The Songbird is a sweater inspired by my watercolour painting of a bird in flight. The artwork intends to evoke a feeling of freedom, softness, peace and hope, and I have done my best to weave these qualities into the design of this sweater. Feminine lace detailing adds lightness and a subtle elegance to a sweater that is warm, simple, and comforting.

The Songbird is worked top down, beginning at the back, which is worked flat. Stitches are then picked up from the cast on edge to knit the front, and then the front and back are joined to continue knitting in the round. Sleeves are worked by picking up stitches and knitting in the round for a seamless finish. There are short rows in the neck and top of the sleeves to create a comforting fit.

Designed to be cozy yet refined, The Songbird balances comfort with subtle elegance. The sweater is a piece I hope will wrap you in warmth, comfort, and a sense of peace each time you wear it.

Sizes

1 (2) 3 (4) 5 (6)

Finished Sweater Measurements

Circumference (around chest at underarm) 102 (109) 117 (126) 135 (143) cm

Length (from neck at the back) 50 (52) 52 (54) 55 (57) cm

The length can easily be adjusted to your choice.

Sleeve width 34 (37) 37 (42) 42 (46) cm

I have designed this sweater to have lots of positive ease, however you can choose the size of the sweater you prefer and calculate your own amount of ease based on your body measurements.

Materials

1 strand of fingering weight yarn held together with two strands of silk mohair

900 (950) 1050 (1150) 1270 (1380) metres of fingering weight yarn.

1700 (1900) 2100 (2300) 2540 (2760) metres of silk mohair.

If you find silk mohair difficult to wear you can replace it with a compatible cashmere or suri lace weight yarn. For the fingering weight yarn I recommend a soft yarn with drape.

Recommended needles

US 6/ 4 mm circular needles (main body and sleeves)
US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles (ribbing on the lower edge) US 2/ 3 mm circular needles or DPNs for the neck ribbing and end of sleeve ribbing. Adjust needle size to obtain gauge.

Notions Stitch markers and tapestry needle

Gauge

19 Stitches x 27 Rows = 10 cm in stockinette stitch on larger needles after washing and blocking.