instagram | Email me | Facebook group | Newsletter
No Comments