Lichen Lopapeysa

This bottom-up seamless classic won't be long off the needles before it's in use: it's loose enough for running wild, but warm enough to give its wearer an extra half-hour's outdoor play - stranded colourwork adds an extra layer of warmth just where it's needed.

A great introduction to seamless stranded colourwork garment knitting. Chart 1 adds interest shortly after cast-on, then the body is knitted plain to the underarms and put on hold while the sleeves are worked from the cuff up. Body and sleeves are joined and then the stranded yoke is worked from Chart 2. The shoulders are shaped with decreases and doubled ribbing makes a cosy neckline. There is minimal finishing required – just a little grafting and weaving before blocking, when the stitches seem to magically rearrange themselves into an even kaleidoscope of colour and pattern.