Comfy Winter Sweater

I purchased some alpaca yarns to try out during Garnstudio's DROPS Alpaca Party. One of these was DROPS Air, which is a "blow yarn" made from baby alpaca and merino wool. It was my first time using "blow yarn" and was worried that it would shed excessively. The yarn did lose fibers, while I was working with it; however, it was not awful. I have not worn the knitted garment yet and am hopeful that it will not make me feel like a Golden Retriever. (Please don't take offense, Chance, but I don't understand how you can keep losing an endless supply of fur!) The name of the yarn is spot on. It feels like air and is very soft and light. In addition, its color, Pearl Grey, is such a delicate grey that it augments the yarn's softness. Working with DROPS Air was a pleasure. I wanted to knit with it a comfortable and casual winter sweater using a very simple and easy design.

I came up with this bottom-up pullover knitted in the round with raglan sleeves. I was hoping to add a big cowl neck but only had enough yarn for a higher mock neck. The back is a little longer with a slit on each side. I made the sleeves well fitting, while the body is unshaped with a bit of positive ease. My aim with the stitch pattern on the front, which I designed using Stitch Fiddle, was also softness. The cables are supposed to flow and blend, not stand out. Overall, I am very pleased with the end result and looking forward to wearing this sweater. It feels very warm, so it is perfect for this chilly wintery weather.