In my previous post, I wrote about the progress on knitting the sleeves of my Streamline Pullover knitted with UNIVERSAL YARN Fawning, a high-quality blend of baby alpaca (70%) and extra fine merino wool (30%).
The body and the pullover sleeves are now completed; I just need to make the funnel neck collar. I tried on my pullover, and the neck opening seemed slightly wide. Therefore, I decided to make some changes to the pattern.
I’ll carry the 3 garter stitch ridges placed above the cuffs and above the hem to the base of my funnel neck collar.
After picking up stitches, I work rows 1-7 as described for the cuff, and after that, I continue repeating rows 7 and 8 for the collar, switching at the same time to smaller size needles: KNITTER’S PRIDE LANTERN MOON Destiny size US 3 (3.25 mm).
Pattern instructions for the base of the collar.
The garter stitch base reduces the side of the collar width, and as the same garter stitch detail is used for the cuffs and hem, it does not look out of place.
Funnel neck detail with 3 garter stitch ridges.
I make the collar 4½” high measured from the base, including the 3 garter stitch ridges. I need to bind off loosely in pattern. My recipe for a stretchy bind-off in a ribbing pattern goes as follows:
Step 1 Work the first stitch in pattern.
Step 2 Transfer the knitted stitch from the right needle back to the left needle.
Step 3 Work two stitches together (the one just transferred back onto the left needle and the following one) in the pattern of the second stitch.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all stitches are bound off.
This creates a very stretchy bind-off that I often use to bind off collars and toe-up socks. On the hemline and cuffs, I like a sturdier bind-off.
The finished Streamline Pullover before blocking
With the neck bound off, it’s time to sew in the ends. There are not too many ends, as I braided the ends of the yarn when adding a new ball.
After that, it’s time to wash my pullover using a few drops of SOAK mild laundry detergent. I laid the pullover flat to dry, I did not block it, I just patted it down, as alpaca yarn tends to stretch during washing. And now I must wait until it dries so I can show everybody the beautiful and luxurious garment.
Front view of the finished pullover on a mannequin
I auditioned the pullover with a formal jacket and a denim jacket. It works well dressed up and dressed down; here are the pictures to prove my ‘quiet luxury pullover’ will keep me warm and stylish through the cold months.
The Streamline Pullover can be worn under a formal jacket or a denim jacket.
Another knitted project is finished. It was an enjoyable knit as the yarn was luxurious and the pattern had all the features to make the yarn shine. Join me next time on KNITmuch for more interesting tips and knitting patterns.
Try making your own pullover or cardigan in UNIVERSAL YARN Fawning. I can assure you any colorway will create a quiet luxury garment.
