Pattern Debut: Sparia Pullover

Are you ready for fall? I am ready for fall--so ready that I've decided it's time to share my first design for the upcoming cold weather seasons: the Sparia pullover!

This pullover . . . I love it! It has absolutely everything I want for fall. It's warm and cozy, with a classic, straightforward shape, and just enough details to spice things up--namely, a dramatic split asymmetric hem and garter stitch detailing down the sleeves. This is a sweater for pumpkin picking, kicking leaves, drinking hot cider and hayrides!

Worked from the top down, it's nearly seamless, save for an inch or two to be sewn up under each arm. The front and back have a simple branched cable motif (charted), and the shoulders are worked in garter stitch to the armholes. After you split for the sleeves there's just a hint of waist shaping worked into the garter panels at the sides, then you split to work the front and back separately. The back hangs about an inch lower than the front, but you can easily knit either piece to your desired length. 

Once you put the sleeves back on the needles, you gradually taper the garter stitch until you're left with a narrow panel of garter running down each sleeve to the cuff. The sleeves are roomy, so you can easily layer a tshirt or flannel underneath for extra warmth. 

And I can't forget to tell you about the yarn--it has autumn written all over it. I know I rarely knit a sweater with the yarn called for in the pattern, but you really need to try this yarn: Quince and Co. Owl, a warm, sturdy and surprisingly soft blend of American wool and alpaca. The two different fibers give it a rustic, heathered look--and the companion yarn, Owl Tweet, is a tweedier version that would work equally well here. 

You can grab your copy of Sparia over on Ravelry right now--queue it up or show it some love over there too!

Still not convinced? Come back tomorrow and I'll show you how to style Sparia for all your favorite autumn activities (like Rhinebeck--hint hint!)!

Many thanks to Quince and Co. for providing yarn support, Sarah for her tech editing talents (and speed!), my wonderful test knitters LiaGrace and Malorie, and my sister/model Meghan, who did an excellent job of making an August day look like autumn.

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