Perhaps it’s because my father was in the navy, but I have a soft spot for nautical garb. As a child, I wore dad’s old Service Dress Blue jumpers all summer long, no matter that they were made of itchy wool and heavy enough to stop a cannonball. Seeing the Sporty Sailor Top in the 2018 issue of Knitting Traditions brought on a sense of nostalgia. Followed, of course, by a close look at the knitting.
This bottom-up sweater pays homage not only to sailor’s uniforms, but also to the “New Woman” of the early twentieth century who adopted a dress version of the iconic top. Jennifer Owen’s modern interpretation has colorwork bands instead of dark or white stripes, and the lace-up neckline is a decidedly casual touch. The sailor collar is the same, though, albeit with the traditional piping replaced with a clever take on I-cord edging. A turned hem and cuffs and tidy collar placket keep everything shipshape.
Even in you aren’t preparing for an ocean voyage around the globe, this top will take you places. Why not cast on today?
Happy knitting, --Allison
Pattern Details
DESIGNER Jennifer Owens
DIFFICULTY Intermediate
FINISHED SIZE 34¼ (38, 42¼, 46, 50¼)" bust circumference. Pullover shown measures 38"; modeled with 3" of positive ease.
YARN Plymouth Yarn Select DK Merino Superwash (100% fine Merino superwash wool; 130 yd [119 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #1145 natural heather (cream; MC), 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) skeins; #1140 copper heather (brown; CC), 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) skeins.
NEEDLES Sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 6 (4 mm): 24" circular (cir) and set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
NOTIONS Markers (m); stitch holders; tapestry needle.
GAUGE 22 sts and 30 rnds = 4" in St st on larger needle; 24 sts and 30 rnds = 4" in charted patt on larger needle.