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RURAL SYMPHONY PULLOVER


Drawing on influences from vernacular clothing while sporting a contemporary silhouette, the Rural
 Symphony Pullover grooves to its own rhythm.

As fun as it is practical, the whimsical fabric is enhanced by the sweeping shawl collar - which can be pulled up in cold weather to literally function like a shawl. 


While in some ways this pattern is a departure from my usual garment construction, it is simple and intuitive. Instructions are accompanied by detailed charts, diagrams, and illustrations to help you along with potentially unfamiliar techniques.

The colourwork motifs, while seemingly elaborate, are variations of the same simple chart which is easy to memorise.

If you have prior experience with stranded colourwork, you can knit this pattern - even if you have never steeked before, and even if you are a novice sweater knitter. Conversely, if you are experienced in all of the above, you will find some novel and quirky elements in this design to surprise and engage you.

Worked at a relaxed gauge, the Rural Symphony Pullover makes for a quick garment project. Knit it in vibrant colours for a festive look, 
or in neutral tones for an elegant winter staple. 


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MATERIALS & INFORMATION



Sizing
Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
garment measures as follows around chest circumference:
90.5cm/ 36.25” (99cm/ 39.5”, 107cm/ 42.75”, 115.5cm/ 46.25”, 123.5cm/ 49.5”, 132cm/ 52.75”, 140cm/ 56”, 148cm/ 59.25”, 156.5cm/ 62.5”, 164.5cm/ 65.75”)


Fit
Designed to be worn with at least 10cm/ 4” of ease.

Gauge

17 sts x 22 rounds = 10cm x10cm/ 4” x 4”
in stranded colourwork for main fabric


Needles
5mm, or as needed to meet gauge for main fabric

Yarn

suitable for steekable yarns, DK-Aran weight
(approximately 160-200m/ 175-225y per 100g/ 3.5oz)
or equivalent (see Notes below)

Yarn Quantities Required
(assuming full-length bodice and Aran-weight):

BC: 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) 100g skeins

CC: 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3) 100g skeins 


Notions

stitch markers, measuring tape, scissors, steam iron, sewing needle, sewing thread colour-matched to BC



Special Techniques 

stranded colourwork, steeking, decreasing in pattern, picking up sts from edge, provisional cast-on, 
hand-stitching

Construction
The Bodice and Yoke are worked in the round bottom up, with steeked armholes and neckline. After the steeks are cut open, stitches are picked up around the armholes and sleeves are worked in the round top-down. The vertically ribbed collar is worked as a separate piece, back and forth flat. It is then sewn into the neckline. Detailed instructions, as well as illustrations, are provided.

Options
options include:
. full-length vs cropped bodice
. sleeves vs sleeveless
. shawl collar vs v-neck
This pattern is suitable for masculine proportions. If knitting for men: Choose the full-length option for the bodice, and reduce ease to a maximum (rather than a minimum) of 10cm/ 4”

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Notes on Yarn Selection
This pattern will work with any steekable (feltable) yarn that can be worked at the stated gauge. This includes:
. DK to Aran weight yarn with traditional meterage
. fingering to sportweight yarn held double
. unspun wool held double
. fingering to sportweight yarn held together with a lace-weight strand of mohair

Determining Whether Your Yarn is Steekable
Yarns suitable for steeking are generally 100% wool, non-super wash treated, and woollen spun. If a yarn is described as suitable for felting, you can assume it is steekable. To determine with certainty whether your yarn is steekable, knit a swatch in the round and cut it open vertically, as you would a steek. If the fabric is stable, the yarn is suitable. If the fabric frays and unravels uncontrollably, the yarn is not suitable.

Notes on Colour Selection
Because the colourwork motif is quite delicate, choose high contrast colours (one very pale, the other much darker) if you want it to be distinctly visible. Conversely, opt for lower-contrast colours if you like the ‘faded carpet’ look of the vest sample.

Samples Info.
all samples were made with Honer och Eir Nutiden
(held double
)
the model is a size 12/14 UK (44 EU, 8 US)

Grey Sample: 

Size 4, full-length bodice & shawl collar
Green Sample:
Size 3, cropped bodice & shawl collar
Mauve Sample:
Size 3, cropped bodice, vest option & v-neck

Note: The closest commercially-available equivalent to this yarn is Lettlopi, held single stranded. (Do not use Plotulopi held double; it is heavier than Nutiden and the result will be too thick.)