Yeon Sweater

Image: The image shows an East Asian woman with black and faded purple hair posing against a white wall. She is wearing an ecru linen dress under the highlight of the photo, which is a pink sweater with a lace motif across the yoke. Her bespectacled face is partially obscured by a small bouquet of fake lotus flowers in a white milk jug vase.

Image: The image shows an East Asian woman with black and faded purple hair posing against a white wall. She is wearing an ecru linen dress under the highlight of the photo, which is a pink sweater with a lace motif across the yoke. Her partially visible face is turned to look off to her right. She holds in her hands a white milk jug vase, which holds a small bouquet of fake lotus flowers.

Image: The image shows an East Asian woman with black and faded purple hair posing against a white wall. This photo is closed up on the front of the sweater, with the simple but elegant lace motif across the yoke taking center stage. The dusty pink of the sweater is contrasted against the pale, almost-white pinks of the fake lotus flower bouquet, which the woman holds in a white milk jug vase in front of her body.

The Yeon Sweater is the perfect garment for layering on top of linen dresses for that Spring-time coziness. The sweater is named after the 연꽃, or the Sacred Lotus, a flower that plays a key role in Buddhist art and Korean folk art. As a Buddhist myself, I was drawn to the mythos of the flower. The Sacred Lotus, emerging unstained from the rich fertility of the muddy water, has always been a symbol of hope for me.

The last 4 years have tested that sense of hope, with the rise of nationalism, white supremacy, anti-immigration rhetoric, homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny in the United States. But for the first time in a long while, I do feel hopeful. Obviously, the work is far from over. There is a LOT of consciousness-raising we need to continue to engage in. But like the Sacred Lotus, I hope that we will be able to rise above hate and work towards a more loving, inclusive society.

The pattern features La Bien Aimée’s Merino Super Sock base in the Bois de Rose colorway. The subtle variations in the gorgeous, dusty pink hues perfectly highlight the simple lace motif. Although the pattern suggests a cropped fit, the garment may be easily modified to your desired length.

DETAILS
Sizes: Size A to I, as follows:
Size A: 33” (83.82cm) bust/chest
Size B: 37” (93.98cm) bust/chest
Size C: 42” (106.68cm) bust/chest
Size D: 47” (119.38cm) bust/chest
Size E: 51” (129.54cm) bust/chest
Size F: 56” (142.24cm) bust/chest
Size G: 61” (154.94cm) bust/chest
Size H: 65” (165.1cm) bust/chest
Size I: 70” (177.8cm) bust/chest

Yarn: Fingering weight.
Size A: 950 yards
Size B: 1100 yards
Size C: 1200 yards
Size D: 1350 yards
Size E: 1500 yards
Size F: 1600 yards
Size G: 1750 yards
Size H: 1900 yards
Size I: 2050 yards

Recommended Yarn:  La Bien Aimée’s Merino Super Sock base.
Sample is knit in the colorways Bois de Rose, in size C, and modeled with 5” of positive ease.

If using stash yarns, please consider the fiber content and ply of your yarns. A plumper fingering weight yarn will result in a squisher garment, while a sleeker yarn will result in a drapier fabric.

This pattern is designed to suit a wide variety of yarns, whether it be hand-spun or big box acrylic. It all depends on your personal preference and what you envision for the finished project!

Needles: Circular needles in US 2 (2.75mm) and US 4 (3.5mm).

Gauge: 24 stitches and 32 rows after blocking = 4 inches in stockinette pattern using larger needles, blocked.

THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to my test knitters barelake, beckybrarian, catherineroseknows, cricket.knits, knitsbylindalou, knittingbynature, knittingfynatyc, knittinwithkitten, littlefemmethings, minimoebius, wigglywyrm, and yarnworthyyarn.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!
Use the hashtag #YeonSweater on Instagram to share your WIPs and FOs!

SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNER
Designing is a fulfilling hobby for me, so I will not be charging for my patterns at this moment in time. However, if you would like to tip me, please feel free to do so at my Ko-fi page. Ko-fi’s are never expected but always appreciated.

Pattern published: March 12th, 2021