Mary

Mary is a recreation of a mid-twentieth century sweater located in the Shetland Museum archive. Mary was originally created by Mary Abernathy of Lerwick and is heavily influenced by the elegant and embellished garments of the late 1950s and early 1960s, worn by movie stars such as Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner and Doris Day. Beads are used as decoration within a traditional OXO motif to create a necklace-like effect. Mary is knitted in one piece to the armholes when shaping is introduced. The yoke is then knitted in the round with beads knitted in at the same time. Yoke decreases are carefully placed to avoid spoiling the beaded pattern. The sleeves are picked up and worked downwards finishing just above the elbow.

The pattern includes instructions sizes to fit chests from 32-54 inch (81-137cm).

The sample shown is the first size worn with 5cm (2in) of negative ease to give a ‘sweater girl’ fit. For a slightly less fitted look, choose a size with approx. 3-6cm (1¼–2¼in) of positive ease.