Category Archives: Cardigans

Marion

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It has to be said that the Business Casual KAL definitely took up all of my blogging time. I had no idea it would get so big but I’m glad to be able to get back into my regular blogging schedule again.

I recently finished a test knit for Andi Satterlund of Untangling Knots. You may remember Chuck and Agatha that I have previously test for her. I adore both of those knits and wear them often so  I knew when she posted her yellow version of Marion that I needed to add it to my wardrobe too.

Pattern: Marion by Andi Satterlund *pattern still in testing*

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash in colour 864

Needles: 5mm

Ravelry Project Page

I have had my eye on this colour of Cascade Superwash at my LYS since last summer. I loved it from the get go but was unsure what I should knit with it.

When Andi asked me to test I knew right away it had to be this colour. Thankfully they had just enough skeins left when I went back to check.

I did something a little different with this photoshoot. I really wanted to show how fabulous this little cardi looks casually as well as dressed up.

You know I love to add things to my wardrobe that are multi functional.

 For Casual I paired it with my favourite jeans and plaid shirt. I will likely wear it with jeans most of the time because there isn’t a lot of cause to dress up running around on The Ridge.

I do however like to wear a dress any chance I get so when the occasion arises I’ll reach for my favourite polka dotted one. These cropped cardigans look so great with dresses that have full skirts.

I was once again stumped when it came to buttons for this cardigan.

I bought silver and green buttons but kept coming back to some brown wooden ones I had in my stash. It was a nice contrast but the issue I had with the brown is that I knew I wanted to wear it with my black dress and I just didn’t think I could handle the brown buttons with a black dress. Yes I am weirdly anal but colour matching.

Finally I tried some black leather look buttons from my stash and had a hand to forehead moment. Why didn’t I think of black to begin with!

 I can’t gush enough about Andi’s patterns, the construction, the style, all so perfectly perfect.

I will no doubt be in line to cast on her next pattern.

Catch Up

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Sorry its been so quiet around here.

We are knee deep in renovations….. spur of the moment renovations at that. For a long time we’ve been talking about splitting our bedroom, which is the length of the house into two. We definitely don’t use the extra space and it could be put to better use as a spare room.

So yesterday we got started!

Of course the only way to reno on the coldest week so far this winter *a frigid -25 C* is to wear stripey legwarmers with your work boots.

Things are going well and T is very excited to help us paint when we get to that point!

On the knitting front, I’ve picked up the only current WIP I have left to finish.

This is the French Braid Cardigan by Tanis Lavallee.

I’m pretty sure I started this the day Tanis released the pattern, Ravelry tells me it was April 26th. It is a top down cardigan and I managed to plow through to the underarms fairly quickly but then I was bombarded with tests and I knew I would need lots of concentration to do the body, so I set it aside until I could devote the time to finish it.

Well….. more than enough time has passed, the backlog is clearing up and I’m finally saying enough is enough. I want to wear this beauty so before I cast on for any more sweaters I’m going to finish this one first.

There was still a problem…. at the time I decided I was going to finish it I was really  craving stockinette and something mindless. I did start something else that I will share with you next time but now its full steam ahead to get this finished so I can wear it. I’m working on the second sleeve which is so close to being done and then I get cruise through the body.

What are you craving with your knitting right now??

Aidez!

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Pattern: Aidez by Cirilia Rose

Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool colour 8061

Size: 36″

My Rav project page

It is finished and I am tres happy.

I knit this in size 36 instead of my normal size 32 and it has the perfect amount of ease, Not too tight and not too bulky. I didn’t have any issues with the sleeves being too tight or the armholes not being long enough like so many others did with this gauge because I did go up a size. It is supposed to be a bulky oversized cardigan and I think others weren’t taking into account the different the smaller gauge yarn made.

It overlaps nicely in the front for when I want to wrap up a bit but also looks great open as well. I really enjoyed working with Cascade Eco and will definitely keep it at the top of my list for other bulky knits.

