About the pattern
The Wensleydale sheep is an “at risk” breed which is prized for its long, lustrous wool. The breed originates from the Yorkshire Dale of the same name and dates back to the mid 19th century. The Wensleydale Sheep Shop in Leyburn and online is a veritable treasure trove of yarn, patterns and knitterly items, and commissions beautiful yarn in many colours, prepared, spun and dyed in Yorkshire in 4-ply, DK and aran weight. It can be found at www.wensleydalelongwool.co.uk
This loose-fitting pullover is knitted in aran weight yarn which gives a cosy garment with lovely drape. Starting with a corrugated rib at the hem, the body and sleeves are worked from the bottom up, with a small double moss stitch zigzag pattern at the top, then joined to form the yoke. After some short rows and raglan decreases, a circular yoke is worked. The garment is finished off with a funnel neckband worked in corrugated rib to mirror the hem.
Skill Level
Intermediate. Techniques include cast on, bind off, knit, purl, corrugated rib, short rows, simple increases and decreases, grafting.
Sizing
The pattern is described in nine sizes, XS to 5XL.
Finished bust/chest circumference 82(95, 104, 112.5, 125.5) {134, 142.5, 155.5, 164.5} cm 32.25(37.5, 41, 44.25, 49.5) {52.75, 56, 61.25, 64.75} inches.
The photo shows the third size (M) worn with 6 inches/15 cm of ease at the bust.
Yarn
Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Shop Aran, 100% Wensleydale Longwool, 160m / 174 yards per 100g ball.
This is a light aran or worsted weight yarn with three plies and lovely drape and lustre.
Colour A – Aubergine 1(1, 1, 1, 2) {2, 2, 2, 2} balls.
Colour B – Natural Black (actually brown) 1 ball.
Colour C – Dusk 1 ball.
Colour D – Fennel 1 ball.
Colour E – Spruce 1 ball.
Colour F – Natural (white) 5(5, 5, 6, 7) {7, 8, 9, 9} balls.
You may get away with 4 balls of Natural in the first size, and 1 ball of Aubergine and 6 balls of Natural in the fifth size, but this would depend on how much you enjoy yarn chicken.
and in metres and yards:
Colour A – Aubergine 122(135, 144, 152, 164) {173, 180, 191, 198} metres 133(148, 158, 166, 180) {189, 197, 209, 217} yards.
Colour B – Natural Black 46(53, 56, 57, 64) {67, 71, 72, 76} metres 50(58, 62, 63, 70) {74, 77, 79, 83} yards.
Colour C – Dusk 50(58, 62, 63, 70) {74, 77, 79, 82} metres 55(63, 67, 68, 76) {81, 85, 86, 90} yards.
Colour D – Fennel 50(58, 62, 63, 70) {74, 77, 79, 82} metres 55(63, 67, 68, 76) {81, 85, 86, 90} yards.
Colour E – Spruce 60(69, 74, 75, 84) {88, 93, 94, 99} metres 66(76, 81, 82, 91) {97, 101, 103, 108} yards.
Colour F – Natural White 642(731, 788, 875, 966) {1079, 1167, 1305, 1400} metres 702(799, 862, 957, 1056) {1180, 1276, 1427, 1531} yds.
These quantities include an extra 10% to allow for swatching and slight variations in gauge.
Gauge
18.5 sts and 24 rows to 10cm/4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking.
20.5 sts and 24 rows to 10cm/4 inches in corrugated rib, measured after blocking.
Needles and Notions
Long circular needle at least 80cm in size needed to achieve gauge. I used a 4.5mm (US size 7) needle.
Long circular needle at least 80cm for working hem, one size smaller. I used a 4mm (US size 6) needle.
Needles of your preferred type in both sizes for working smaller circumferences on sleeves and neckband (short circular, magic loop or DPNs).
Stitch markers – one for marking start and end of round, another 4 for marking raglan decrease points.
Stitch holders or waste yarn for holding sts at underarms.
Tapestry needle for sewing in ends