I Feel Pretty Sweater

Description

In 1978, I selected this music for my floor exercise gymnastics routine, and the associated West Side Story musical has remained a personal favorite over the years. From the same musical, the song “One Hand, One Heart” was chosen for my wedding as well. In designing this sweater, I was consistently
inspired by the elegant neckline and yoke. My intention is that everyone will feel confident and stylish when wearing this sweater and love the selection of bead options for your own style embellishment.

I feel pretty, oh, so pretty
I feel pretty and witty and bright,
And I pity, any girl who isn’t me tonight.
– Maria, 1957 Broadway song lyrics, West Side Story

PATTERN NOTES: The sweater is worked from the neck down and starts with a circular yoke construction. The beginning of the sweater uses even increases around the yoke to create a gentle slope from the neck to the upper chest. Then it switches to mark the body and sleeve sections
and begin the focused, diagonal increases of a raglan. Sleeve stitches are held to be picked up later and worked downward. There are three options for bead placement at the yoke and cuffs. There is a BEAD INFORMATION SHEET as a separate PDF for help in choosing bead sizes and placement.
PRINTING NOTE: This is a checklist pattern; it is not necessary to print the entire pattern if you prefer not to use the checkboxes for each section. You will not use all of the charts.

SIZES: 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)(8, 9, 10)(11, 12)

FINISHED BUST CIRCUMFERENCE:
32 (34.75, 37.25, 40)(42.75, 45.25, 48)(50.75, 56, 58.75)(61.25, 64)” / 81.5 (88.5, 94.5, 101.5)(108.5, 115, 122)
(129, 142, 149)(155.5, 162.5) cm
EASE: Intended to be worn with 2-4”/ 5-10 cm positive ease. To achieve this, please choose a size that is 2-4”/ 5-10 cm bigger than your bust circumference, although some knitters may prefer to pick an even larger size for more ease.

YARN: Worsted, 218 yards/199 m = 3.5 oz/100 grams
(DK weight yarn held with suri or mohair is an appropriate alternative if you can achieve gauge)

YARDAGE: 770 (855, 950, 1100)(1215, 1350, 1465) (1600, 1770, 1880)(2025, 2135) yards

GAUGE: 18 sts and 24 rnds per 4”/10cm (4.5 sts and 6 rnds per 1”/2.5 cm) in Stockinette Stitch colorwork

NEEDLES: US 8 (5.0 mm) 16-inch (40 cm) AND 24-inch (60 cm) circular needle
US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle

For folded neckline option only: US 6 (4.0 MM) 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle
OR SIZES NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE
NOTIONS: Stitch markers, Superfloss, tapestry needle, and beads. Optional Handitool and extra beads* (see attached bead information sheet for more details before purchasing your beads)