Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather is inspired by @morten.loefberg’s pirate budgie, where vibrant colours and unique feather patterns come together. The artwork is reflected both in the choice of colours and in the distinctive feather pattern that adorns the shoulders and runs down the upper side of the sleeves. The design is based on a saddle shoulder, with a construction carefully developed to ensure an excellent fit. Birds Of a Feather is knitted top-down with saddle shoulders that extend into contiguous sleeves, which are worked simultaneously with the yoke. First, the shoulder panels are knitted according to charts. Once the full shoulder width is achieved, stitches are picked up along each shoulder panel for the back and front sections. Each section is worked separately, back and forth, with short rows to shape slanted shoulders, while increases are made towards the neckline on the front sections. After the front sections are completed, they are set aside, and stitches are picked up along the other side of each shoulder panel. Stitches are cast on between the shoulder panels, and the neck and upper back are worked back and forth with short rows. All sections are then joined, and the work continues in the round. Simultaneously, increases are made for the sleeve cap, and the lace pattern from the shoulders continues down the sleeves. At the bottom of the armholes, the work is divided into sleeves and body, which are finished separately. At this point, the colour transitions also begin. Both the sleeves and body are finished with twisted ribbing. Finally, stitches are picked up along the neckline, and the neckband is worked in twisted rib, folded over, and sewn to the wrong side.