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Pavuk means “spider” in Ukrainian, but we are not talking arachnids here. We use that same name for a traditional Christmas decoration — web-like mobiles made of straw.

“Spiders” were meant to hang from the ceiling in a corner called “pokut” (icon corner, decorated with embroidered cloth etc). Just where the real spiders prefer to live. And there mission was to absorb all the negative energy, purify the ambiance and bring happiness to the house. Every year during Christmas celebration the old spider was burned and a new one created.

Knitted top-down in the round, it is a relaxed fit pullover with round yoke, scoop neck and A-line shaped body, which features a geometrical stranded colourwork pattern around the yoke and along the hem.

You can take a closer look at my sample and learn more about the source of inspiration in this podcast episode.

Sizes

• The pattern is written for nine sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9) with a finished bust circumference of ca. 98 (108, 118, 128, 138) (148, 158, 168, 178) cm // 39 (43, 47, 51, 55) (59, 63, 67, 71) in incl. at least 10-15 cm (4-6 in) of the recommended positive ease.
• The sample is shown in size 2 on a 160 cm (5.3 ft) tall model with 84 cm (33 in) bust circumference.

For more of the finished garment measurements, please refer to the schematic.

Yarn

• MC: ca. 190 (205, 225, 245, 265) (285, 310, 335, 355 g) or 4 (5, 5, 5, 6) (6, 7, 7, 8) skeins of Le Petit Lambswool from Biches & Bûches, 100% lambswool with 248 m (271 yds) in 50 g, shown in colourway Dark Red Brown;

or ca. 942 (1017, 1116, 1215, 1314)(1414, 1538, 1662, 1761) m
1031 (1112, 1221, 1329, 1438)(1546, 1682, 1818, 1926) yds
of any other fingering/sport weight yarn with a matching gauge.

The yardage for MC includes 10% extra for swatching and adding body length if necessary.

• CC: ca. 33 (35, 40, 45, 50) (55, 63, 68, 75) g or 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (2, 2, 2, 2) skeins of the same or similar yarn, shown in colourway Beige;

or ca. 164 (174, 198, 223, 248)(273, 312, 337, 372) m
179 (190, 217, 244, 271)(298, 342, 369, 407) yds
of any other fingering/sport weight yarn with a matching gauge.

The yardage for CC includes 5% extra for swatching.

Needles and notions

• 3.0 mm (US 2.5) and 3.25 mm (US 3) circular needles;
• spare cables, spare circular needles or scrap yarn to keep sts on hold;
• a few stitch markers, one of which is removable;
• a tapestry needle to weave in the ends.

Gauge

• 24 sts & 30 rnds in 10 cm (4 in) on 3.25 mm (US 3) needles measured over st st and colourwork worked in the round after blocking;
• 25 sts & 30 rnds in 10 cm (4 in) on 3.0 mm (US 2.5) needles measured over st st for a more narrow neck worked in the round after blocking;
• 26 sts & 38 rnds in 10 cm (4 in) on 3.0 mm (US 2.5) needles (unstretched) and 25 sts on 3.25 mm (US 3) needles (stretched) measured over half twisted ribbing worked in the round after blocking.

Adjust the needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Please note, an option to adjust the width of the neck was added after the test knit and based on the feedback from test knitters.