These striking designs - Posy cardigan and Pollen jumper - are taken from Rowan's RYC Classic Garden Collection. Designed by Martin Storey, they are knitted in luxurious Cashsoft 4-ply yarn, a mixture of 57 per cent extra-fine merino wool, 33 per cent microfibre and 10 per cent cashmere. There are 14 colours in the range and the yarn can be machine-washed on a 30°C wool cycle.

Posy, shown in colours Rose Lake and Cream in the photos, is a dainty beaded and textured striped cardigan. It has a round neck and is fitted to the waist. Pollen, shown in colour Weather (a soft grey) is a cable-pattern sweater with bobbles and a flattering open-neck collar.

Posy is an easy, straightforward pattern. Pollen requires a little more experience but is suitable for the average knitter.

STOCKISTS

The yarn, buttons and beads used for these designs are available direct from Rowan. To order, or for more information about RYC yarns and patterns, visit www.knitrowan.com or call 01484 681881. Rowan yarns and patterns are also stocked by branches of John Lewis.

ABBREVIATIONS

K, knit; P, purl; st(s), stitches; inc, increas(e)ing; dec, decreas(e)ing; st st, stocking stitch; cont, continue; patt, pattern; alt, alternate; foll, following; tog, together; rep, repeat; rem, remaining; RS, right side; WS, wrong side; yrn, yarn; cm, centimetres; in, inches.

Posy

YARN REQUIREMENTS

XS S M L XL

To fit bust 81 86 91 97 102 cm

32 34 36 38 40 in

RYC Cashsoft 4 ply

A = Rose Lake 421 6 6 6 7 7 x 50 gm balls

B = Cream 433 3 3 3 3 3 x 50 gm balls

MEASUREMENTS

Length

52: [53: 54: 55: 56] cm

201⁄2 21: 211⁄2: 211⁄2: 22] in

Width (at underarm)

44 [46: 49: 51: 54] cm

171⁄2 [18: 191⁄2: 20: 211⁄2in

Sleeve seam

44 [45: 45: 46: 46] cm

171⁄2 [171⁄2: 171⁄2:18: 18] in

NEEDLES

1 pair 23⁄4 mm (no 12) needles

1 pair 31⁄4 mm (no 10) needles

BUTTONS

9 x 75320 (see Stockists)

BEADS

approx 1,480 [1,560: 1,640: 1,760: 1,870] x XJ3001015 (see Stockists)

TENSION

28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm measured over stocking stitch using 31⁄4 mm needles.

BACK

Using 23⁄4 mm needles and yarn A cast on 107 [113: 121: 127: 135] sts.

Row 1 (RS): K0 [1: 0: 2: 0], P1 [3: 2: 3: 3], *K3, P3, rep from * to last 4 [1: 5: 2: 0] sts, K3 [1: 3: 2: 0], P1 [0: 2: 0: 0].

Row 2: P0 [1: 0: 2: 0], K1 [3: 2: 3: 3], *P3, K3, rep from * to last 4 [1: 5: 2: 0] sts, P3 [1: 3: 2: 0], K1 [0: 2: 0: 0].

These 2 rows form rib.

Cont in rib until back measures 8cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Change to 31⁄4 mm needles.

Beg with a K row, work in st st for 6 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Join in yarn B and cont in patt as folls:

Row 1 (RS): Using yarn B, knit.

Row 2: As row 1.

Row 3: Using yarn A, knit.

Row 4: Using yarn A, purl.

Row 5: Using yarn A, inc in first st, K to last st, inc in last st. 109 [115: 123: 129: 137] sts.

Row 6: As row 4.

Row 7: As row 1.

Row 8: Using yarn B, P2 [1: 1: 1: 1], (bead 1) 1 [1: 1: 0: 0] times, *cluster 3, bead 1, rep from * to last 2 [1: 1: 4: 4] sts, (cluster 3) 0 [0: 0: 1: 1] times, P2 [1: 1: 1: 1].

