Photo credit: Caro Sheridan Technical Editing: Sue McCain

Caulfield is named after the actress who plays Anya, my favorite character on the popular show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. One-time vengeance demon turned world-saving heroine, Anya is a flexible girl--and I knew that any sweater inspired by her needed to be flexible as well. Caulfield includes several options to suit your every whim: Sleeves or sleeveless? Scoop-neck pullover or V-neck cardigan? And since Caulfield calls for delectably soft, beguilingly shaded hand-dyed sock yarn, you can make one in every style and color your wardrobe requires.

The cardigan sample for Caulfield is worked in Indigodragonfly’s amazing MCS Sock yarn, a gorgeously drapey blend of merino, cashmere, and silk. It positively glows, and I highly recommend this yarn for either version. The pullover sample is worked in Indigodragonfly’s Merino Sock, a slightly lighter-weight but more traditional wool. The fabric blocks out beautifully and gives a slightly more delicate appearance. You can’t go wrong with either base, but should you desire to substitute yarn you will need approximately 1059 (1163, 1271, 1365, 1500, 1602, 1727, 1930, 2140, 2372) yds/966 (1062, 1159, 1246, 1369, 1462, 1576, 1761, 1953, 2165) m for the cardigan (with sleeves) and 645 (713, 776, 841, 919, 988, 1060, 1198, 1343, 1479) yds/589 (651, 709, 768, 839, 902, 968, 1094, 1226, 1350) m for the (sleeveless) pullover.

The sweater is worked in pieces from the bottom up, with set-in sleeves. The fabric is a simple allover slip-stitch eyelet pattern that looks far more complicated than it is. (I am able to read a book while working this stitch pattern--no joke!) The back is the same for all versions; the front can be worked as a v-neck, open cardigan or scoop-neck pullover (or you could swap necklines if you’d prefer--just watch those stitch counts!). Sleeves are 3/4-length but optional.

Caulfield offers great options for all body types. The V-neckline option trimmed in Reverse Stockinette Stitch is a narrower silhouette and the scoop neck with narrow garter trim is wider; the open cardigan slims the entire torso while the pullover places more emphasis on the wearer’s waist curve. The sleeves also highlight a waist curve--as shown, both samples offer a balanced silhouette. Top-heavy shapes might want to consider lengthening the sleeves; bottom-heavy shapes might consider shortening the sweater to ensure it falls above the widest point of their hips.

Vertical darts enable easy customization to fit your needs. The cardigan option is worked with waist shaping on the back only, allowing the fronts to fall smoothly from shoulder to hem. The pullover option is worked with waist shaping on both front and back. Should you desire less waist shaping than specified, either omit the shaping rows entirely, or omit/reduce only the shaping on the front of the sweater. Bustier women can work more increases on the front of the sweater, and not in the back. Extra stitches should be decreased into the neckline.

As with all patterns, compare the schematic against your own measurements and make alterations as necessary.