I hope you're all ready to go with the first clue?
The part I love about bottom up knits is that it feels like a gentle start. Once you've checked your gauge and learned the pattern stitch, you are just working back and forth in rows to begin.
The Galanta sweater begins with each side of the back and front worked flat in Faux Cable stitch. I loved this as I started the project while I was travelling. This allowed for nice, mindful knitting while flying and driving.
Once you've finished the flap, it's time to join in the round. This continues the Faux Cable all around initially, but then starts a stepped decrease on both the front and back.
I love the end effect this creates!
Once the Faux Cable is complete, you're just working in stockinette stitch in the round to the underarm. In the samples there is no waist shaping and I've kept the length slightly (but not too) cropped.
Galanta Sizing
This sweater will comfortably work with a variety of ease options, depending on your personal preference. In fact, I'm modelling two different sample sizes; the sweater is modelled in the third size and the vest is the second size. You can easily see how the fit varies depending on how much ease you opt for.
Sweater and Vest Modifications
There are a few different modifications you may opt for in the body.
Removal of the split hem.
To do this, you will just cast on all the stitches, join immediately in the round and then work the Faux Cable pattern in the round for three repeats instead of one
Adding length to the body.
I've opted for a more cropped style in the sweater, but if you have extra yarn, you can work the body for a longer length to suit your personal style and body shape.
Every extra 1”/ 2.5 cm will require approximately 22 (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40) yds / 20 (22, 24, 25.5, 27.5, 29, 31, 33, 34.5, 36.5) m of yarn.
Adding Waist Shaping.
I've knit the body straight which suits the cropped style of the sweater. If however, you'd like a bit of waist shaping, I think you would also need to add length to the body.
To shape, you can decrease at the top of the waist and then increase to the bust. Basic details of how to work those decreases and increases are given in the pattern tips, but the spacing will depend on your body.
Remember to move the shaping in from the edge of your work so it won't conflict with the Faux Cable pattern!
So now that you've an overview of this clue, are you looking forward to jumping in?
Hop on over to our Galanta Knithub KAL forum to share your progress with other knitters!
