Sous Sous Knit Along!

Loop is so excited for the launch of our first knit along – this weekend we’ll be casting on the gorgeous Sous Sous! Many of you have been contemplating colours and gossiping about gauge on our Ravelry forum, so we thought we’d update you with all the information and our top tips.

Your first step is easy, just fall in love with the pattern! We have the printed version to buy here, or you can purchase a PDF version which will be emailed to you. This textured jumper designed for Loop by Norah Gaughan is so easy to wear, suiting all shapes and heights.

This pattern has lots of positive ease, meaning the finished knit is larger than the person wearing it. With such a flexible fit, determine your size by measuring your upper arm circumference and the shortest point in the front as a guide. The shaped hem and the slim sleeves offset the width of Sous Sous to create a flattering shape.

Sous Sous is constructed flat in two separate pieces before joining at the shoulders and picking up for the sleeves which are also worked back and forth in rows. Of course there is always the option of modifying the pattern too – for example you can adjust the length by adding or omitting the cable repeats. If you prefer a straight front instead of the soft curve, you can make two backs, just remember to add the neck shaping to one.

Then chose your yarn! The sample for Sous Sous uses Madelinetosh Merino DK, a soft single ply yarn with rich hand dyed colours that show off the texture of the double moss stitch.

Loop’s stock room is also full of other double knitting weight substitutions like the Eden Cottage Bowland DK. Another hand dyed yarn and pure Bluefaced Leicester, it has great stitch definition for those cables!

Several of you are ready with your stash of Shilasdair Luxury DK! This naturally dyed yarn is a unique blend of 10% cashmere, 10% baby camel, 40% angora and 40% british merino lambswool giving it a soft halo and drape.

 

Even if you are using the recommended yarn, we always advocate checking your tension before hand. For Sous Sous the gauge is measured over the double moss, so be sure to use this stitch pattern which is explained at the start of the pattern. We also advise blocking your swatch, so you know how the yarn will react after being washed.  For more tips on blocking – especially lace projects- read our post here.

You’ve just got enough time to check your gauge before the big cast on this weekend! If you need refreshing on how to cast on using the recommended long tail cast on method, check out our photo tutorial below (click the image to enlarge) or try a video

 

The official start of this Knit Along is this Sunday 1st February, and is open to anyone who wants to join. Keep up to date with everyones progress and share on our Ravelry forum group.  Designer Norah Gaughan will be popping by plus our resident expert tech editor Rachel Atknison will be on hand too. If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #soussousKAL and link us in @looplondonloves so we can follow everyones progress virtually via the magic of the internet.

We’ll aim to complete our Sous Sous for 1st May – of course you don’t have to finish your jumper for then, but every finished project that is posted on the Ravelry forum before then will be entered into our prize draw. One finished project will be chosen at random and the winner will receive a £25 Loop gift voucher to spend on anything their heart desires!

Happy KAL-ing!