Pattern: Arm Candy (rav link)

Yarn: Sundara Aran Silky Merino, color Wild Blueberries

Time Elapsed: A couple of weeks to knit

Notes: I knit the pattern as written (aside from lengthening the body for my super-long torso). But what a perfect place to share notes about the pattern with you! So here goes.

Arm Candy is a figure-conscious V neck with seed stitch and button trim details. The elbow-length sleeves, princess seam waist shaping, and deep V are flattering on a variety of body types. This pattern works well for the bustier among us, and it is a cinch to add more (or less) shaping. The pattern includes notes on fit and suggestions for how to alter for different body types.

I’ve written this up in 7 sizes, from 32″ to 50″ in the bust. I think it looks best with 0″ ease in the bust, and 1-2″ positive ease in the waist. I’d suggest altering the shaping to ensure this–perhaps by eliminating the waist shaping in the front, while leaving it in the back. This gives a nice curve behind without making the sweater too clingy in the front, which is one of the things I love most about shaping with princess seams.

It works dressed up for work or down for play and looks gorgeous in fancy, hand-painted yarns. I’ve knit it (and the uber-talented splityarn photographed it) in Sundara Aran Silky Merino, but your favorite aran or worsted weight yarn will look divine, too. (This is probably an appropriate place to say that all images in this post are copyright splityarn 2009, and for the love of pete please don’t take them without her express permission.)

This is the latest installment in my design quest to use up my stash while enhancing my work wardrobe. So far, I’m loving it. And I hope you do too!