The only modification other than adding a bit of length to the sleeves I made was to add pockets. I did this after I had knit and seamed the fronts. I picked up the amount of stitches needed to knit the panel on the front and knit as per pattern. When I got to an edge I picked up one stitch and purled it or knit it together with the last stitch on the needle creating a seamed pocket as I went.

I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out and my phone fits in there perfectly.

I think there will be another Aidez in the future maybe with a different cable pattern and in a colour. This one is just too comfy not to have two.

You have until the end of today to get your pictures up to be entered into the drawing for the Aidez KAL.

The FO Parade is coming right up!

Woodburne Cardigan

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I recently had the chance to test knit the Woodburne Cardigan, Carol Feller’s newest pattern for her KAL.

As always I knew right away that I wanted to add Woodburne to my wardrobe and testing was the icing on the cake.

It is knit bottom up with a round yoke and a modified saddle shoulder construction. I had yet to knit saddle shoulders so this was a first for me.

I knit this with Di. Ve Zenith that I’ve had in my stash for a couple of years. I could never find the right pattern for this yarn because it has a bit of stretch to it. It was splitty to knit with but has wonderful stitch definition that really makes the cables pop.

I added a bit of length when knitting Woodburne but because I knew it was going to stretch out a bit when blocked I left about 2 inches for growth.

The cables on this one are so interesting and different and as a friend put it almost Art Deco-ish. It really lends a modern look to the cardigan.

One of my favourite things about Carol’s designs is that they are always different in the way they are constructed. Woodburne’s waist decreases are at the middle of the back between the cables instead of at the sides where you would traditionally find them. I love how it makes the cables look like they are pulled in at the back creating a nice waist.

The cables travel up the sleeves and right over the shoulders with the saddle construction.  The shoulders were easy to knit through once I got my head around what I needed to be doing.

It’s easy to get into ruts with your knitting.  We all usually have one construction style that we prefer and tend to knit it over and over again but I always like to challenge myself, learn something new. I always know I will most likely be knitting out of the box when working with Carol!

I couldn’t be happier with this knit. I knit the 30.5 size with a little bit of a different gauge to achieve a 33 bust. I’m seriously thinking of knitting 33″ busts from now on because they create that little bit of room and are just so darn comfy!

Although the KAL is almost over you can still purchase Woodburne and knit it at your own speed. I would definitely recommend it. This is one of my favourite cardigan’s to date.

My Rav Page

Aidez – Front

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I made some good progress this week finishing the back and starting on the left front.

With a little under 3 weeks left to go I figured I had better try to pick up the pace a bit.

Did you make any progress this week?

DANA   ALICE  LYNNE

SARAH   HEIDI  MICHELLE   HANNAH   RONNIIE

JESS   EVELYN   ANNABELLE2   ELIZABETH

CHRISTINED   LETE   ALAINA   SARA  KELLY

REBECCA   JESSICA  SHANNON   GEORGIE

LACEY   TINA  JEANNIE  EMILY

KATHERINE  KATE  MEGAN  IGNASIOWA

ROSE  KATHY STACIE  MINDY  MARY

We two finished cardigans this week!!

Jess knit her lovely Aidez is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in the colourway Wallaby.

I love how those cables really pop with the bulky yarn.,

She did a smashing job!

Christine aka Duncanch finished her Aidez as well.

Knit with Cascade Ecological Wool, colourway 8016.

The only mod she made was to make the sleeve and armhole circumference bigger so the sleeves weren’t so tight.

This is the first sweater in many years that she has knit and she is very pleased with the result as well she should be.

How great does she look in it!

Alaina aka Flyingmuse is busy working up the fronts of her cardigan using an undyed version of Cascade Eco #8015.

Dana is on Aidez number 2!!

She’s using different cables for this green version using Polar by Wolle Rodel.

I’m interested to see the end result.

Helene is working her version in chocolate truffle Country by Naturally Caron.

She’s choosing to knit it all in one piece.

Emily aka oohfancypants and lovely face behind the  Whatcha Swatchin Podcast added some diagonal pockets to the fronts of her Aidez.

Very practical because what is a cardigan without pockets??

I’m going with pockets on mine as well but they will look a bit different to Emily’s.

Did you get any knitting done this week??

Time is a tickin!

Spirited

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I recently finished my test for Elena of a design called Spirited.

It is the adult version of Playful Citrus that I knit for T in the summer.

I started this back in August, it took a month to knit the body and then another month to get back to it and knit the sleeves…. short sleeves at that.

I guess life got in the way of things as it sometimes does but I’m am glad to say it is now finished.

I used 3 skeins of Malabrigo Lace in the Bobby Blue colourway and I actually ran out of yarn before I finished the sleeves.

If you remember the sleeves came to the elbow and were ruched on the original.

They were my favourite design element but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be on my version.

I really like it with the short sleeves as well and think it will be great to wear during the summer.

Another element I love about Elena’s designs are the back decreases.

She pairs decreases down the middle of the back that pull the body in making the most flattering shape.

It was a tad chilly to be sporting a sundress and lace cardigan in October… especially when the photographer had a winter jacket and toque on but it had to be done!

It is fantastic picture taking weather when its overcast and rather gloomy out.

Aidez – Back

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 I’ve got progress!

I finished my second sleeve and am making my way up the back.

The back is knitting up quickly along with one of my favourite sweet treats my parents brought back from the home land.

How did everyone do this week??

DANA   ALICE  LYNNE

SARAH   HEIDI  MICHELLE   HANNAH   RONNIIE

JESS   EVELYN   ANNABELLE2   ELIZABETH

CHRISTINED   LETE   ALAINA   SARA  KELLY

REBECCA   JESSICA  SHANNON   GEORGIE

LACEY   TINA  JEANNIE  EMILY

KATHERINE  KATE  MEGAN  IGNASIOWA

ROSE  KATHY STACIE  MINDY  MARY

Justyna finished the seaming on her Aidez and it turned out beautifully!

This picture makes me want to get a crack on and finish mine up.

Hannah is knitting up her Aidez in a beautiful variegated Malabrigo Worsted.

Can’t wait to see how the body works up in this one.

Shannon aka McFeety is knitting her Aidez in one piece with Knits Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in the colour Wallaby.

I love this shade!

Michelle aka Mickerr is working her sleeves up in the round to avoid seaming, she’s currently on her second sleeve.

and Claudia who has recently joined us is getting on like a house on fire knitting her version all in one piece.

We’re on the downward slope to the finish date now…

Can you finish in time?

Aidez – Progress and Prize Alert!!

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DANA  and ALICE

SARAH   HEIDI  MICHELLE   HANNAH   RONNIIE

JESS   EVELYN   ANNABELLE2   ELIZABETH

CHRISTINED   LETE   ALAINA   SARA  KELLY

REBECCA   JESSICA  SHANNON   GEORGIE

LACEY   TINA  JEANNIE  EMILY

KATHERINE  KATE  MEGAN  IGNASIOWA

ROSE  KATHY STACIE  MINDY  MARY

How did you make out this week? Were you able to squeeze in any knitting time?

Here’s an update from some of our Aidez Knitters!

We have two more finished Aidez this week!

Dana finished her Aidez in a beautiful sunshine yellow in Soft Wool.

She did note  that her yarn grew when blocked as well.

Looks like it will be perfect for Fall and Winter and especially nice for cuddling up in!

Megan aka Just Run Knit from Stockinette Zombies finished her Aidez.

She had a little trouble getting her knitting to behave like her swatch.

The cardigan ended up being too small for Megan but her daughter scored a new cardi out of the deal so all is well.

How cute is that mini Aidez??

Justyna aka Lete is on the home stretch with just the sleeves left to do.

She is knitting them up two at a time!

Mindy aka KeepinEmWarm is motoring right along on the back of her Aidez using Cascade Eco.

Christine aka Duncanch finished her back panel this week and is ready to cast on another piece!

I have another PRIZE ALERT  for you this week!

