Costa sottovento

 "Costa sottovento" (leeward coast) is the italian title of the second book of the adventures of Jack Aubrey and Steve Maturin, by Patrick O'Brian. A series of about twenty novels I've read countless times, I adore the historical setting (the Napoleonic Wars), the characters, and the total immersion in the nautical and historical terms of sailing.

The novel's original title was Post Captain—also a technical and historical term, while the Italian title refers to a dangerous situation in which a ship approaches a coast, driven by winds or strong currents, and runs the risk of running aground.

I almost ran aground with this sweater several times: I had to make numerous adjustments and changes before succeeding; moreover, much of the body is knit in ribbing, and the yarn is called Coast (by Holst Garn). 

When I had to name the pattern, I immediately thought of the perfectly fitting title of this novel full of twists and turns, tragic, epic, and ironic.

The idea of ​​a warm yet lightweight sweater, which could also be worn on the skin, had already occurred to me last year (or maybe two years ago), and since then I've been writing, rewriting, and knitting a prototype that I've dubbed "the health sweater"... Until I arrived at this final version, a little different but still with the idea of ​​a light and tight pullover (which also highlights the breasts that I don't have!).

Maybe I haven't achieved exactly what I had imagined two years ago, and maybe it's not the best thing I could have created, but it's where the process has led me: I've escaped the danger (of unraveling or hibernating everything) and reached my safe harbor!

Instructions are free on Ravelry. Sizes are 5—only two have been tested, but I wanted to give the opportunity for size variation. Keep in mind that the fit is tight, especially at sleeves, because the idea is to wear this sweater under something else, so it should take up as little bulk as possible.

Please note that it's worked with thin yarn and needles, so it's not a quick and immediately satisfying project. But it does create something truly special, which can be a real cozy treat, especially in colder season.