January pullover ::

So at the start of the year I decided I was going to start writing and publishing my crochet patterns myself (as well as in magazines). My goal was to write and publish one pattern a month. At first I thought I would be starting in February, but the yarn for my first project arrived much quicker than I expected and the piece itself crocheted together in less than 2 days! So here is the first of my finished pieces. The pattern is still in the works, but I'm hoping to have it ready sell soon (if you would like to test if for me, drop me an email, lovelylilley@hotmail.co.uk)

It's a loose fitting pullover, worked in the round, in one piece, with just the underarms to sew up at the end. I worked it like this because personally I hate getting to the end of all that lovely crochet only to have to sew up loads of seams (this is apparent when you look through my unfinished project pile!). I used Rowan pure wool 4ply, in the beautifully named 'gerbera'. I choose wool as it's January and I wanted something warm, I choose the colour because it's January and I needed something sunny in my life! You certainly wouldn't need to use wool, in fact the weight of the sweater and the 3/4 length sleeves would make it a great summer jumper worked in cotton on linen.

Though the yarn required is 4ply, the striped effect is created by doubling up the yarn for the darker sections and using a big hook for the lighter stripes, so if, like me, you usually avoid projects with slim yarn, through fear they'll take too long, don't worry, I promise this is a quick project (like I say mine took me 2 days).

I may of course my be a little biased but I love this pattern! It was a joy to make and I've worn my sunny sweater everyday since it's completion (in fact it really is due a wash now!).

My ravelry notes on this project here.

Edited::: The pattern is now available for purchase on Ravelry and Craftsy xx