FO: Irish Coffee sweater

I've loved this tunic-style sweater ever since I saw it and have looked at it longingly from time to time. The designer, Thea Colman (aka baby Cocktails) has hit a real winner here with it's simple styling and attention to detail. As we all know, I am a complete sucker for cables and the unusual notched neckline really jumped out at me.

Casting around for a 'me' project for the Ravellenics I quickly decided that this was The One.

Some lovely Artesano merino dk jumped into my shopping basket at The Sheep Shop, Cambridge and the decision was made.

I cast on during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics and the thing practically flew off the needles. Even the ribbed yoke which I thought would take an eternity (2x2 rib is not my best friend) seemed to fly by. The whole thing was knit in 5 days (with another day to weave in ends and block) - surely a record for me.

The instructions were wonderfully clear and there were lots of tips for customising the sweater to fit. As it happens, I knit the piece practically as written. The only change I made was to lengthen the body by 3" and also to continue with the hip increases - increasing 2 stitches every 2" to achieve a slightly longer and more A-line shape. I also kept the sleevs quite short, just adding a few garter stitch rows and then binding off firmly.

I am absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. The yarn is wonderfully sproingy (useful technical knitting term). It has great stitch definition but is very soft and comfortable to wear. It is warm without being too hot and 'woolly' and it is machine washable which means it will see regular use in my wardrobe - as I am notoriously slack at getting the hand washing done.

Full project details are here

I am now to going to put on my Ravellenic dress, award myself a gold medal and cheer on the GB men in the Curling final today - go Team GB!