2024 is the year that I want to knit a Christmas Sweater, and why not gather together and have a Holiday Sweater KAL? No matter what you celebrate, there is a sweater out there for you. I am going to cast-on Isabell Kraemer’s Jingle. Perhaps you want to knit a fancier sweater for a holiday party. Whatever you fancy, let us encourage you to cast on a holiday garment.
So how does it work? Select a sweater to knit or crochet, purchase the yarn from Monarch Knitting, and we will gift you the pattern! On October 19th, we will all cast on together. For those a bit further away, you can join us virtually on our Ravelry Holiday Sweater Along thread (a new addition!) and Instagram (#MKHolidaysweateralong). Here, you can share photos, ask questions, and update us on your sweater's progress. We will also hold a Saturday Morning Holiday Sweater Along group from 10:30 am to noon from October 19th to November 23rd.
We have created a few kits for you to choose from, but please let your imagination run wild. If you find a pattern you love, drop by the shop or select the yarn online. If the designer allows us to make the purchase, the pattern is on us!
At the end of the knit-along, we will have a drawing for some fun prizes, including the yarn to make a cashmere Sophie scarf, a Knitting the National Parks Book, a Firefly Notes Advent Calendar, and a $125.00 Monarch Gift Card!
Jingle by Isabell Kraemer - Ravelry Link
Isabell Kraemer’s Jingle has been on my list for a long time, and I will finally knit it during this KAL! This sweater is fingering weight, so it will take some time to knit. With that in mind, I decided to go with one of my favorite yarn combinations, mYak Lace held double. I want a subtle fair isle yoke that I can wear throughout the year, and the chocolate brown and red combination is just gorgeous.
Holly Sweater by Pernille Larsen - (Ravelry Link)
This sweater reminds me of a sweater that my Aunt Marilyn knitted for me when I was a little girl, so it has to make the list. Both Koryn and Catherine have selected this as their holiday knit! While my sweater was knitted using the classic 1970s acrylic yarn, we have upped the game just a bit with Knitting for Olive Merino and Soft Silk Mohair kits. FYI, this comes in a children’s size as well!
Skogafjall Sweater by Dianna Walla - (Ravelry Link)
Skógafjall can be translated to forest mountains, and you can see the forest through the trees in this sweater. The sleeve and body are knit bottom up and joined together to knit the Fair Isle forest. We chose a kit out of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter for this sweater because we fell in love with the combination of Birdbook, Yellowstone, and Woodsmoke. This sweater design is one you can wear all fall and winter!
My Deer by Tania Barley - (Ravelry link)
I love that Hello Deer is definitely a Christmas-themed sweater, but the color takes it down a notch or two. Two colors of heathered Kelbourne Scout will create quite the handsome sweater. There is a wrap stitch that creates a small bobble for the nose of the reindeer, but that can be left off. Wouldn't it be cute if you embroidered a little red nose on just one of these sleigh-bearing friends?
Yoho Jumper by Bluebird Pine Shop - (Ravelry link)
If you want a holiday sweater without having to take on Fair Isle knitting, the Yojo Jumper is just the ticket. This top-down sweater features a pine tree design on one of the sleeves. Simple, elegant, but seasonally appropriate. We have created Lang Yak kits for this project. I just finished a vest using the same yarn, and it is YUMMY!
Yule Do by Isabel Kraemer - Ravelry Link
Yule Do is a great project for those of you who love Spincycle. We paired Dyed in the Wool with North Bay Fibers Elemental Sport for this sweater that features a dainty holiday-themed yoke. The sweater was a close second for my knit!
