Arabella Sweater review

Needles used: US 1.5 (2,5mm)

Yarn: Indiecita Baby Alpaca

Quantity: 8 skeins


I began this sweater on June 9th to take a break from another project that is now finished but frogged. I really wanted to use my Indiecita stash given to me by one of my aunts who knits and raves about it but was unsure if the amount of yarn I had would be enough. I ended up using 8/10 skeins with US 1.5 needles. I chose smaller needles than recommended for this type of yarn and for gauge because I wanted to give the alpaca as much hold as possible. 

The drape of Indiecita Baby Alpaca is gorgeous

Because I had to adjust CO numbers I had to start the project a few times. Third one was a charm with 167 stitches. The tiny cross-stitch cable ribbing at the beginning is a little tiresome to knit (hard on the hands) but looks nice. 

A second modification was getting rid of the Quacker stripes and replacing it with a simple stockinette stitch. I didn't think it was worth the effort, considering that the yarn is super dark and it's hard to see stitch patterns in it.

The cables on the sides look great and the tiny cross-stitch cables on waist, cuffs, and neck add a nice texture. I was hesitant to do shorter sleeves but I think they work really well with this sweater. 

Blocking is a must for this pattern; the shape really comes out after a good wet-blocking session.

                                Before blocking                                        Blocked

I'm super happy with how it turned out. It took three weeks to make (blocking included) and is warm and looks great. I've been wearing it non-stop. Here's a link to the pattern for anyone interested: https://brooklyntweed.com/products/arabella