Harvey Wallbanger

I'm allowed to have favorite patterns, right? Because this really, really might be one of them.

When I sat down to design this, I wanted stripes, but not your average stripes, and I feel like Harvey has delivered on that.

These stripes are a bit delicate, but also kind of bold and fun, and depending on your color choice they can also subtle or modern or classic or vibrant - or anything else you make them!

The trick here was pairing a bit of simple lace, a background of ribbed fabric, and stripes of color. The textures created by the ribs and the lace make my basic stripes into something much more interesting. The actual motif is quite simple to work, but that little "dip" in the upper stripe and the overall scallop effect here make for a gorgeous fabric, and some serious potato chip knitting.

I used a drop shoulder to show off the lines of the stripes, and from there, I set out to create a classic pullover. The silhouette is simple and easy to wear. Sleeves are generous, but not too loose - and the length is short, but not at all cropped. I added an open crew neck with a deep, ribbed collar, and paid attention to all the small finishing details so transitions are neat and easy.

Of course, the ribbed hem is designed to play into the lace pattern on the body, and there are side panels under each arm where you can easily adjust the fit if you want. There are notes in the pattern on making adjustments to the sweater, and the lace is both charted and written.

The whole vibe here feels very vintage and retro 70s to me, so we went with a disco era cocktail - the Harvey Wallbanger! You may not want to drink one, but you can't deny it's fun to say.

And it really IS fun to knit. Stay tuned for a few more patterns using this design as the spring continues along, because I just don't want to stop knitting these stripes.

Harvey Wallbanger is knit flat in pieces from the bottom up. Pieces are seamed together once complete, and seams are all straight and easy to line up, so don't be worried. Collar stitches are picked up and worked in the round once shoulders are seamed.

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