Lori Versaci and I both have the pleasure of being able to spend time up in Maine during the summer (although my visits are limited to 1-2 weeks, and she was able to spend four glorious months there this year)! Not only is the state known for its breathtaking beauty, a cosy sweater tends to be a must-have year round, as temperatures drop drastically in the evening – especially if you’re near the ocean and are hit with the Atlantic sea breeze!
After a very productive summer in Maine, Lori has been very active this fall publishing a plethora of excellent designs, including her collection featuring The Fibre Co. yarns, Sisterhood.
She hit it out of the park again this week with her latest design, Granite Island, a cosy, warm sweater featuring The Fibre Co. Arranmore.
Named after the island where she lives in the summer, Vinalhaven, Granite Island is knit in pieces and then seamed. The combination of the woolen spun yarn and seamed construction makes for a surprisingly lightweight sweater with exceptional structure that holds its shape well.
SPECIFICATIONS
Yarn: The Fibre Co. Arranmore: Glenveagh Castle: 8 (9, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12) skeins.
Gauge: 4 sts and 26 rows = 4″/10cm using larger needles in Moss Stitch, after blocking.
Needles: Size 9 US (5.5mm) and 10 US (6mm) straight and 32″/80cm circular needles.
Size: 34.25 (37.75, 42.25, 45.75, 50.25, 53.75, 58.25)” [87 (96, 107.5, 116, 127.5, 136.5, 148) cm] bust.
I’m currently a little limited in my winter wardrobe options, and absolutely hate being cold, so this sweater totally passes my “do I really need this?” test. It is a little crazy to imagine actually finishing in time for winter use with all of the other work/life deadlines going on, but I am going to swatch this weekend and see if I can’t justify casting on and adding the sweater to the top of my WIP pile! If you, like me, can’t wait to cast on, you can download the pattern from Lori here.
