When that special piece that's missing from your closet turns from an idea, to a rough sketch and then to your new fave sweater - it's a wonderful kind of magic that I'll never tire of. My newest pattern - the VERONIKA CARDIGAN, knits up quickly and feels so darn good for the soul. I can't help but smile every time I see her. I like to describe her as Aritzia meets rustic wool...lol. She's one of those sweaters you can live in - you know, my fave kind - the ones you can throw on with most things, layer through all the seasons....heck you can wear it with your pjs around the house (which you definitely know I'll be doing...lol). 

Save 15% OFF with code "veronika15" until July 16th, midnight, pst. 

THE PATTERN

"What keeps life fascinating is the constant creativity of the soul" ~ Deepak Chopra

With a cozy, oversized shawl collar and textured ridge stitch body, Veronika will shine knit up in your favourite worsted weight wool. Whether paired with a tank, top or dress, Veronika is effortless and stylish. It's sure to be a cardigan you'll reach for over and over again. Knit in one piece, the unique construction of this roomy cardi makes it a quick and fun knit. 

INSPIRATION

VERONIKA is inspired by the effortlessly chic style of my lovely friend Veronika Jobe of YOTH Yarns and is knit in their new yarn base Daughter (worsted). I cannot tell you in words how much I adore her and all of their yarn. I'd been talking to Veronika about doing this design for at least 2 years (life has been busy...lol), and I just hadn't had the chance to bring it to life yet. After hearing about Daughter and swatching with it I just knew it was time to get that sketch I'd been dreaming of in my head onto my needles!  

The first time I met Veronika I remember thinking how much I loved her generous and kind spirit but also how stylish she is. She's got a great eye for both her personal style and her business, and it comes so effortlessly and naturally to her. I find it so inspiring. She's like a breath of fresh air to me. I knew I wanted to collaborate with her and bring a bit of my style and mesh it with hers. Over the years Veronika and I have had some special (and long) chats about life and business. I never leave a conversation with her not feeling motivated and super inspired. So I'm beyond excited to finally have this special project out in the world. 

I have to say...I tear up just thinking back to the first time Veronika and I ever chatted (she was literally just releasing YOTH yarns into the world) and to now seeing her dream business thriving, myself designing a special project named/inspired after her, made in her yarn called Daughter, that's modelled by her breathtakingly gorgeous daughter -Jasmine. Full circle. Insert Veronika and I getting all mushy here folks. Funny how life works sometimes right? Sometimes those pipe dreams you share with a friend years ago can indeed become reality. Reminds me to never give up and that some dreams are never too big or too old to go after. This pattern will always be a special one to me because of that and because of her friendship and support. Love ya V xoxox and thanks for waiting on me....lol ;)

THE YARN

Daughter is an airy woolen spun 3-ply Rambouillet and Merino wool blend that's simple goodness is the slight slub and thick/thin nature of the plies. The Merino that is blended in, provides the YOTH softness you guys will love and the woolen spun nature of the yarn makes it light and wonderful to knit with. It's also strong. It holds the shape and weight of this design so perfectly and I am beyond smitten with this wonderful collab between YOTH Yarns and Cestari Sheep & Wool Company. I can see many more projects knit with Daughter in my future and I hope you all will enjoy it too. It really is a fabulous yarn that makes me giddy every time I wear or knit with it. 

YARDAGE

With the new YOTH yarn Daughter you have the option of purchase both full size skeins (150g/330yds) OR a combo of full size Daughter and Daughter Mini Skeins (75g/165yds). It's so handy! It gives two of the sizes more options for yarn usage. Veronika calls for the following: 

YOTH Yarns Daughter (100% Rambouillet/Merino Wool), 330yds/302m per 150g skein), [worsted]

5 (5, 6) skeins, OR approximately 1323 (1562, 1691) yds/1210 (1429, 1547) m of worsted weight yarn, shown in colorway 001 (Natural Chocolate)

Yardage Note: For Size 1 you may choose to use 4 full size skeins of Daughter plus 1 Daughter Mini skein (165yds/151m per 75g skein) and for Size 3 you may choose to use 5 full size skeins of Daughter plus 1 Daughter Mini skein, instead of the above full size skeins.

If you're looking to sub in yarn for Daughter we strongly recommend looking for a fiber content that is strong enough to hold the weight of the garment. We love 100% wool around here...lol. I'd steer clear of any cotton blends. There are no shoulder seams on this lovely so it's very important to use a yarn that is going to withstand the shape and style of this garment. When blocking your swatch I suggest hanging the swatch overnight to see how much "drape" the fabric will get. 

Get your skeins of Daughter by YOTH Yarns HERE and get knitting! 

SIZING & MODIFICATIONS

VERONIKA comes in three sizes - Size 1 ( 30-38 in/76-96.5 cm), Size 2 (40-46 in/102-117 cm) and Size 3 (48-54 in/122-137 cm). This garment is designed to have a large amount of positive ease. When choosing sizes please choose the size closest to your actual full bust measurement (the circumference of the widest part of your bust).

If you're finding yourself right in the middle of two sizes or wondering if you can adjust for height (tall/petite) or add/remove width, you will find a link to a special page I've put together in your purchased pattern with instructions for these modifications. The pattern also has an in depth pattern schematic showing all the measurements for Veronika to help with this. We've also included info on how to pick which size fits you best and a few tips/tricks for wearing Veronica so it feels and looks great on you! 

My testers worked so hard on this pattern (I'll be sharing some of their gorgeous Veronika's soon too) and we really put this pattern to the test so I hope you'll find it a relaxing and enjoyable knit! It's an easy, fun and simple sweater pattern that's even great for a beginner knitter.

STYLING

Don't be scared to try this style if you haven't worn it before! When it comes to pulling of this style of garment it's all about balance. If you're wearing oversized on top - think slim on the bottom. Worried about losing your waist? Pair Veronika with a belt! I'd wear the belt underneath the cardigan with it coming out from the armholes and belted in front!

Don't want to wear Veronika open? Try it with a gorgeous handmade shawl pin or my personal fave - the closures from JUL Designs! Love them!!! A tester even used the JUL pedestal buttons! So fun!

However "you" wear Veronika I hope you'll enjoy it! 

SHARE YOUR PROJECTS WITH HASHTAG "VERONIKACARDI" ON SOCIAL MEDIA! 

THANK YOU + STAY TUNED

A huge thank you to all of YOU for your continued support! And to Veronika, Jasmine, and crew for coming to Victoria and cheering on our photoshoot. To Kelsey of K Good Photo for always working her magic and bringing my knitwear "stories" to life. And to my testers - you guys are invaluable - thank you for all your help on this one! xoxoxo

You can purchase a copy of VERONIKA on Ravelry, in our shop, on Etsy, Kollabora and Love Knitting. The pattern is a downloadble PDF that is fully written and includes a schematic, pattern stitch counts and bonus modification instructions. It has been professionally tech edited and also thoroughly tested.

Stay tuned for more posts on Veronika in the upcoming weeks! And guess what? Our Summer Sweater Knit Along is coming soon! Look for a post next week with the dates and more info! Wahoo!!!!

© K GOOD PHOTO / Model Jasmine Jobe / Location Nourish Kitchen & Cafe