Olive's Racoon

Olive’s Racoon is worked sideways from side seam to side seam in 2 strands of either Merino or Cotton Merino. You start with a provisional cast-on and work the charted front back and forth. Afterwards, sleeve stitches are placed on hold and new stitches are cast on before the back is worked back and forth in MC. After the body is finished, the sweater is seamed in one side and along the top of both shoulders before stitches are picked up for the sleeves which are subsequently worked in the round from the top down. Lastly, stitches are picked up for the neckband which is finished in rib. Please note that although the sweater may appear to be a bit on the short side while you knit, it will lengthen and stretch when you wash it. Olives Racoon is worked holding 2 strands together throughout. The chart displays 4 colors and these are achieved using yarn in only 3 different colorways. For MC, CC1 and CC2 you are holding 2 strands of the same colorway together, while for the 4th color (CC3) you will be holding 1 strand of MC + 1 strand of CC1 together. The colorwork pattern for Olive’s Racoon is charted only and is worked using the intarsia technique. Please note that whenever only one number is given in the instructions, this number refers to all sizes. **Sizes:** 1 (2, 4, 6) years **Finished measurements:** Total length from shoulder to edge: approx. 32 (34, 37, 43) cm [12½ (13½, 14½, 17)]”; Chest circumference: approx. 59 (64, 69, 76) cm [23¼ (25¼, 27¼, 30)]”; Sleeve length from underarm to edge: approx. 19.5 (24, 28, 32) cm [7¾ (9½, 11, 12½)]” **Yarn:** 2 strands of Knitting for Olive Merino or Cotton Merino (250 m [273 yd] / 50 g [1.8 oz]), fingeringweight yarn, 3 (3, 4, 5) balls in MC, 1 (1, 1, 1) ball in CC1 (face) and 1 (1, 1, 1) ball in CC2 (snout and eyes). Sample is in Merino in Rainy Day (MC), Cream (CC1) and Licorice (CC2) colorways **Needles:** 3.5 mm / US4 and 4 mm / US6 circular needles, or in size to obtain gauge **Gauge (after blocking):** 21 sts and 33 rows = 10 cm [4”] in st st with 4 mm / US6 needles **Notions:** Stitch markers, waste yarn, stitch holders, tapestry needle, row counter (optional)