Blue Monk

Named for the famous 12 bar blues composed by Theolonius Monk first recorded in 1954. Like its melodic namesake, the progression of this 12-stitch pattern feels familiar, yet includes unexpected details.

Yarn
Kate Davies Designs Schiehallion (100% British wool: 110m/120yds per 50g skein)
A Faded Overalls: 6 (7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13) x 50g skeins
B Crowdie: 5 (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) x 50g skeins

Needles and notions
Gauge-size and below gauge-size circular needles of appropriate lengths for working body and neck
Gauge-size and below gauge-size needle(s) of your preferred type for working small circumferences (sleeves)
2 spare gauge-size needles for three needle bind off
6 stitch markers
Waste yarn for holding stitches
2 tapestry needles
 
Gauge
22 sts and 30 rounds to 10cm / 4in over colourwork in the round on gauge-size needle(s). If your gauge tends to tighten when working small circumferences, you may need to go up a needle size for sleeves. Use 3.75mm needle as a starting point for swatching.

Sizes
Finished chest circumference: 89 (105.5, 116, 122, 132.5, 144, 155) cm / 35 (41½, 45¾, 48, 52¼, 56¾, 61) in

Pattern notes
Blue Monk is an allover colourwork pullover with dropped sleeves and nifty two-tone details. Following a chart, which is worked from right to left throughout, the body is worked in the round to the underams, where two steeks are inserted. A third steek is inserted at the front neck, and once the body is complete, the shoulders are grafted in two shades, seamlessly continuing and matching the chart pattern. Steeks are reinforced and cut open, before the sleeves are picked up and worked from the top down. The pullover’s cuffs and neckline continue the two-tone pattern with a corrugated rib finish. When one number is given it applies to all sizes.