A Wonderful Wallaby - 1983 pattern by Carol A. Anderson

A Hooded Sweater for all ages

Materials and Sizes:

When this unisex pattern was first published in 1983 most worsted weight yarn was sold in 4 oz. skeins. Today “yardage” is the term most often used, amounts needed have been updated to yardage.

Children:

Measurements listed are finished sweater measurements, allowing 2” in smallest sizes, 4” in rest.

Adult:

Needles:

24” circular size #6 and #8, double point needles, size #6 and #8 (or size to attain gauge)

Gauge:

4.5 sts = 1”

Skill level:

Advanced beginner/Intermediate

The Wonderful Wallaby is actually the hand knitted version of the ever popular hooded cotton sweatshirt. It’s unisex, so when outgrown it is a welcome addition to someone younger or smaller. Children love it, if only because of the large head opening –they never get trapped, and the hood and pouch eliminate the need for a cap and mittens. And did I add? It is seamless!

A little background on the Wonderful Wallaby...

Since its introduction in 1984, the Wonderful Wallaby is unquestionably my trademark design. Reprinted 27 times (3000 each time), I retired it in 1918 when I introduced an updated version.

The original Wallaby includes sizes for the entire family (12 in all), but does not include any diagrams. That is the reason for the updated version, R38 and R39.

Credit must be given to Elizabeth Zimmerman and her quest for seamless patterns. So many of her techniques have been poured into this design. The Wallaby utilizes circular and double point needles and the only seaming is to use Kitchener Stitch to close the underarm opening and to fuse the top of the hood.

One of my favorite stories about the sweater happened when it was judged at a national convention. Initially disappointed when I saw that it received a 2nd place ribbon, I read the comment card. It stated, “This sweater received a second place because there were no seams to judge.” I chose to take it as a compliment.

Over the years I’ve been astounded by knitters who report how many Wallabies they’ve knitted and the heartwarming stories of the compliments they receive.

Carol Anderson