It’s been like a ghost town around here. The universe has spent the last few months throwing a series of curveballs my way, and a lot of it would make for some pretty rich writing material, just not for a knitting blog. Maybe more on that later. In between bits of chaos, I have been working on a few design projects that were really fun.

My new pattern, Fortune Bay, is out in the newest Twist Collective. I am SO happy to finally be able to share this design! I love stripes. Madly. And Fortune Bay takes the idea of a classic sailor striped pullover and turns it on its side. Pretty much literally.

The 2-row horizontal stripes begin at the shoulder, with a seamless, top-down set-in sleeve construction that ensures a matching pattern along the front, sleeves, and back. Once the stripes reach the torso, a series of short rows alter the stripes to create a diagonal slant from underarm to hem. While knitting several striped swatches, I had an “Ah-ha!” moment thinking about short rows that led to the idea for Fortune Bay.

The original swatch and sketch show the origin of the pattern, which came to life in a gorgeous neutral palette of alpaca blend yarn for the final garment.

I love thinking about all the possibilities for color pairings for this pullover. Aqua and grey? Black and white? Red and ecru? Mustard and navy? Which colors would you choose for this timeless wardrobe staple?

Buy Fortune Bay via Ravelry download or directly from Twist Collective.

Finished measurements:
Bust: 30 ½ (34 ½, 38 ½, 42 ½ 46 ½, 51 ¼, 55 ¼)” / 77.5 (87.5, 98, 108, 118, 130, 140.5) cm
Shown in size 34″ / 86.5 cm
Intended to be worn with 2–3″ / 5–7.5 cm positive ease.

Yarn:
Green Mountain Spinnery Alpaca Elegance (180 yd / 165 m per 2 oz / 57 g skein; 50% Alpaca, 50% Fine Wool):
3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins in Dark Roast (MC)
3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins in Chai (CC)

Needles & Notions:
Size 5 US / 3.75 mm:
• circular needle, 24″ / 60 cm long
• set of five double pointed needles
Size 3 US/ 3.25 mm:
• circular needle, 24″ / 60 cm long
• set of five double-pointed needles

Four stitch markers (one in a contrasting color), six buttons ³⁄8″ / 9 mm diameter (optional)

Gauge:
20 sts and 32 rows = 4″ / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch using size 5 US / 3.75 mm needles

Construction Notes:  Boatneck pullover worked in one piece from the top down. Short rows create a diagonal mid-section in the allover narrow stripe pattern.