I used a number of references in my research, including Elizabeth Zimmermann’s ‘Knitting Workshop’ and Priscilla Gibson-Roberts ‘Knitting in the Old Way’ (yoke and neck shaping), Alice Starmore’s Book of ‘Fair Isle Knitting’ (motifs), and Ann Feitelson’s ‘The Art of Fair Isle Knitting’ (colorwork). This pattern is meant to be a template, with different edge and star options, allowing the knitter some creativity in creating a unique garment – all it takes is some decision making and bravery.

Kits to purchase our In-Shop colorways are available for purchase on The Elegant Ewe’s website.

CONSTRUCTION: The sweater and sleeves are knit separately in the rnd from the bottom up, joined together and finished in the rnd with standard yoke shaping. A front center steek is cut to create the cardigan opening. SHAPING: YOKE SHAPING: Once the sleeves are attached, the garment is worked with simple raglan shaping, changing over to more traditional yoke decreasing which happens over 3 different rnds. NECK SHAPING: happens with a series of short rows prior to the tree and star pattern. WAIST SHAPING: minimal and not traditionally done and is optional.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: 36 (38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48)” circumference, 22 (22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25)” length (this garment is designed with approximately 4” of ease in mind).

MATERIALS NEEDED: 1050 (1200, 1400, 1600, 1750, 1860, 2000) yds fingering or jumper weight yarn for MC (we used Jamieson and Smith 2-ply Jumper Weight and Shetland Supreme Wool), 125 yds BC (background color in yoke – if you choose to use the same MC instead of a different BC in the yoke, add this number to the MC), approximately 40 yds in CCA, CCB, CCC, CCD, CCE (these numbers vary depending on how you use your colors. I also usually use the MC as one of the CCs in the yoke motif, so you may only need 4 CCs), US#3 (3.25mm) in 12”, 24”, and 32” round and double pointed needles, US#1 (2.5mm) 16” and 32” round and double pointed needles, 4 st holders, 9-12 5/8” buttons, assorted round and split ring markers.

GAUGE: 26 sts and 36 rnds to 4” over stockinette st in the rnd on larger needles or size to obtain gauge