Taking inspiration from tree bark, Forest Dweller is designed to have a feel and texture reminiscent of the magical texture the trees around us have. This cropped cardigan has a lichen-inspired center motif running down the back panel, sandwiched between a mirrored, twisted stitch pattern on either side (as well as on the sleeves), which gives the piece a weathered, bark-like effect. The cardigan ends with a fancy rib trim. Forest Dweller is a drop shoulder cardigan and would be a great addition to your wardrobe—it pairs well with a variety of daily activities.

Construction
This drop-shoulder sweater is knit flat from the top-down. The sweater begins by creating an I-cord the width of the back shoulders. After picking up stitches along one side of the I-cord, the back shoulders are worked until the armhole depth is reached. Then stitches are picked up and knit along the other side of the I-cord. These stitches form each shoulder, and the shoulders are worked one at a time until the armhole depth is reached. Stitches in the center form the back neck. A neckband is knit at the same time as the front shoulders, so there is nothing to pick up and finish at the end. From there, both front sides are joined with the back shoulder section. The twist pattern and center motif pattern are worked to the body depth and center motif pattern is finished, and then the body is completed with a hem trim in twisted rib. Stitches for the sleeves are picked up along the armhole edge and worked in the round to the cuff.

Yarn
Miss Babs Killington
85% Polwarth Wool, 15% Tussah Silk; 700 yd/8.5 oz (640 m/240 g) skeins
2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 3, 3, 3) skeins, shown in Tasman

Or approximately 890 (960, 1060, 1190, 1260) (1390, 1470, 1640, 1790) yards/814 (878, 970, 1089, 1153) (1272, 1345, 1500, 1637) meters of DK weight yarn.

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished Measurements
Chest: 34¼ (37½, 41, 44¼, 47¾) (51, 54½, 61¼, 64½)” /85.5 (94, 102.5, 111, 119) (127.5, 136, 153, 161.5) cm
Shown in Size 3 (41”/102.5 cm).

NOTE: This cardigan is meant to be worn open with positive ease. Choose a size that measures ¼-4”/ 0.5-10 cm more than your actual chest measurement.

Needles

• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 24”/60 cm or 36”/90 cm long depending on size of garment, or size to obtain gauge
• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, double-pointed needles or preferred method for knitting small circumferences in the round or size to obtain gauge
• US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle, 24”/60 cm long, or one size smaller than needle used to obtain gauge
• US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle, double-pointed needles or preferred method for knitting small circumferences in the round or one size smaller than needle used size to obtain gauge

Gauge
Blocked: 19 stitches and 27 rows/rounds = 4”/10 cm square in Left and Right Twist Motif.

Notions
Stitch holders or waste yarn
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle