My name is Sarah, and I’m an ugly sweater-holic.

I’ve been in recovery for almost two years, but the draw of chunky knits and obscure patterns continue to trigger relapses. I find myself eyeing the bold colours and Navajo prints sported around campus with an eagerness to acquire more.

My sweater addiction began in my prime years—preschool. I had developed a fascination with bird watching and could be found reading the latest edition of Alberta Birders.

For my birthday that year, my grandmother decided to make me a hideous purple sweater with a giant red cardinal on it, bedazzled with a variety of magenta gemstones.

I despised the sweater. I loathed how it didn’t come from The Gap or Old Navy. I detested the sparkling candy- coloured jewels. Worst of all, I hated how much I loved wearing it.

The purple cardinal-sweater was, by far, the comfiest piece of swag I had in my closet. I proceeded to wear it long past its laundry due date.

As I reached puberty, I couldn’t stop buying ugly sweaters. My father had a massive button-up grandpa cardigan from his middle-school show band in an appalling ‘mallard’ shade of turquois. I took an instant liking to it and must profess that I still wear it to this day.

Following the return of the cardigan several years ago, obnoxious sweaters are, quite literally, rearing their ugly heads on a global level.

In 2010, world-famous Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana released an entire winter-collection featuring the Fair Isle print on a wide array of knits and wools.

This year, LAMB, Gap, Isabel Marant, H&M, Forever 21, Topshop, and other big-brand companies introduced a highly-anticipated Navajo-print sweater. The price tags range from $5 for a vintage Value Village steal, to $330 for a covetable angora/cashmere blend LAMB piece.

After scouting the campus, I was grateful to discover I wasn’t the only student who had succumbed to ugly sweater-mania. Following my interviews, I decided to put off treatment for my sweater addiction for another year.

Name: Brittany Stuckel

Age: 20

Spotted: In the Burns Building

SAIT Program: Respiratory Therapy

Lives in: Chestermere

Where her ‘Ugly Sweater’ is from: Urban Outfitters

On how she typically dresses for school: “For warmth, and comfort.”

Name: Emily Morris

Age: 19

Spotted: Near Tim Hortons

SAIT Program: Medical Radiologic Technology

Works at: Sole Comfort

Where her ‘Ugly Sweater’ is from: American Eagle Outfitters

What draws her to an ugly sweater: Warmth and coziness

Trend that she is excited for: Wedges

Biggest fashion no-no: Skater-style