Being partial to lore and a sucker for furry creatures with power, each year leading up to Groundhog’s Day I wonder what Punxsutawney Phil will predict. And each year, I am conflicted. Do I want the warmth and light that come with an early spring, or do I want six more weeks of winter cold so I can keep knitting with gloriously thick and wooly yarns?

Friendly Fair Isle Sweater | Purl Soho

Well, my ambivalence didn’t stop Phil from deciding. His decree: six more weeks of winter. But fear not, those who’ve grown weary of windburn, this Friendly Fair Isle Sweater is for you! Not only is it cuddly warm for an enduring winter season, but this punchy sweater also spreads the brightness and cheer of spring. And just in case Punxsutawney Phil’s meteorological skills aren’t quite on point this year, the Friendly Fair Isle is such a fun, quick knit, you’ll be weaving in your ends long before that early spring arrives!

Friendly Fair Isle Sweater | Purl Soho

I designed this no-fuss pullover with a classic cut and a raglan sleeve shoulder. And for speed and coziness, I used Purl Soho’s aptly named Super Soft Merino. The colors, I picked purposely to pop out like spring’s first flower buds peeking through the earth.

Friendly Fair Isle Sweater | Purl Soho

Since Phil is as unpredictable as the weather itself, I’m glad that this year I have my bases covered, a toasty sweater for winter, done well before spring… no matter when it comes!

Friendly Fair Isle Sweater | Purl Soho

For more information about the Friendly Fair Isle Sweater, please read below. -Laura

Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.

Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoFriendlyFairIsleSweater, and #PurlSohoSuperSoftMerino. We can’t wait to see what you make!

Materials

Friendly Fair Isle Sweater | Purl Soho

(Please Note: The Purl Soho Friendly Fair Isle Sweater Pattern has been discontinued from purchase. For assistance, please contact us at customerservice@purlsoho.com.)

8–10 skeins of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino, 100% merino. Each skein is 87 yards/ 100 grams.

  • Main Color (MC): 7 (8, 8, 9) skeins; approximately 595 (645, 695, 770) yards required. We used the color Sea Salt.
  • Contrast Color (CC): 1 skein; approximately 60 (65, 70, 75) yards required. We used the color Super Pink.

You will also need…

Gauge

12 stitches and 15 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Sizes

36 (40, 44, 48)

  • Finished Chest Circumference: 36 (40, 44, 48) inches
  • Finished Length from Shoulder to Bottom Edge: 22¾ (23, 23¼, 24) inches
  • Finished Length from Underarm to Bottom Edge: 13 inches
  • Finished Length from Cuff to Armhole: 18½ (18½, 19, 19) inches

Ease: This garment is designed with a 3–4 inches of ease around the chest.

Sample: We knit the size 36.

Pattern

Please Note: The Purl Soho Friendly Fair Isle Sweater has been discontinued from purchase. For assistance, please contact us at customerservice@purlsoho.com.