The “Meissen Sweater” was inspired by the beautifully shaped and painted ornate designs of Meissen porcelain from my native Germany. This sweater is light and airy, and I added textured ribbing and lace details to copy the filigree edging of the porcelain pieces. The “Tulip lace design” which trails along the sides and sleeve centres was first used in traditional German sock knitting in the early 19th Century and mimics the textured China perfectly.
For a well-fitting construction, the shoulder saddles are completed first. Next, stitches are picked up from the edges and the body is knitted in the round from the top down. I added a contemporary twist to the design by incorporating regularly spaced out purl rows throughout, and 3 blocks of eyelet holes below the shoulder saddles, which also adds body and shape to the soft fabric.
The sweater has 10 cm positive ease for each size (S, M and L). I used Drops fingering weight yarn, but any yarn suitable for US 2 (metric 2.75 mm) with some woolly “springiness” is suitable. The stranded color work border is equally nice in your own preferred choice of colors!
This is not a “quick knit” and I would recommend this sweater to advanced knitters. Each step is thoroughly explained and I am happy to help with any questions. You can also find video tutorials which explain the trickier stitches in the “Highlights” of my Instagram account anja.sammon . If you are interested in further information about German traditional costume, please check out my website. To purchase your copy, simply contact me or find it on Ravelry.
Happy knitting!
Anja Sammon 