Homefront KAL - Post One

It sounds like this is going to be gorgeous Carolle-- I can't wait to see it! :)

So excited to join in! I’ve knit my swatch, got gauge on first attempt- which is an absolute miracle for me. 😂 I cast-on last night and will be ribbing today. I’m using a Wool Barn Sock yarn from my stash. 3 different pale pink skeins - only decision I’ve made is to use the ‘darkest’ for ribbing, the rest I’ll decide as I go.

Excellent question! When you are doing the body, I would recommend making a note of how many rows after the underarm bind off you switch to the CC. For example, I switched after 10 rows for my blue version of Homefront. In that case, you'd want to be sure to switch 10 rows after the underarm for the sleeves as well. If you run into any issues while seaming, let me know and we can walk through it together!

Oh I love this idea!! Can't wait to see your Home Fires creations!

I've been wanting to make some of the Home Fires knitwear for so long but, with a 44" bust, the patterns aren't my size and I had NO IDEA how to size them up. I'm so excited to make the chevron version and have a go at the rabbit ears one! My mum is buying me the yarn for Christmas - I can't wait to get started on my first version!

Question: I am thinking about doing a color block version but with snowflakes (i have been eyeing that ever since it was posted). I know I could do solid sleeves but I would prefer to continue the color block on the sleeves. Any suggestions on how to "measure out" where to start the sleeve color block in order to match the body line?

I totally understand that the cast on number seems daunting! The waistband ribbing can be tough to get through, I will not sugar coat that. However, I find that once I'm into the body of the jumper, I totally forget that I'm working on such a small needle! The finer gauge jumpers allow for a lighter fabric with more stitch definition, and as a garment knitter for over 10 years, I can safely say that I would always choose a fingering weight pullover over a worsted weight one. That being said, we will surely have more KALs down the line, so if you want to sit this one out (or just watch the videos to get more comfortable with my style of pattern writing!) you are welcome to do so :)

hahah! If it's any consolation, I have two currently on the needles and am trying so hard to tell myself that I *cannot* cast on another with a fair isle motif!!

Oh my gosh, I can't wait to see your hand dyed yarn! Have you blocked your swatch on the US 5 needles? I find that cashmere stretches/ relaxes a bit after blocking. You may find that you're spot on after blocking! :)

I’m double thinking about making this sweater. I just don’t know if I want to cast on 287 stitches on a size 2 needle. I might wait for next KAL

How many homefront KAL WIPs are too many? Asking for a friend. There is one on the kneedles and enough in a cart to make 3 more. 🙃

Okay, we found the missing link. I'm 5'4" lol! I'm still hitting you up as a study buddy for projects from now on though.

Twillow, Yes!!! I'm 4'11 how tall are you? I'll add a few inches too and decrease from the hip to the waist.

Hi Rachel! That should be okay-- do you know what your row gauge is?

So cuuuute! I can't wait to see the mini version!

I have similar issues- 29 waist and 39 high hip- so I am adding about three inches at cast on and doing regular decreases at the sides until I'm at the Waist+1 stitch count at the top of the ribbing.

My plan is to do a colour block of pink and grey with snowflakes at the colour change using some merino/cashmere that I handdyed. I was going to cast on at lunch today but I'm rethinking my needle size. I got 7.3 stitches per inch on size 5 needles, I think I will re swatch with size 4 when I get home tonight. I should have brought more needles to work with me, lol!

I have a concern/question on fit... I am a lady with WIDE hips (32" waist, 39 high hip and 43 low hip). I see that the ribbing is meant to sit down on the high hip. The ribbing uses the waist measurement+1. I have a feeling that's going to ride up or roll awkwardly on me... should I go up more to compensate for my shape?

I am looking forward to this KAL! I did two swatches this weekend. I used US 2s for the first swatch, and my gauge was too loose. I dropped to US 1s for the second swatch, and I'm still slightly too loose (27 stitches per 4" instead of 28 stitches). I don't want to drop another needle size, as the US 1s are already a bit uncomfortable. Do you think I will be OK at 27 stitches per 4"? Or do I need to make modifications? Thanks!

I'm planning on a seamed color block version, with a deep purple red for the lower color, and beautiful grey for the top. Usually I'm a tight knitter, so I was surprised to find out I need to go down to a US 2 / 2.75mm to meet the gauge! Hoping to get a good start on the cast on today.

I'm going to knitt one inspired by a sweater that "Sabrina" wore in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I have tried to knit it befor but it came out to big so now i'm frogging it and changing one of the colors.

Having discovered my stash is full of single skeins of sock, I will be knitting a little version for my little person, using three of them in blue, palest mint green and pink.

Lucy McCahon

Since I cannot seem to decide on color combonations and wait for new yarn, I decided knit up my first one using Crock-O-Dye in Moss. It's a bit basic but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

That sounds lovely!! And Hedgehog Fibre is a dream to work with. Can't wait to see your jumper! :)

I cast on mine just now! It is going to be a very basic bright red jumper, because that is a basic that's missing from my wardrobe. I might add the pocket flaps, they are super cute! My yarn is a Hedgehog Fibres' 4ply in colourway Sin, it is such a prefect red. I have already so many ideas for future homefront jumper projects, I can't thank you enough for this fantastic pattern, Sydney!

Awwh, thanks Taylor! :) I'm so excited about the KAL too-- it feels awesome to not only knit for the sake of designing, but to be able to knit WITH all of you! <3

Oooooh, that sounds beautiful! I am excited to see what the color blocking looks like with a variegated yarn! :)

Oh good, I am glad it was helpful! :)

Hi Kimberly! Do you mean a US 5 needle? I would suggest starting with a US 3 (3.25mm) and seeing how that fairs first. :)

What a great color combination!

Sounds beautiful! And how fitting to be using yarn that was in a different project-- very made do and mend! :)

Laura, you have enough projects now to last you to 2024!! ;) Can't wait to see all your lovely creations. <3

What a helpful video!!! Now I feel confident to start swatching. I’ll be knitting a nice mauve color from my stash. I’m so glad this KAL is happening and that you have published this pattern. You have opened so many doors for so many of us knitters!!!

I am doing color-block version, sort of like Sydney's blue version. The body will be in green/red variegated colorway Queensland Collection "Perth" in the colorway "Alice Springs." The upper chest and arms will be in a raspberry/cherry red by Cascade Yarns "Heritage." I'm getting gauge in the first on #2 needles and the second on #3. Although, having heard Sydney's caution about gauge, I may do it over just to make sure... :-)

I’m getting gauge on a US size 3 😊

What size needle did you get gauge?

I'm so glad you posted this video. Some of my numbers in the neckline area were kinda crazy and I knew they were wrong. Turns out my measurements weren't quite right. Got everything sorted out now and ready to cast on!

Exciting! I plan to cast on today! My swatch has been hanging out and I keep picking it up to caress it 😆 I’m really happy with the fabric.

I am using fingering weight. Do you suggest started to try gauge at a 5?

Mine is going to be forest green with mustard stripes. Keeping it simple this time around.

Leandra

Mine will be lavender and white striped... My job for this weekend will be doing the sweater math and frogging the blob that the yarn is currently partially knitted into.

Knitbelove

My first one is going to be a white and green variegated, but I'm also charting a snowflake pattern for a purple and silver version. Eventually I also want to do a purple, pink, and grey one but I haven't settled on the chart motif for that yet. (And eventually there's going to be a deep red one with texture, and a pale lilac one with lace...)