The Moomins’ author and illustrator, Tove Jansson, was herself the muse for this sweater design by Fiona Alice. Inspired by photographs of Tove in knitwear, Fiona envisioned a piece that Tove might have worn at her summer cottage on the small, distant island of Klovharun on the Baltic Sea.

Though set in summer, the idea was for a hearty sweater that would keep the wearer warm against cold archipelago winds and sea spray. The result is a relaxed Johnny-collared pullover. The front of Shelter features Wheat Ear Rib, a faux cable worked over three stitches, while slip-stitch 1 × 1 ribbing is used for the hem, cuffs and collar.

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)

Recommended ease: 14–16” / 35–40 cm of positive ease.

Finished Measurements
Chest Circumference: 48.5 (52.75, 57, 61.25, 65.5) (70, 74, 78, 82.25)“ / 123 (134, 145, 155.5, 166.5) (178, 188, 198, 209) cm.

Full Length: 23.75 (24.25, 24.5, 24.5, 24.5) (25, 25, 25.5, 25.75)“ / 60.5 (61.5, 62, 62, 62) (63.5, 63.5, 65, 65.5) cm.

Side Seam: 15 (15, 15, 14.75, 14.5) (14.5, 14, 14, 14)“ / 38 (38, 38, 37.5, 37) (37, 35.5, 35.5, 35.5) cm. 

Armhole Drop: 8.25 (8.75, 9, 9.25, 9.5) (10.25, 10.5, 11, 11.25)“ / 21 (22, 23, 23.5, 24) (26, 26.5, 28, 28.5) cm.  

Upper Arm Circumference: 16.25 (17.5, 18, 18.5, 19) (20.5, 21, 22, 22.5)“ / 41.5 (44.5, 45.5, 47, 48.5) (52, 53.5, 56, 57) cm. 

Sleeve Length: 15.25 (15.25, 15, 15, 14.75) (14.75, 14.5, 14.5, 14.25)“ / 38.5 (38.5, 38, 38, 37.5) (37.5, 37, 37, 36) cm.

Materials
Yarn: 9 (10, 10, 11, 12) (13, 15, 16, 18) skeins of Shelter by Brooklyn Tweed (100% Targhee-Columbia wool, 140 yds / 128 m – 50 g), in the colourway Woodsmoke.

Or approx. 1150 (1270, 1400, 1535, 1675) (1815, 1995, 2195, 2410) yds / 1050 (1160, 1280, 1405, 1530) (1660, 1825, 2005, 2205) m of worsted-weight yarn.

Alternative yarn suggestions are for example Gilliatt by De Rerum Natura, Cascade 220 by Cascade Yarns and Heavy Merino by Knitting for Olive.

Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm (for rib) and US 8 / 5 mm (for St St and Wheat Ear Ribbing) circular needles (32–40” / 80–100 cm) and DPNs (or preferred method for working small circumferences in the round). Spare US 8 / 5 mm needles for the 3-Needle BO.

Notions: 2 stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn.  

Gauge
20 sts × 25 rows to 4” / 10 cm on US 8 / 5 mm needles in Wheat Ear Ribbing, after blocking.

18 sts × 25 rows to 4” / 10 cm on US 8 / 5 mm needles in St St, after blocking.