The lovely Sarah from Fripperies and Bibelots who makes my most favourite stitch markers EVER,  is kindly donating one set of Ringo’s to a lucky winner!

I love everything about these stitch markers!

They are completely snag free and come in adorable colour combo’s.

I use nothing but Ringo’s!

We are at the halfway mark of  our KAL this week!

How is your Aidez coming?? Can you finish on time??

Don’t forget to link to your blog below so everyone can follow along!

Aidez – Sleeve 2

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Goodness these weeks are flying by fast!

We have two more people joining in the KAL this week

DANA  and ALICE

SARAH   HEIDI  MICHELLE   HANNAH   RONNIIE

JESS   EVELYN   ANNABELLE2   ELIZABETH

CHRISTINED   LETE   ALAINA   SARA  KELLY

REBECCA   JESSICA  SHANNON   GEORGIE

LACEY   TINA  JEANNIE  EMILY

KATHERINE  KATE  MEGAN  IGNASIOWA

ROSE  KATHY STACIE  MINDY  MARY

You have all been busy knitting up your Aidez’s and we have THREE more finishers this week!

Before we get to their lovely shots I’ll show you the bit of progress I’ve made.

I’m almost to the decreases for the cap on my second sleeve. Once I get these few things I’m working on finished up I’ll have more time to devote to it. I can’t wait to get into the back panel.

I know you are all waiting to see some FO’s so lets get right to it!

Georgie’s Aidez that I showed a progress shot of last week is actually complete!

Georgie switched up the back panel on her Aidez using a pattern from a 1970′s Patons booklet.

I think she made an excellent choice! It makes the back look not so bulky as it does with the original pattern.

There very well may be some Aidez morphing in my future!

The only other adjustment Georgie made was to lengthen the sleeves a tad as she found them too short with her original Aidez.

Sara of LundenKnit’s also finished her pumpkin coloured version.

If this isn’t the perfect Autumn sweater I don’t know what is.

Sara notes that her Cascade Ecological Wool did grow about two inches when blocked so take note of that if you are extending the length on anything.

Sarah aka Hot Cheese also finished her Aidez!

Sarah used Rowan RYC Soft Tweed for her version with no mods.

She went up a size creating a lovely cozy cardigan that can cross over in the front. A perfect Fall/Winter piece for her wardrobe.

I really like the overlap and am hoping to have a similar amount of ease in the front mine too.

So three finished cardigan’s in one week!

Not bad ladies! I’ll be back next week with more WIP pics so make sure you get them up on Ravelry so I have lots to choose from!

How is your progress coming along??

Woodstove Season

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Luvin The Mommyhood’s Summer Sweater KAL has come to an end.

 I didn’t manage to get the sleeves on my lace cardigan finished on time but I did complete this beauty!

Woodstove Season by Alicia Plummer is due to be released mid October.

I was super excited to test knit this one and even more excited with the finished product!

This cosy cardigan  knits up quickly on 5mm needles and is a stunning addition to my Autumn wardrobe. I’m glad I chose brown Cascade 220 for this because it will just go with so many things! I have already been wearing it for the past two days and I just know I’m going to wear this one right out and have to make another.

My Rav Project page!

Those chevron pockets are such a cute addition and really tie the knit together with that beautiful chevron back.

I made absolutely no mods to this knit, didn’t even have to add length on the sleeves or body, love that!

When I see pictures of the back of this cardigan it makes me want to walk backwards everyday so everyone can see it. hehe

That or I may just have to do a few twirls mid sentence!

My buttons are ones I purchased a few years ago from Beadic on Etsy. I’m so glad I was able to find the perfect knit to adorn them on. Beadic doesn’t seem to have anything in her shop at the moment so I’m not sure if she is still in business or not but if she is I will definitely be putting in another order. Her buttons are delicious!

I have been wanting to knit myself a cardigan to go with this dress for quite some time.

It’s a very light dress but paired with tights and this cardigan I will now be able to wear it year round, love outfits like that!