Pattern: On the Ocean
Designer: Elizabeth Smith
Yarn: I used the same yarn Elizabeth used for her pattern sample . . . Sea Isle by Plymouth. The main color is Blues Cruise (color 16), with Lime (color 12) as the contrast. The yarn is worsted weight, 50% organic pima cotton/50% fine merino wool. It’s very soft and lofty, and will be a good 3-season weight. (In fact, I ended up wearing it on a cool mid-June day here in Michigan and was perfectly comfortable.) With 329 yards per skein, it’s also a good value yarn. I used 2 1/2 skeins of the main color and 2/3 skein of the contrast.
Needles: I used a US size 10 needle for the stockinette portions of the knit, and US size 9 for the ribbing.
Started/finished: I cast on in mid-April, and finished in mid-May 2026.
Notes and Modifications:
- I knit the 3rd size, and I’m wearing it with 10 inches of ease.
- The sweater fits great and the yarn provides excellent drape. I’m really happy with the sweater. My favorite part of this design is the shoulder treatment — and the way it looks with the stripes. (It’s perfection!)
- I made no modifications; I knit the pattern as written.
I love Elizabeth Smith’s design style: It’s very classic and “clean,” but always with fun little twists and features added. I have knit several of Elizabeth’s sweater designs over the years, and always consider them basic “staples” in my wardrobe. Her newest pattern release, The Downbeat, is no exception. I was happy to take part in the test knit group for this sweater — and will make more of this design, for sure.
Elizabeth’s patterns are always clear, easy to follow, and impeccably written. As an experienced knitter, I don’t always rely on her excellent tips pages and tutorials, but I always check them out. They are helpful, clear, and a true “public service” for knitters new to sweater-knitting.
What will I do with it? Well, I’ve already worn it once . . . despite it being the middle of June! I’m hoping to put it away for now, though, and use it as a transition piece in the fall and spring. (I think the colors are too summer-y for winter wear.)
Photo gallery:
