Wardrobe essentials 2020 - a pink Polaris jumper

Last year I was very much focused on making quilts. This year I hope to make a few items to wear. With that in mind, I am sharing my first finish of the year, a pink knitted jumper.

If memory serves right, I cast-on this pink Polaris jumper sometime in December 2019. It is my second version, the first being a mustard yellow which I wear a lot. So much so that it is showing signs of wear and tear, particularly in the armpit area. I might have to reinforce this area in the near future.

I love the pattern, it is by a Japanese knitwear designer, Hiroko Fukatsu. It is knitted from top to bottom, mostly in the round. What drew me to the pattern in the first place is the gathered V-neck. I remember how worried I was to knit this section the first time round only to find it was really easy once I understood not to overthink the process and just follow the instructions one stitch at the time. I forgot of course and I hesitated to get started with the gathers. Once more, I had to turn off my mind and follow the instructions. If I tell you that these gathers are done without breaking the yarn, you probably won't believe me but it is true. In a manner that is impossible to explain, the yarn is wrapped around the needles and the wraps are turned into stitches. I know, magic. Then follows a section of short rows, which I rather enjoyed. Who came up with all those cool techniques? The rest of the knit was kid's play. I made the sleeves not quite full length, which I love. They finish approximately 5 cm behind my wrist bone. Perfect. I made the sleeves of my last jumper too long and I think I am going to fix that sometime soon because they flap around my wrist and hand.

The yarn is Drops Alpaca, an all time favourite. It is a natural fibre, soft and warm. It smells nice and best of all, it is good value. I had this shade of pink in my yarn box for years, bought at impulse when it was on sale. It cost me less thank £2 and I used 7 skeins. A bargain. At the moment, it retails at £3.20. It is a sock yarn weight and takes a while to knit into an adult jumper. The care instructions for the yarn say hand wash only but I know it tolerates a machine wash on a wool setting. I don't know about you but I don't have time to lovingly hand wash all my knits and then lay them out flat to dry. If it can't be washed in the machine it is not for me. When you knit up Drops Alpaca, it always looks a bit lumpy and irregular, as if knitted by a beginner. It is a puzzle that continues to entertain my analytic mind and I will share my thoughts once I have come to my conclusions. The lumpy appearance changes with washing. Over time, the stitches get more and more regular, as if each was finding its place. I soaked this jumper in the washing machine, a lazy way to block. It still looks a bit irregular but a in a couple of months time, the stitches will be just right.

Have you used this yarn before? If you can face knitting a jumper or cardigan with sock weight yarn, you should give it a go. I am certain I'll use it again and I am keeping my eyes open for the next Drops Alpaca sale at the Wool Warehouse.

Thanks for visiting xx