Otago Drylands Sweater

The Otago Drylands sweater is a ‘down under’ take on the classic colourwork yoke sweater. It is inspired by the colours of the landscape in Otago, New Zealand, and the colourwork yoke incorporates motifs representing three Otago drylands flora: matagaouri (tūmatakuri) thorn, kōwhai pods and kānuka flower. The sweater is worked in DK yarn from the top down, utilising short rows to form shaping on the back. Stitches are picked up under the arms before working the sleeves and torso in the round. The sleeves are worked last, also in the round. We have assigned the sweater an "intermediate" difficulty level, and for those with experience in colourwork knitting, the sweater should be a straightforward project. For those who are new to colourwork knitting, it should be a fun project for developing colourwork experience. **Sizing** *To fit bust:* Size 1: 71-76 cm or 28-30 inches Size 2: 81-86 cm or 32-34 inches Size 3: 91-97 cm or 36-38 inches Size 4: 102-107 cm or 40-42 inches Size 5: 112-117 cm or 44-46 inches Size 6: 122-127 cm or 48-50 inches Size 7: 132-137 cm or 52-54 inches Size 8: 142-147 cm or 56-58 inches Size 9: 152-157 cm or 60-62 inches *Finished bust with ease:* Size 1: 86 cm or 34 inches Size 2: 96 cm or 38 inches Size 3: 106 cm or 42 inches Size 4: 118 cm or 46 ½ inches Size 5: 127 cm or 50 inches Size 6: 136 cm or 53 ½ inches Size 7: 147 cm or 58 inches Size 8: 157 cm or 62 inches Size 9: 165 cm or 65 inches **Yarn** Choose three yarns recommended for 4 mm (US 6) needles with a gauge of 22 sts and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette. You will need one main colour and two accent colours. The example in the photos is worked in: * Main colour: Skeinz Flight Natural Merino, 8 ply, approximately 104 m per 50 g, shade 601 Kiwi. * Accent colour 1: Skeinz Poppy 8 ply, approximately 104 m per 50 grams, shade PY5 Golden Wheat. * Accent colour 2: Skeinz Flight Natural Merino, 8 ply, approximately 104 m per 50 g, shade 605 Weka. **Approximate Yardage** [Main Colour/ Accent Colour 1/ Accent Colour 2] Size 1: [710 m or 780 yards/ 150 m or 160 yards/ 130 m or 140 yards] Size 2: [760 m or 830 yards/ 150 m or 160 yards/ 140 m or 160 yards] Size 3: [830 m or 910 yards/ 160 m or 170 yards/ 140 m or 150 yards] Size 4: [910 m or 1000 yards/ 170 m or 190 yards/ 150 m or 160 yards] Size 5: [980 m or1070 yards/ 180 m or 200 yards/ 160 m or 170 yards] Size 6: [1040 m or 1140 yards/ 180 m or 200 yards/ 160 m or 170 yards] Size 7: [1150 m or 1260 yards/ 190 m or 210 yards/ 180 m or 200 yards] Size 8: [1230 m or 1350 yards/ 210 m or 230 yards/ 200 m or 220 yards] Size 9: [1310 m or 1430 yards/ 220 m or 240 yards/ 200 m or 220 yards]