Review: October Sweater by PetiteKnit
Key stats
Pattern: October Sweater by PetiteKnit
Yarn: Sunday held with Tynn Silk Mohair both by Sandnes Garn
Colours: Sunday - Camel, Tynn Silk Mohair - Brunt Sukker
Size: S (to fit a chest 85-90cm)
My chest measurement: 91cm (based on the pattern I should have knit a size M)
Ease: The pattern recommends 30cm ease, since I sized down I had 29cm ease. I decided to size down as I think 29cm of ease still does the pattern justice and I got to save a little on yarn requirements. Due to the simple construction, it's easy to size up or down depending on your preference.
Knitting ability: Suitable for beginners
My review
The October Sweater is a super simple jumper that I have loved wearing.
I finished knitting this approx 5 months ago and have worn it a lot during that time (which spans Winter and Spring).
I made a few small changes to the pattern.
1. I omitted the split hem, just personal preference. I considered working some short rows to lengthen the back and mimic the style of the original sweater, but it naturally "leans" towards the back anyway so didn't end up doing any and I love the length.
2. I worked the ribbed cuffs 2cm shorter than the pattern called for. I love the look of the extra long sleeves, but I just knew for my lifestyle that they'd end up getting in the way, or I'd make them really grubby and felted, so I took the few cm off and am very happy with the finishing.
3. I worked a cable cast off rather than an italian bind off.
I love the shape and size of the sweater and find it easy to wear with lots of different outfits. My favourite feature is the wide and thick neckband. I usually make jumpers with closer necklines to hide t-shirts (or whatever I'm wearing underneath). But it's nice to have one that has a different neckline, I find it quite beautiful and since I don't have sensitive skin I can wear the mohair directly against my skin with just a singlet underneath.
The pattern itself is clear and easy to follow. If you're a beginner it may introduce you to some new techniques, but it should all be within your grasp. One thing to note for beginners is that this is a fairly large project, so be prepared to put some serious hours in before you're able to wear it!
This sweater has a raglan construction if you're looking for a similar sweater with drop shoulders you could check out PetiteKnits Chestnut sweater (although it has a turtleneck) or My Favourite Things Knitwears' Sweater No 14 (although it is worked in a larger gauge.
The pattern suggests for Tvinni rather than Sunday. It calls for 250-300g for size S. Sunday runs a little shorter than Tvinni, but I still used less than 300g (possibly because the alterations I made to the jumper meant I used less yarn than the pattern). It calls for 175-200g of silk mohair and I used approx 150g (again a little on the light side due to my alterations).
All in all this is a great, wearable pattern. It won't offer much to experienced knitters, but would create a great blank canvas or starting point if you wanted to add your own colourwork or textural changes.
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