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There’s a reason the Novice Slipover by PetiteKnit has become a firm favourite with knitters the world over. Simple, stylish, and endlessly wearable, it’s the kind of knit that earns its place in your wardrobe and stays there. And when paired with the right yarn, it really sings.
We made our version in Gwlad, our lofty, worsted spun wool, in the marled shade Fferm. With two plies of pale grey (Colomen) and one ply of deeper grey (Shieling), it’s a yarn that tells a story from the very first stitch, grounded here on our own farm, where Garthenor began. The word Fferm means “farm” in Welsh, and we named it in quiet honour of the land that shaped our work.
The Novice Slipover is a top-down knit worked mostly in stockinette, with ribbed edges and gentle shaping. It begins with the back yoke, then flows through the shoulders and front, before joining in the round to work the body. It’s thoughtfully designed, thoroughly explained, and a great introduction to garment knitting - or a palate cleanser for more seasoned hands.
We love how clearly the shape comes through in Gwlad. The stitch definition is crisp, the fabric is soft with just the right bounce, and it holds its structure beautifully without feeling heavy. Gwlad is a worsted spun yarn, but on the loftier end, airy yet substantial. In Fferm, those tonal greys create quiet depth and texture, with no need for colourwork or fuss.
It matched gauge effortlessly for us - though of course, always swatch to be sure - and we made just one small tweak: we added an extra inch to the body to give a little more length, especially for taller folks. That’s the beauty of a top-down knit - it’s easy to customise as you go.
A Yarn That Means Something
Gwlad was the first yarn we made in our own spinning mill here in West Wales. It took two years of building, learning, and experimenting, and when it finally came off the frame, we were too overwhelmed to make much noise. It launched quietly. But it’s quietly become a favourite.
Like all our yarns, Gwlad is made with certified organic wool, spun by us from fleece to finished skein. It’s built for pieces like this - wearable, lasting, full of meaning. It’s a yarn with softness, resilience, and story in every strand.
Huge thanks to our friend Reet, who knitted this version so beautifully.
Pattern: Novice Slipover by PetiteKnit
Yarn: Garthenor Organic Gwlad, 100% certified organic wool, worsted weight
Shade: Fferm (a marled blend of Colomen + Shieling)
If the Novice Slipover is calling your name, we’ve made it easy to get started. Our yarn kits include everything you need (except the pattern) to knit your own in Gwlad, the very yarn we used for our version. Undyed, organic, and spun right here in Wales.