Alec XL

There aren't many people I would knit a sweater for. It's a short list and highly exclusive. In fact, I can think of only three adults (1 & 2) who share the benefit of having received hand knitted sweaters from me. The third person on the list, is Mike. 

Mike has been the recipient of several sweaters. For a long period of time, he was under the impression that receiving hand knitted sweaters came with the territory- that all husbands of knitters have drawers full... We cleared that one up. 

But, in truth, if anyone in my life is deserving of a draw full of hand knitted sweaters, it's Mike.  He's the best enabler a knitter could ask for. The man doesn't hesitate when I suggest we stop in a yarn shop. He doesn't question the size of my stash. He turns a blind eye to the pile of WIPs in the basket under the end table. And, if you've spent any time around these parts, you've seen how helpfully he documents my projects for me. 

I'm pretty sure he never expected to be conversational on the topics of gauge, stitch patterns or fiber content. And, he likely never anticipated his role as resident photographer. But, Mike has willingly embraced these things, and more, for no other reason than seeing me smile.  

It has been a long time since Mike added a sweater to his collection, so when I was given the opportunity to test knit Sezza Knits adult-sized adaptation of her popular pattern Alec, I immediately jumped on board! 

This sweater is a top-down raglan. It's knit flat until the completion of the button band then joined for knitting in the round. The stitch pattern incorporated into the front yoke of the sweater is very easy to memorize. It adds a nice element of contrast to the stockinette used throughout the remainder of the garment without being overly aggressive. The sleeves, hemline and button band are knit in garter, which is a nice alternative to ribbing, especially given the existing striation in the yoke stitches.

Using Sarah's measurement chart as my guide, I chose to knit the size large. The sweater is shown here with three inches of positive ease.  (Finished measurement "43, Chest measurement "41). My favorite element of this pattern is the taper between the chest and waist. I think all men's patterns should take this decrease into consideration. It makes for a more flattering fit, especially if the wearer is tall and thin, like Mike. 

Mike requested a collarless version of the sweater.  As it was knit, there were two garter stitch ridges following the cast on. The neckline would have been fine as it was knit, but I decided to use an applied i-cord to make it a bit sturdier and finished..  It's also worth mentioning that I used a stretchy bind-off at the cuffs to give them a little bit of room to fit over long sleeves or be pushed-up. 

Pattern: Alec XL by Sarah Ronchetti  of Sezza Knits (COMING SOON!!!!)
Yarn: Cascades 220 Sport in Navy- 11 skeins (1804 yards)