Larimar

It's not easy to find a top-down, seamless, V-neck sweater pattern, so last year when I saw Larimer from Isabell Kraemer I promptly bought it. I knew Isabell would do a great job with such a pattern and I wasn't disappointed. The construction is ingenious and is exactly what I love to knit. Isabell describes the construction better than I can: "Pullover is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with back shoulders and back yoke. Stitches are picked up at shoulders and worked for each front, then joined to work body in the round with short row shaping at lower edge. Stitches for sleeves are picked up around armhole edge, and caps are shaped with short rows. Extra-long sleeves are worked in the round to the cuffs. Stitches are picked up around neck edge and worked in a simple trim."I really encourage you to try this pattern if you've been thinking about knitting a garment using non-traditional techniques. Isabell does a good job with pattern writing and an enthusiastic beginner should not have too much trouble. Isabell also has an avid fan group on Ravelry that loves to help and Isabell herself is very approachable. These newish techniques have become the norm now in pattern writing and garment knitting, and it's no surprise knitters are choosing these one-piece variations over the traditional seamed garments. Most knitters find these techniques easier and most important, easier to get the fit you want with no surprises in the end. I still knit some seamed garments as seams are important in some garment construction, but not all. Seams do aid in stability that some garments need, but if it's not needed, I look for another pattern.

I made my Larimar with a good amount of ease using Rowan's Super Fine Merino 4Ply. This yarn is simply perfect: 100% super fine merino (that feels like cashmere) in a fingering weight that is machine washable and is soft enough for the most sensitive skin. I have happily used this yarn several times for my grandson and care for it this way: Turn inside out and place in a mesh bag. Machine wash in cool water on the gentle cycle. I admit I even put his little sweaters in the dryer even though the ball band says to dry flat; here's what I do: Still in the mesh bag, tumble dry on low until almost dry. While still slightly damp, carefully turn garment right-side out and pat to shape. Dry flat out of direct sun. Rowan describes this as a fingering weight to be knitted at 28 stitches per 4 inches, but this works best for me as a sport weight with 24 stitches per 4 inches. I adore it.