Amber Blossoms

The source of inspiration for this sweater is the very simple stone amber, formed from pine bark resin millions of years ago, it has long been an important gemstone in Latvia. That is why Latvia is often called Dzintarzeme (Land of Amber), but the Baltic Sea - Dzintarjūra (Amber Sea). It can often be seen shining in the sand of the Baltic coast after strong fall winds.

Our ancestors have already noticed the nuanced beauty of this stone and are also aware of its magical properties, believing that amber increases strength and vitality, brings good luck and strengthens health and is able to protect from the evil eye.

Sometimes transparent, other times pale, almost white, earthy brown, waxy yellow or smoky gray-green, sometimes even bluish - but always unique and mysteriously beautiful. Amber in Latvia is often seen complementing linen outfits. This sweater combines both - the nuances of the colors of the miraculous amber and the gray simplicity of linen through Latvian ornaments that resemble floral motifs.

Finished bust circumference:

• 90 (101.5, 110, 121.5, 130, 140, 151.5, 161.5) cm
• 36 (40¾, 44, 48¾, 52, 56, 60¾, 64¾)''

Designed to be worn with 10-21.5 cm / 4-8¾'' positive ease around the bust, to fit busts with circumference:

• 70-80 (80-90, 90-100, 100-110, 110-120, 120-130, 130-140, 140-150) cm
• 28-32 (32-36, 36-40, 40-44, 44-48, 48-52, 52-56, 56-60)''

Gauge

24 sts & 32 rows = 10 cm / 4''

In Stockinette stitch and colourwork in the round, blocked.

Yardage

Main colour (MC):

• 975 (1060, 1150, 1235, 1340, 1415, 1510, 1615) m

• 1065 (1160, 1255, 1355, 1465, 1550, 1655, 1765) yds

Contrasting colour (CC):

• 180 (190, 200, 205, 215, 225, 235, 240) m

• 195 (205, 215, 225, 235, 250, 255, 260) yds

Yarn in Sample

Yarns used in sample (size 2) is Magpie Fibers Solo Fingering (100% Superwash Merino; 396 m [434 yds] / 115 g): 3 skeins of Ashe colourway as main colour, 1 skein of Tulepo Extra colourway and 1 skein of Bad & Bougie colourway as contrast colours.

Needles

• 3.25 mm (US 3) circulars 60 cm / 24''
• 2.75 mm (US 2) circulars 60 cm / 24'' and/or DPNs for small circumference knitting

Notions

Crochet hook, smooth waste yarn (e.g. cotton), stitch markers, locking stitch markers, row counter, stitch holder, tapestry needle.

Techniques

Provisional cast-on, left-leaning and right-leaning increases, trapping floats, short rows.

Notes

The pullover is worked seamlessly in the round from the top-down. To avoid tension tightening when working colourwork, it is important to keep the floats on the wrong side of work somewhat loose.