Starbloom by Norah Gaughan
Norah Gaughan’s Starbloom pullover presents an engaging project for intermediate knitters seeking a garment that combines innovative construction with elegant design. Its seamless, top-down approach and customizable features make it a versatile addition to any wardrobe, offering both style and comfort.
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Starbloom
The Starbloom pullover by Norah Gaughan is a distinctive knitting pattern that combines innovative construction with elegant design elements. Released in December 2024, this seamless, top-down sweater showcases a half-hexagon yoke adorned with twisted stitches, offering knitters a unique and engaging project.
Pattern Name: Starbloom
Designer: Norah Gaughan
Craft: Knitting
Project Type: Sweater/Pullover
Yarn Weight: Bulky weight
Suggested Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool Chunky
Design and Construction
The Starbloom sweater features a seamless, top-down construction that begins with triangular sections forming the tops of the sleeves. The back and front yokes are then picked up along the sides of these triangles, incorporating additional cast-on stitches at the center. Decreases shape half-hexagons in both the front and back, with the front yoke including neck shaping for a comfortable fit. The yoke is embellished with simple twisted stitches, adding subtle texture to the garment. This modular approach allows for easy customization of body and sleeve lengths, accommodating personal preferences and ensuring a tailored fit.
Sizing
The pattern offers a comprehensive size range, with finished chest measurements spanning from 36½ inches (92.5 cm) to 68½ inches (174 cm). The recommended ease is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20.5 cm), providing a relaxed and comfortable fit. The sample shown in the pattern has a finished measurement of 48 inches (122 cm), worn with 10 inches (25.5 cm) of ease, demonstrating the sweater’s versatile sizing options.
Materials and Yarn
The Starbloom pullover is designed for bulky weight yarns, specifically recommending Berroco Ultra® Wool Chunky. This 100% superwash wool yarn offers warmth and durability, making it suitable for cozy winter garments. The pattern requires between 725 and 1,450 yards (663 to 1,326 meters) of yarn, depending on the chosen size. A US size 10½ (6.5 mm) knitting needle is suggested to achieve the specified gauge of 14 stitches and 21 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
Skill Level and Techniques
This pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with modular construction and working seamlessly in the round. Techniques involved include picking up stitches, executing twisted stitches, and managing decreases to shape the half-hexagon yoke. The pattern provides detailed instructions to guide knitters through these processes, ensuring a rewarding knitting experience that results in a uniquely constructed garment.
Availability
The Starbloom pattern is available for purchase as a digital download through Norah Gaughan’s Ravelry store, priced at $9.00 USD. The pattern is written in English and includes comprehensive instructions to accommodate the range of sizes offered.
