For Those Learning to Let Go – VIDEO + NEW KNITTING PATTERN
Winter seems to be letting go of us a month ahead of schedule. Up on our hilltop field, there are still patches of snow here and there. The ski trail is packed hard and solid, and in the mornings the snowpack still holds even a person’s footsteps. The lake remains frozen, but otherwise the sun is uncovering more and more of the fields with each passing day.
In the mornings, the song of the chaffinch can be heard, and a familiar pair of swans circles our home lake both at dawn and in the evening, calling out their beautiful notes into the empty hillside landscape.
It seems that spring has arrived in the North.
In this time between winter and spring — and alongside some changes in my own life situation — I’ve been reflecting on how difficult it can be to let go, and how necessary it sometimes is in order to make space for something new. In the video, I share more about this, show the quiet struggle between winter and spring, and talk through some thoughts about the future. You can watch the video further down on this page.
Alongside this, I’ve also released a new knitting pattern — the Arctic Bloom LIGHTyoke sweater. I originally designed the Arctic Bloom sweater during the winter and fell in love with its floral pattern. I kept thinking how beautiful it would be as a lighter, spring version, with colorful flowers on a pale background. From that idea, the Arctic Bloom LIGHT sweater was born.
It uses a lighter yarn, features vibrant floral details, and has a loose, airy fit that works perfectly for warmer weather.
You can purchase the Arctic Bloom LIGHT pattern below.
NOTE: This is a digital product. After purchasing you will be able to download a PDF file of the knitting pattern.
Arctic flowers are resilient survivors—they bloom through falling snow and withstand biting night frosts. The Arctic Bloom LIGHT Sweater brings that same natural beauty and strength into a lighter, spring-ready knit. Airy and comfortable, it’s perfect for layering or for crisp spring and summer days, adding a touch of the delicate beauty of Arctic flowers to everyday wear.
The Arctic Bloom LIGHT Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down. After the neck ribbing, short rows are worked across the back neck to improve the fit. The colorwork yoke is then knitted while simultaneously working the yoke increases. The sleeves are separated from the body and placed on waste yarn to rest, while the body is worked down to the hem ribbing and bound off. The sleeve stitches are then returned to the needles and worked in the main color. If desired, you can add a round of flowers to the sleeves just before the cuff ribbing.
YARN
Vuonue Pentti worsted yarn (70% Finnish wool, 30% Tencel, 240 m / 100 g (approx. 262 yd / 3.5 oz)), or any other DK-weight yarn.
In the sample photos:
MC: luonnonvalkoinen (natural white), CC1: eukalyptus (eucalyptus), CC2: okra, CC3: pinkki (pink), CC4: siniharmaa (blue-gray), CC5: laventeli (lavender), CC6: turkoosi (turquoise), and CC7: marjapuuro (berry mousse)
MC: 1055, 1105 (1195, 1360, 1465) 1565, 1675 m (approx. 1153, 1208 (1308, 1487, 1602) 1712, 1831 yd)
CC1: 30, 30 (30, 35, 35) 40, 40 m (approx. 33, 33 (33, 38, 38) 44, 44 yd)
CC2: 15, 15 (15, 15, 20) 20, 20 m (approx. 16, 16 (16, 16, 22) 22, 22 yd)
CC3: 20, 25 (25, 25, 30) 30, 30 m (approx. 22, 27 (27, 27, 33) 33, 33 yd)
CC4: 20, 20 (20, 20, 25) 25, 25 m (approx. 22, 22 (22, 22, 27) 27, 27 yd)
CC5: 15, 15 (15, 15, 20) 20, 20 m (approx. 16, 16 (16, 16, 22) 22, 22 yd)
CC6: 45, 45 (45, 50, 55) 60, 60 m (approx. 49, 49 (49, 55, 60) 66, 66 yd)
CC7: 20, 25 (25, 25, 25) 30, 30 m (approx. 22, 27 (27, 27, 27) 33, 33 yd)
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
3 mm (US 2.5) circular needles in suitable lengths, e.g. 80–120 cm (32–47 in), for ribbing.
3.75 mm (US 5) circular needle in a suitable length, e.g. 80–120 cm (32–47 in), for the body and yoke.
If you have a very tight gauge, consider using larger needles for the colorwork section to prevent the fabric from becoming too tight or puckered.
Note: The pattern is designed for 3.75 mm (US 5) needles, but always use the needle size that gives you the correct gauge.
In addition, you will need stitch holders or waste yarn, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle.
GAUGE
20 sts x 29 rnds in stockinette stitch, worked in the round on 3.75 mm (US 5) needles.
SIZE
XS, S (M, L, XL) 2XL, 3XL finished bust circumference: 96, 100 (110, 122, 132) 142, 150 cm (approx. 37.75, 39.5 (43.25, 48.0, 52.0) 56.0, 59.0 in). The sample garment is worked in size M.
The sweater is designed with approximately 20 cm (8 in) of positive ease. Choose a size that is about 20 cm (8 in) larger than your actual bust circumference. Before you begin, measure your bust at the fullest part of your upper body.
For example, if your bust circumference is 100 cm (39.5 in), you should choose size L, which has a finished measurement of 122 cm (48.0 in). This will give you enough ease for a comfortable fit and the intended silhouette.
In the video, you can hear more about life here in the northern spring and my own plans for the future.
I wish you a wonderful spring and summer filled with light and warmth 💛
🖤 Sanna