Joji Locatelli’s Stripy Unicorn
We’ve had a sample at My Sister Knits for a couple of weeks that’s captivated me. It caught my eye when I was in the shop and I finally took it down to look at it closer. The first thing that I noticed was how it felt; it was so lightweight for a sweater! I looked at the tag and it’s Joji Locatelli’s new pattern Stripy Unicorn.
The pattern description says it has a ‘sweatshirt feel’ and uncommon raglan shaping. When you compare our display sample with the one pictured on the pattern, you’ll notice that ours has a halo and the colorplay is less noticeable. This is an example to me of the value of seeing a pattern made up ‘in person’. I love our sample! If I’d only seen the photo on the pattern, I wouldn’t have been drawn to it.
Colors left to right: The Meadows, Officer, Salty Dog
The difference, as always, is in the yarn. Joji uses Spincycle Dyed in the Wool, as ours does, for her Color 2. However, her Color 1 is a wooly Merino/Targhee blend and ours is Fluff, the new yarn from Les Garcons Hand-Dyed. Fluff is a blend of Alpaca, Merino, Silk, and Yak and it most definitely has a halo. Fluff makes the color changes understated.
Colors left to right: Verba Volant, Feather, Cold Comfort
The Fluff is what makes a difference in the feel and weight of this delectable pullover. Stripy Unicorn alternates Color 1 and Color 2 every other row. Fluff’s halo spreads out over the Spincycle in a wonderful way! You can see the Spincycle color changes under it but they are subtle and intriguing.
Colors left to right: Shadow, Bruised Ego, Lavender Tea
This pattern is written with great attention to detail. When you read Joji’s notion notes, take heed of her suggestion to have your raglan markers be different from your regular markers. You’ll need to know which is which! You’ll feel as if Joji is right there talking to you as you knit this pattern, coaching you every step of the way.
Colors left to right: Dancing Flamingo and Valley Girl
Note: You could possibly substitute any fingering weight yarn held with a mohair or suri alpaca for Color 1. Just be sure to make a good sized swatch to determine the correct needle size and count your rows also! Or, if you prefer the look of Joji’s pattern photo, just choose any sport weight yarn that you like!
We invite you to take our sample off the hanger to get a good feel for the fabric! If you’d like help choosing yarn, please ask us!
Happy knitting!
