Little Reindeer Parade

**Purchase Includes:** * Written and Charted Instructions * Cardigan Pattern * Henley Pattern * Low Vision Files with 22 pt sans serif font: written motif instructions are given side by side in three columns for readability, but body of pattern contains no columns or italics, and charts have been enlarged and divided for ease of use. **Level:**  The pattern was rated as intermediate by most test knitters, and advanced by a good percentage of others.  As always, I've included fully charted and written instructions.  There are a fair number of videos illustrating the more complicated techniques for a knitter who would like to level up their skills.  As a recommended base line, knitters should be familiar with sweater construction and know how to cable OR knit stranded colorwork. **About Little Reindeer Parade:** This sweater is worked by casting on and knitting the back panel, which includes short row shaping around the back neck. The shoulders are picked up and shaped from the cast on edge of the back panel, first left, then right. The right shoulder is then knit across, the neck front is cast on, and the left shoulder is knit across. Knitting continues back and forth for the remainder of the front panel. At the underarm, the remainder of the body is worked in the round. The body is knit straight until cable colorwork is worked to create the reindeer motif. Sleeves are worked from the top down using German Short Rows, and are tapered to a fitted cuff at the wrist. At this point, the sweater is blocked and steeked. (The Henley includes instructions to knit the top back and forth in order to avoid steeking.) The collar may be picked up and worked anytime after the completion of the upper body, but should be completed before button bands are added. If reindeer eyes were not knit in pattern, they are duplicate stitched onto the sweater. The collar, hem, and cuffs are worked in corrugated rib, which requires flat knitting, with the exception of the sleeves. Ribbing may also be worked in a single color, if desired. **Sizing:** Sizes: 6-12 Months (1-2 Years, 4-6 Years, 8-10 Years, 12-14 Years) Choosing the best size: Choose size based on chest measurement, not age. For best results, choose a size with 2” (5cm) - 4” (10.2cm) positive ease, then adjust length as needed using guidance throughout the pattern. Model is wearing Size 6-12 Months with 1” (2.5cm) of positive ease in the chest. **See Schematic Photo at Left:** Chest Circumference (A): 22.25 (22.25, 25.5, 30.75, 33.5) inches or 56.5 (56.5, 65, 78.5, 85) centimeters. Bicep (B): 8.25 (9, 10.25, 11.25, 11.75) inches, or 21 (23, 26, 29, 29.5) centimeters. Armhole Depth (C): 4.75 (5, 6, 6.5, 6.75) inches, or 12 (13, 15, 16.5, 17) centimeters. Body Length (D): 7 (8, 10.5, 12.75, 14.25) inches, or 18 (20.5, 26.5, 32.5, 36) centimeters. Sleeve Length (E): 7.5 (9.5, 12, 14.25, 15.75) inches, or 19 (24, 30.5, 36, 40) centimeters. **Gauge:** Stockinette: 24 sts and 38 rows in 4” (10.2cm) Motif: One motif repeat is 2.5” (6.5cm) wide and 5.5” (14 cm) tall. **Materials:** Yarn: Main Color: 490 (585, 795, 1050, 1210) yards, or 445 (530, 725, 955, 1100) meters. Contrast Color A (Antlers/Ribbing Contrast): 170 (175, 195, 220, 235) yards, or 155 (160, 180, 200, 215) meters. Contrast Color B (Reindeer Fur): 95 (95, 100, 115, 120) yards, or 85 (85, 90, 105, 110) meters. Contrast Color C (Eyes/Noses/Ribbing Contrast): 115 (130, 155, 175, 190) yards, or 105 (115, 140, 160, 175) meters. Recommended Yarn: De Rerum Natura Ulysse, a rustic, non-superwash, woolen-spun sport weight merino. Though 202 yards (185 meters) in 50g grams brings to mind sock weight yarn, the sample yarn knits up as sport weight. The sample uses Forêt for the MC, Poivre et Sel for CCA, Poivre for CCB, and Cacao for CCC. To substitute yarn, look for a stretchy wool yarn of about 275 yds(250m) per 100g. If superwash is used, mixing superwash and non-superwash yarns is not recommended. **Suggested Needles:** Ribbing: US 2 (2.75mm), or two sizes smaller than size used for stockinette in the round. Stockinette and Colorwork Rounds 29-45: US 4 (3.5mm). Colorwork Rounds 1-28: US 5 (3.75mm) for cable colorwork, or one size larger than size used for stockinette in the round. Or sizes needed to maintain gauge. Some knitters may need to size up or down to maintain gauge when knitting flat or working cable colorwork. **All needles are circular needles. Lengths should correspond to the chest and sleeve circumference.** **Notions:** * Cable needle * Tapestry needle * 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) Buttons, 0.75” (2cm) max. diameter * Crochet Hook, Size 1/2.25mm (optional, for steeking) * Stitch markers, at least 4 should be removeable. To avoid mistakes, I recommend using stitch markers to mark each repeat. * Steeking supplies. Ribbon, thread, scissors, etc; these will vary based on your preferred steeking method. * Blocking wires and combs (optional)