Martins Sweater

This design draws its inspiration from the ancient Latvian symbol of Martins, a beacon of fire and light. It embodies harvest, fertility, and prosperity, symbolised by two roosters, messengers of light. As autumn gives way to winter, this symbol mirrors a receding bonfire, reminding us of the cyclical nature of seasons.

Throughout my creative journey, I have reinterpreted this symbol. By rotating and merging its basic form, I have crafted a design that, while distinct, remains true to its core essence. During the darker days, light and warmth serve as our guiding stars, and even in challenging times, we can draw inspiration and strength.

I hope you enjoy exploring this timeless symbol and it fuels your creative spirit.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished bust circumference:

• 90 (100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) cm

• 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68)”

Designed to be worn with 10-15 cm / 4-6” positive ease around the chest.

To choose the most appropriate size, measure the wearer's chest and add the preferred ease. Or measure the circumference of an already-owned sweater that fits well. Then find the closest finished chest circumference.

Gauge

Stranded colourwork on larger needles, blocked.

Yardage

Lace weight Suri Alpaca or Mohair, or light fingering weight yarn. Depending on the length of the sweater, allow approximately:

Main colour 1 (MC):

• 775 (840, 900, 975, 1035, 1110, 1190, 1240, 1300) m

• 845 (915, 980, 1065, 1135, 1215, 1300, 1355, 1425) yds

Main colour 2 (MC):

• 130 (140, 155, 165, 175, 190, 200, 210, 220) m

• 145 (155, 170, 185, 195, 205, 220, 230, 245) yds

Contrast colour (CC):

• 275 (295, 315, 330, 360, 380, 395, 405, 425) m

• 300 (325, 345, 365, 395, 415, 430, 445, 465) yds

Yarn in Sample

Yarn used in the sample (Size 2) is Camellia FiberCo. Suri Lace (74% Baby Suri Alpaca, 26% Mulberry Silk; 300 m [328 yds] / 50 g), 3 skeins of New York and 1 skein of Silver Juniper as main colour (MC) and 1 skein of Midnight as contrast colour (CC).

Needles

• 2.75 mm (US 2) circulars 60-100 cm / 24-40″ long and (optional) DPNs for small circumference knitting for main fabric
• 2.25 mm (US 1) circulars 60 cm / 24” long for neckband

Notions

Stitch markers, row counter, scissors, tape measure, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle.

Techniques

Stranded colourwork, lifted increases, knitting in the round.

Notes

The sweater is knit seamlessly from the top-down. Stitches for the neckline are cast-on and divided among the fronts, sleeves, and back. The piece is worked flat, increasing along four raglan lines and shaping the neckline using increases. Eventually, all sections are joined in the round with additional cast-on stitches to complete the front neckline.

The rest of the yoke is worked in the round down to the underarms with continued raglan shaping. The body and sleeves are then separated. The body is knit in the round straight down to the hem and finished with a 2x2 rib. The sleeves are worked in the round with decreases down to the cuffs, also ending in a 2x2 rib.

Finally, stitches are picked up from the neckline cast-on edge and worked in the round in a 2x2 rib to create a folded neckband.