I’m not sure how this happened, but I ended up knitting the fuzziest and warmest sweater this summer – during a record heat wave. It’s done now, just as the weather is getting a bit cooler, so maybe there was a greater plan at work.

It still need to be blocked to make that garter-stitch border lie flat, but here it is:

The pattern is called Bacall – specifically the Long-Sleeved Bacall – from Rowan Magazine 44. Wonder of wonders, I used the specified yarn this time: it’s Kidsilk Aura, which is like KSH but thicker and fuzzier. It’s also discontinued. The colour is Pistachio.

I had some issues with the sizing on this pattern. Many of those on Ravelry who have knitted it mention that it is generously-sized – and it looks that way on both of the models in the patterns, too. I’m narrow through the shoulders and really wanted it to fit properly there. In fact, if you multiply out the number of stitches by the gauge, the finished piece will come out larger than the schematic indicates. I made the specified gauge of 4.5 stitches per inch. The back for the medium required 111 stitches, which would give a finished width of 24.5″. The schematic says that the back of the medium size will be 20″. Not with 111 stitches! So, I followed the directions for the small to get the size I wanted. It fits perfectly.

My other modifications include adding three inches to the length. It’s still a bolero jacket but it would have been too short otherwise. I’m glad it’s this long. Also, I knit the neckline edge in one piece – it’s supposed to be knit in two and seamed at the back waist, then again at the back neck. I seamed it at the waist at the left side seam and knit it all the way around.

I’m very pleased with this sweater and the way it fits. The colour is great and I’m sure I’ll wear it a lot – once it’s cooler outside!

What’s been on your needles this summer?