Change is good.
When we arrive to a point in our lives when it has become obvious that old thoughts need to be left behind, starting fresh is what we need. It might be difficult but not impossible. Especially, when you approach it being empowered with your passion for creation. Just flip the page to start with a blank one. That is how the Blank Page Sweater design concept was born.
I bought several hanks of wool when visiting Copenhagen in 2022 and I knew from the first glance at the fibre that it would become a sweater. I wanted it to be my own design, but since I had never designed a sweater before, it felt a bit intimidating. My picture of it was something plain, simple-looking, comfortable to wear around the house or during long walks in the forest near my studio but I did not want it to be baggy, making me look shapeless; it had to be flattering.
It was a challenge in itself. How to design a slightly oversized sweater that would be flattering, and how to make it work for any body shape?
The journey of sketching, knitting, testing, describing, explaining was exciting and truly rewarding. I took this occasion to get back to my YouTube channel and gathered enough courage to return to recording and publishing videos where I would either operate only with visuals (enriched with my own recordings of birds singing in nearby parks and forests) or add voice over to explain certain parts of what I show on the screen.
The pattern is now published for anybody to try. I find my Blank Page Sweater thoughts-soothing, both in the knitting phase and when wearing it, and I hope you will make your version like that, too.
My pattern explains how to incorporate increases and decreases in bust section, back, waist, belly as well as how to make either slim or regular, a bit wider sleeves. In that, I hope to reach the goal of a design that suits any person, and since I photographed, video recorded and described all those variations and knitting techniques, this pattern is meant for knitters of all levels of experience. If, however, you encounter any problems with the instructions, please make sure to contact me via e-mail, social media channel or my Stitch Glimpse Ravelry group; I would be happy to support you in your Blank Page knitting.
Although, this sweater might look basic, there is some spice to it; several features such as elbow and waist ribbing are obvious but there are other surprise characteristics, which I am not going to reveal to not spoil the joy of discovering them while working through the instructions.
I used raglan construction but it is shaped in a specific way; the bagginess in the underarm area is minimized and the arm movement is not limited like in typical raglan-style garments. The Blank Page Sweater has a lot of positive ease by design but its construction prevents this garment from stretching in all directions causing shapeless form. Also, there are additional tips and suggestions on where and how to shape your version of this sweater so it is flattering.
An experienced knitter can add shaping to suit their body shape but I want my instructions to be useful for knitters of all levels, also for beginners. That is why I explain additional possible shaping options in my instructions, and I refer to your body measurements so you can tailor the Blank Page Sweater to your personal needs.
My idea for this sweater was to make it as a tunic and to add a kangaroo pocket that would serve as a pocket, of course, but also work as a visual element covering/securing the belly. By design, the pocket is knitted with the same yarn as the sweater but it can be as well made in a contrasting color.
The part I love the most about this kangaroo pocket is that it is an afterthought construction, which means that it is added after the sweater is finished. This further means that you can add it later or detach it if you do not want to have it any more.
Since this sweater is pretty heavy, you may wish to reinforce the neck line or even sides of the body. I explain how to do it both in the pattern and in my videos on Stitch Glimpse YouTube channel. You are welcome to watch, learn, enjoy and share your constructive comments under videos there, and also leave any questions you might have about the relevant content. It will help me in further development of suitable and valuable content of my videos and will also help others who might have similar questions or need a bit of encouragement from other viewers to get brave and leave their own comments.
Blank Page Sweater is part of a Blank Page Set, together with Blank Page Hat and Blank Page Headband. I wanted to design additional accessories matching the sweater. A hat seemed obvious but then I also wanted an alternative for situation when a bun or a pony tail needs space and cannot be squeezed under a hat. There is a story behind Blank Page Hat and Headband, where I explain more about their construction and features.
The Blank Page theme has its own playlist on Stitch Glimpse YouTube channel. It lists all episodes and shorts related to Blank Page Sweater, Hat and Headband.
Here is my take on the Blank Page Sweater story:
The pattern is available as a separate PDF file from the pattern section → Blank Page Sweater as well as a set of three patterns → Blank Page Set
Enjoy making your own version of Blank Page Sweater while writing your own Blank Page story, and make sure to let me know how it turned out.
~ Cathliin
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