Rows 9 to 12: As rows 3 and 4, twice.

These 12 rows form patt and start side seam shaping.

Cont in patt, shaping side seams by inc 1 st at each end of 3rd and every foll 10th row until there are 123 [129: 137: 143: 151] sts, taking inc sts into patt.

Cont straight until back measures 32 [33: 33: 34: 34] cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape armholes

Keeping patt correct, cast off 5 [6: 6: 7: 7] sts at beg of next 2 rows. 113 [117: 125: 129: 137] sts.

Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 [5: 7: 7: 9] rows, then on foll 3 [4: 4: 5: 5] alt rows, then on every foll 4th row until 93 [95: 99: 101: 105] sts rem.

Cont straight until armhole measures 20 [20: 21: 21: 22] cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape shoulders and back neck

Cast off 9 [9: 10: 10: 10] sts at beg of next 2 rows. 75 [77: 79: 81: 85] sts.

Next row (RS): Cast off 9 [9: 10: 10: 10] sts, patt until there are 13 [13: 13: 13: 15] sts on right needle and turn, leaving rem sts on a holder.

Work each side of neck separately.

Cast off 4 sts at beg of next row.

Cast off rem 9 [9: 9: 9: 11] sts.

With RS facing, rejoin yarn to rem sts, cast off centre 31 [33: 33: 35: 35] sts, patt to end.

Complete to match first side, reversing shapings.

LEFT FRONT

Using 23⁄4 mm needles and yarn A cast on 54 [57: 61: 64: 68] sts.

Row 1 (RS): K0 [1: 0: 2: 0], P1 [3: 2: 3: 3], *K3, P3, rep from * to last 5 sts, K3, P2.

Row 2: K2, *P3, K3, rep from * to last 4 [1: 5: 2: 0] sts, P3 [1: 3: 2: 0], K1 [0: 2: 0: 0].

These 2 rows form rib.

Cont in rib until left front measures 8cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Change to 31⁄4 mm needles.

Beg with a K row, work in st st for 6 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Join in yarn B and cont in patt as folls:

Row 1 (RS): Using yarn B, knit.

Row 2: As row 1.

Row 3: Using yarn A, knit.

Row 4: Using yarn A, purl.

Row 5: Using yarn A, inc in first st, K to end. 55 [58: 62: 65: 69] sts.

Row 6: As row 4.

Row 7: As row 1.

Row 8: Using yarn B, P1, *cluster 3, bead 1, rep from * to last 2 [1: 1: 4: 4] sts, (cluster 3) 0 [0: 0: 1: 1] times, P2 [1: 1: 1: 1].

Rows 9 to 12: As rows 3 and 4, twice.

These 12 rows form patt and start side seam shaping.

Cont in patt, shaping side seam by inc 1 st at beg of 3rd and every foll 10th row until there are 62 [65: 69: 72:76] sts, taking inc sts into patt.

Cont straight until left front matches back to beg of armhole shaping, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape armhole

Keeping patt correct, cast off 5 [6: 6: 7: 7] sts at beg of next row. 57 [59: 63: 65: 69] sts.

Work 1 row.

Dec 1 st at armhole edge of next 5 [5: 7: 7: 9] rows, then on foll 3 [4: 4: 5: 5] alt rows, then on every foll 4th row until 47 [48: 50: 51: 53] sts rem.

Cont straight until 21 [21: 21: 23: 23] rows less have been worked than on back to beg of shoulder shaping, ending with WS facing for next row.

Shape neck

Keeping patt correct, cast off 8 [9: 9: 9: 9] sts at beg of next row. 39 [39: 41: 42: 44] sts.

Dec 1 st at neck edge of next 6 rows, then on foll 6 [6: 6: 7: 7] alt rows. 27 [27: 29: 29: 31] sts.

Work 2 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape shoulder

Cast off 9 [9: 10: 10: 10] sts at beg of next and foll alt row.

Work 1 row.

Cast off rem 9 [9: 9: 9: 11] sts.

RIGHT FRONT

Using 23⁄4 mm needles and yarn A cast on 54 [57: 61: 64: 68] sts.

Row 1 (RS): P2, *K3, P3, rep from * to last 4 [1: 5: 2: 0] sts, K3 [1: 3: 2: 0], P1 [0: 2: 0: 0].

Row 2: P0 [1: 0: 2: 0], K1 [3: 2: 3: 3], *P3, K3, rep from * to last 5 sts, P3, K2.

These 2 rows form rib.

Cont in rib until right front measures 8cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Change to 31⁄4 mm needles.

Beg with a K row, work in st st for 6 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Join in yarn B and cont in patt as follows:

Row 1 (RS): Using yarn B, knit.

Row 2: As row 1.

Row 3: Using yarn A, knit.

Row 4: Using yarn A, purl.

Row 5: Using yarn A, K to last st, inc in last st. 55 [58: 62: 65: 69] sts.

Row 6: As row 4.

Row 7: As row 1.

Row 8: Using yarn B, P2 [1: 1: 1: 1], (bead 1) 1 [1: 1: 0: 0] times, *cluster 3, bead 1, rep from * to last 4 sts, cluster 3, P1.

Rows 9 to 12: As rows 3 and 4, twice.

These 12 rows form patt and start side seam shaping.

Cont in patt, shaping side seam by inc 1 st at end of 3rd and every foll 10th row until there are 62 [65: 69: 72: 76] sts, taking inc sts into patt.

Complete to match left front, reversing shapings, working an extra row before beg of armhole, neck and shoulder shaping.

SLEEVES

Using 2 3⁄4 mm needles and yarn A cast on 63 [63: 65: 67: 67] sts.

Row 1 (RS): K0 [0: 1: 2: 2], P3, *K3, P3,

rep from * to last 0 [0: 1: 2: 2] sts, K0 [0: 1: 2: 2].

Row 2: P0 [0: 1: 2: 2], K3, *P3, K3, rep from * to last 0 [0: 1: 2: 2] sts, P0 [0: 1: 2: 2].

These 2 rows form rib.

Cont in rib until sleeve measures 8cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Change to 31⁄4 mm needles.

Beg with a K row, work in st st for 6 rows, inc 1 st at each end of first of these rows and ending with RS facing for next row. 65 [65: 67: 69: 69] sts.

Join in yarn B and cont in patt as folls:

Row 1 (RS): Using yarn B, (inc in first st) 0 [0: 1: 1: 1] times, K to last 0 [0: 1: 1: 1] st, (inc in last st) 0 [0: 1: 1: 1] times. 65 [65: 69: 71: 71] sts.

Row 2: Using yarn B, P1 [1: 2: 3: 3], (bead 1) 0 [0: 1: 1: 1] times, *cluster 3, bead 1, rep from * to last 4 [4: 2: 3: 3] sts, (cluster 3) 1 [1: 0: 0: 0] times, P1 [1: 2: 3: 3].

Row 3: Using yarn A, (inc in first st) 1 [1: 0: 0: 0] times, K to last 1 [1: 0: 0: 0] st, (inc in last st) 1 [1: 0: 0: 0] times. 67 [67: 69: 71: 71] sts.

Row 4: Using yarn A, purl.

Row 5: Using yarn A, knit.

Row 6: As row 4.

Row 7: Using yarn B, (inc in first st) 0 [0: 0: 0: 1] times, K to last 0 [0: 0: 0: 1] st, (inc in last st) 0 [0: 0: 0: 1] times. 67 [67: 69: 71: 73] sts.

Row 8: Using yarn B, knit.

Row 9: Using yarn A, (inc in first st) 0 [0: 1: 1: 0] times, K to last 0 [0: 1: 1: 0] st, (inc in last st) 0 [0: 1: 1: 0] times. 67 [67: 71: 73: 73] sts.

Row 10: As row 4.

Row 11: Using yarn A, (inc in first st)

1 [1: 0: 0: 0] times, K to last 1 [1: 0: 0: 0] st, (inc in last st) 1 [1: 0: 0: 0] times. 69

[69: 71: 73: 73] sts.

Row 12: As row 4.

These 12 rows form patt and start sleeve shaping.

Cont in patt, shaping sides by inc 1 st at each end of 7th [7th: 5th: 5th: next] and every foll 8th [8th: 8th: 8th: 6th] row to 83 [93: 99: 101: 87] sts, then on every foll 10th [10th: -: -: 8th] row until there are 93 [95: -: -: 105] sts, taking inc sts into patt.

Cont straight until sleeve measures approx 44 [45: 45: 46: 46] cm, ending after same patt row as on back to beg of armhole shaping and with RS facing for next row.

Shape top

Keeping patt correct, cast off 5 [6: 6: 7: 7] sts at beg of next 2 rows. 83 [83: 87: 87: 91] sts.

Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 rows, then on foll 4 alt rows, then on every foll 4th row until 51 [51: 55: 55: 59] sts rem.

Work 1 row, ending with RS facing for next row.

Dec 1 st at each end of next and every foll alt row to 45 sts, then on foll 3 rows, ending with RS facing for next row. 39 sts.

Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows.

Cast off rem 29 sts.

MAKING UP

Press as described in Finishing (on page 306).

Join both shoulder seams using back stitch, or mattress stitch if preferred.

Neckband

With RS facing, using 2 3⁄4 mm needles and yarn A, starting and ending at front opening edges, pick up and knit 31 [33: 33: 35: 35] sts up right side of neck, 39 [41: 41: 43: 43] sts from back, then 31 [33: 33: 35: 35] sts down left side of neck. 101 [107: 107: 113: 113] sts.

Row 1 (WS): K1, P3, *K3, P3, rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 2: K4, *P3, K3, rep from * to last st, K1.

These 2 rows form rib.

Work in rib for a further 5 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Cast off in rib.

Button band

With RS facing, using 23⁄4 mm needles and yarn A, pick up and knit 131 [137: 137: 143: 143] sts down left front opening edge, from top of neckband to cast-on edge.

Work in rib as given for neckband for 7 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Cast off in rib.

Buttonhole band

With RS facing, using 23⁄4 mm needles and yarn A, pick up and knit 131 [137: 137: 143: 143] sts up right front opening edge, from cast-on edge to top of neckband.

Work in rib as given for neckband for 3 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Row 4 (buttonhole row) (RS): Rib 1, (work 2 tog, yrn [to make a buttonhole], rib 10) twice, *work 2 tog, yrn (to make a buttonhole), rib 15 [16: 16: 17: 17], rep from * to last 4 sts, work 2 tog, yrn (to make 9th buttonhole), rib 2.

Work in rib for a further 3 rows.

Cast off in rib.

Pollen

YARN REQUIREMENTS

XS S M L XL

To fit bust 81 86 91 97 102 cm

32 34 36 38 40 in

RYC Cashsoft 4 ply 9 10 10 11 11 x 50gm balls

(Note: this garment is shown in colour 'Weather')

MEASUREMENTS

Length

50 [51: 52: 53: 54] cm

19 1⁄2 [20: 201⁄2: 21: 211⁄2] in

Width (at underarm)

44 [46: 49: 51: 54] cm

171⁄2 [18: 191⁄2: 20: 211⁄2] in

Sleeve seam

47 [47: 48: 48: 48] cm

181⁄2 [181⁄2: 19: 19: 19] in

NEEDLES

1 pair 23⁄4 mm (no 12) needles

1 pair 31⁄4 mm (no 10) needles

cable needle

TENSION

28 sts and 36 rows to 10 cm measured over stocking stitch using 31⁄4 mm needles.

BACK

Using 23⁄4 mm needles cast on 107 [113: 121: 127: 135] sts.

