As a child, I hand reared a fledgling pigeon that had fallen from its nest. He became my constant companion, following me everywhere. He sat on my lap while I read, slept on my bed at night, and showered with me in the mornings. When I left for school, Pigeon would fly out my window to explore the neighbourhood. When I returned in the evenings I would throw the window open, call his name, and he would fly back in again. He was smart, affectionate, and funny beyond belief. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of creatures that I had previously ignored. Pigeons live in complex social groupings and mate for life. They also share all tasks equally, including child rearing (both male and female have the hormone prolactin and are therefore both able to create food for their babies). I now notice these intrepid little birds wherever I live. They are brave, loving, boisterous, and tough. You can find them across the globe, surviving and thriving. This sweater is inspired by one of my favourite pigeon watching places in Vancouver –outside of the Canada Line Station on Granville where birds, and bikes, and people collide.

Knit bottom up, Birds and Bikes has steeked square arm holes and a steeked crew-neck, helping the stranded colourwork to fly off your needles. The sleeves are picked up and knit down to the cuff. The included charts allow you to customize the look of this sweater by including as many/few pigeons/bikes as you wish. Every sweater will truly be unique. The classic shape is sure to be flattering on everyone in the family. Knit with 2-3 inches of positive ease, this sweater fits comfortably. Birds and Bikes is also available in children’s sizes.

Suggested Yardage:

BC (Background Colour)
PC (Pigeon Colour)
FC (Foot Colour)

BC 1000 (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100)
PC 350 (400, 450, 500,550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900)
FC 30-40