Hard Cider is my contribution to the 2019 Verb for Keeping Warm Lookbook, the second collection of designs in Kristine Vejar’s gorgeous fibers, focusing on the farmers, the makers, the materials, and the process behind our craft.

See the look book HERE

And a link to sweater quantity kits of the yarn, dyed specially for this release HERE

Hard Cider is worked in Verb’s gorgeous Gather yarn, and I was inspired once I had the yarn in my hands. This light Alpaca-Rambouillet, when knit up at a DK gauge has a weight and drape that makes for the perfect everyday layering piece, so I went for a sweater I’d reach for in almost any season.

I wanted something simple this time (after all those cables last year in The Botanist ), so in Hard Cider, lots of stockinette really highlights the subtle color shifts in Kristine’s natural dyes.

A standing turtleneck, and a hip-length body with a bit of ease gives a classic sweater shape a modern feel. A little textured lace along the lower portion of the body adds interest, and a bit of garter shows up beautifully in the fiber. Along the bottom of the sweater, the edge of the lace detail is incorporated into the final hem ribbing.

And for those of you wondering - YES, options are included for modifying into a cowl, a regular turtleneck, or a crew neck. Plus, adjusting for length or width is simple so you can alter the sweater to fit your body as needed. See how the test knitters made each of their sweaters work for them! .

Hard Cider is knit from the top down in one piece. Short rows shape the neckline, and raglan seam increases shape the yoke as you work downwards in the round. Once yoke is complete, both sleeves and body are worked separately to end in the round as well.

Sizes:
37(39.75,41.75,45.75,48.75,51.75)(55,60,62.25,64.25)“/ 94(101,106,116,123.75,131.5)(140,152.5,158.25,163.25)cm

Sizing based on circumference around sweater at bust, based on final, blocked fabric. I suggest choosing the size that allows for approx 5”/12.75cm positive ease for fit shown.

Yardage per size:
1200(1300,1400,1550,1650,1750)(1850,1950,2100,2200)yds 1097(1189,1280,1417,1509,1600)(1692,1783,1920,2012)m

Photo credits: Nicola Parisi, modeled shots. Elysa Jean, yarn photo