Row 1 (RS): K0 [1: 0: 2: 0], P1 [3: 2: 3: 3], *K3, P3, rep from * to last 4 [1: 5: 2: 0] sts, K3 [1: 3: 2: 0], P1 [0: 2: 0: 0].

Row 2: P0 [1: 0: 2: 0], K1 [3: 2: 3: 3], *P3, K3, rep from * to last 4 [1: 5: 2: 0] sts,

P3 [1: 3: 2: 0], K1 [0: 2: 0: 0].

These 2 rows form rib.

Work in rib for a further 39 rows, ending with WS facing for next row.

Row 42 (WS): Rib 23 [26: 30: 33: 37], M1, rib 1, M1, rib 2, M1, rib 1, M1, rib 25, M1, rib 3, M1, rib 25, M1, rib 1, M1, rib 2, M1, rib 1, M1, rib to end -117 [123: 131: 137: 145] sts.

Change to 31⁄4 mm needles.

Beg and ending rows as indicated and rep the 36 row patt rep throughout, cont in patt from chart, shaping side seams by inc 1 st at each end of 9th and every foll 8th row until there are 133 [139: 147: 153: 161] sts, taking inc sts into patt.

Cont straight until back measures 30 [31: 31: 32: 32] cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape armholes

Keeping patt correct, cast off 5 [6: 6: 7: 7] sts at beg of next 2 rows. 123 [127: 135: 139: 147] sts.

Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 [5: 7: 7: 9] rows, then on foll 3 [4: 4: 5: 5] alt rows, then on every foll 4th row until 103 [105: 109: 111: 115] sts rem.**

Cont straight until armhole measures 20 [20: 21: 21: 22] cm, ending with RS facing for next row.
Shape shoulders and back neck

Cast off 10 [10: 11: 11: 11] sts at beg of next 2 rows. 83 [85: 87: 89: 93] sts.

Next row (RS): Cast off 10 [10: 11: 11: 11] sts, patt until there are 14 [14: 14: 14: 16] sts on right needle and turn, leaving rem sts on a holder.

Work each side of neck separately.

Cast off 4 sts at beg of next row.

Cast off rem 10 [10: 10: 10: 12] sts.

With RS facing, rejoin yarn to rem sts, cast off centre 35 [37: 37: 39: 39] sts, patt to end.

Complete to match first side, reversing shapings.

FRONT

Work as given for back to **.

Work 1 row, ending with RS facing for next row.

Divide for front opening

Next row (RS): Patt 47 [48: 50: 51: 53] sts and turn, leaving rem sts on a holder.

Work each side of neck separately.

Cont straight until 21 [21: 21: 23: 23] rows less have been worked than on back to beg of shoulder shaping, ending with WS facing for next row.

Shape neck

Keeping patt correct, cast off 8 [9: 9: 9: 9] sts at beg of next row. 39 [39: 41: 42: 44] sts.

Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 4 rows, then on foll 2 [2: 2: 3: 3] alt rows, then on every foll 4th row until 30 [30: 32: 32: 34] sts rem, ending with RS facing for next row.
Shape shoulder

Cast off 10 [10: 11: 11: 11] sts at beg of next and foll alt row.

Work 1 row.

Cast off rem 10 [10: 10: 10: 12] sts.

With RS facing, slip centre 9 sts onto a holder, rejoin yarn to rem sts, patt to end.

Complete to match first side, reversing shapings, working an extra row before beg of neck and shoulder shaping.

SLEEVES

Using 23⁄4 mm needles cast on 63 [63: 65: 67: 67] sts.

Row 1 (RS): K0 [0: 1: 2: 2], P3, *K3, P3, rep from * to last 0 [0: 1: 2: 2] sts, K0 [0: 1: 2: 2].

Row 2: P0 [0: 1: 2: 2], K3, *P3, K3, rep from * to last 0 [0: 1: 2: 2] sts, P0 [0: 1: 2: 2].

These 2 rows form rib.

Work in rib for a further 40 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.

Change to 31⁄4 mm needles.

Cont in patt as folls:

Row 1 (RS): P7 [7: 8: 1: 1], *MB, P7, rep from * to last 8 [8: 9: 2: 2] sts, MB, P7 [7: 8: 1: 1].

Row 2 and every foll alt row: Knit.

Row 3: Purl.

Row 5: Purl.

Row 7: P3 [3: 4: 5: 5], *MB, P7, rep from * to last 4 [4: 5: 6: 6] sts, MB, P3 [3: 4: 5: 5].

Row 9: Inc in first st, P to last st, inc in last st. 65 [65: 67: 69: 69] sts.

Row 11: Purl.

Row 12: As row 2.

These 12 rows set patt and start sleeve shaping.

Cont in patt, shaping side seams by inc 1 st at each end of 3rd and every foll 8th [6th: 6th: 6th: 6th] row to 93 [75: 83: 85: 101] sts, then on every foll - [8th: 8th: 8th: 8th] row until there are - [95: 99: 101: 105] sts, taking inc sts into patt.

Cont straight until sleeve measures 47 [47: 48: 48: 48] cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape top

Keeping patt correct, cast off 5 [6: 6: 7: 7] sts at beg of next 2 rows. 83 [83: 87: 87: 91] sts.

Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 rows, then on foll 4 alt rows, then on every foll 4th row until 49 [49: 53: 53: 57] sts rem.

Work 1 row, ending with RS facing for next row.

Dec 1 st at each end of next and every foll alt row to 45 sts, then on foll 3 rows, ending with RS facing for next row. 39 sts.

Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows.

Cast off rem 29 sts.

Press as described in Finishing

Join both shoulder seams using back stitch, or mattress stitch if preferred.
Right front band

Slip 9 sts from front holder onto 23⁄4 mm needles and rejoin yarn with RS facing.

Row 1 (RS): K1, *P1, K1, rep from * to end.

Row 2: P1, *K1, P1, rep from * to end.

These 2 rows form rib.

Cont in rib until band, when slightly stretched, fits up right side of front opening to neck shaping, ending with RS facing for next row.

Cast off in rib.

Slip st band in place.

Left front band

Using 23⁄4 mm needles cast on 9 sts.

Work in rib as given for right front band until band, when slightly stretched, fits up left side of front opening to neck shaping, ending with RS facing for next row.

Cast off in rib.

Slip st band in place, sewing cast-on edge in place behind right front band.

Collar

With RS facing and using 23⁄4 mm needles, starting and ending halfway across top of bands, pick up and knit 34 [36: 36: 38: 38] sts up right side of neck, 57 [59: 59: 61: 61] sts from back, then 34 [36: 36: 38: 38] sts down left side of neck. 125 [131: 131: 137: 137] sts.

Row 1 (RS of collar, WS of body): (K1, P1) twice, K1, P to last 5 sts, K1, (P1, K1) twice.

Row 2 and every foll alt row: (P1, K1) twice, P1, K to last 5 sts, K1, (P1, K1) twice.

Row 3: (K1, P1) twice, K1, P3, *MB, P5, rep from * to last 9 sts, MB, P3, K1, (P1, K1) twice.

Row 5: As row 1.

Row 7: (K1, P1) twice, K1, P6, *MB, P5, rep from * to last 6 sts, (P1, K1) 3 times.

Row 8: As row 2.

These 8 rows form patt.

Work in patt for a further 25 rows, ending after patt row 1 and with WS of collar facing for next row.

Next row (WS): (P1, K1) twice, P1, K4 [7: 7: 3: 3], (inc in next st, K6) 15 [15: 15: 17: 17] times, inc in next st, K5 [8: 8: 4: 4], P1, (K1, P1) twice. 141 [147: 147: 155: 155] sts.

Beg with row 1, work in rib as given for right front band for 5 rows.

Cast off in rib.