An Isle sweater for Nicholas, finished

Ever since I knit my Lodge sweater back in 2021, I have hoped that on some future day, I would have the opportunity to work with Cestari Traditional 2-ply yarn again. It's soft, but wooly, and it makes the most beautiful cohesive fabric. I've showed Cooper and Finn how it repels water, and having worn my sweater as an outer layer for hours outside on a rainy morning, I can attest that I was comfortable and dry (my hair, not so much) because of the sweater. Nicholas mentioned how much he enjoyed the feel of the yarn, so when there was a (rare!) sale, I bought a sweater's quantity to make him his own sweater.

I wanted a top-down design, and when Ozetta released the Isle Sweater in November 2024, it fit the bill. Simple design, top-down raglan, a match for gauge, and I knew I could modify the yoke depth as needed to fit Nicholas. Plus, the mock/turtleneck was something classic, but different from the previous sweater I knit for him.

Nicholas wanted a comfortable sweater, but not quite the amount of positive ease that the pattern photos show. So I measured one of his sweatshirts that he likes and choose a size from there. I did modify the yoke depth as well, to account for his broader shoulders (and below, I've linked my ravelry project page for lots of detailed notes about modifications).

Details

For more details, see my Ravelry project page.

Yarn: Cestari Traditonal collection 2-ply worsted weight in the color natural light grey (it is more a true beige, but it is my understanding that the way sheep fleeces are labeled by color, the use of "grey" often refers to a warmer-toned neutral, and the yarn is named accordingly). It's a Targhee/Columbia wool blend and it's wonderful. One of my very favorite yarns, to date.

Size: 2 (44.25"), but with the intention for much less positive ease than recommended in the pattern (I knit it for about 7.5" positive ease, while the pattern recommends 10.25" positive ease)

Pattern: the Isle Sweater by Ozetta. Beautifully clear and well-written pattern, not unlike other patterns of hers I have knit. Helpful tutorials are linked throughout.

Needles: US 7 for main sweater body and sleeve and hem ribbing. US 6 for neck ribbing. US 8 16” circular for sleeves (sizing up one US size) because my small circumference gauge is always tighter, and then switched to US 7 12" circulars for sleeve cuffs.

Specifics/modifications:  Significant length (nearly 4") added to sleeves and body, and a deeper yoke. I knit it to fit Nicholas and had him try it on as I worked on it.

I cast on in November (while very pregnant with Arlo) and finished it in February. For the most part, this was my primary project when I was at home, especially in the evenings.

And the verdict? We are both so happy with it. After I blocked it, he wanted to wear it to work the day after it finished drying, which is the highest compliment, in my opinion. He says it is so comfortable. The turtleneck fits well, as does everything else. And I hope that with it's classic lines, neutral color, and durable natural wool, it is a sweater he can wear for years to come!