First Look

Please note: photos deleted in computer meltdown!


When I started the Brenda Cardigan I wasn't sure what bottom treatment to use, so I started with a provisional cast on. I think I'll go back at the end , add a few stockinette rows, and put in a hem. In the meantime, here's the first 12'' in pattern. As you can see, I lightly blocked the piece to 44" wide. This should be just right for a size medium; the cardigan doesn't have buttons (or a button band, or buttonholes - yah!) but ties with a belt. It should cross over just a little in the front, and I think this will be just fine. I expect to knit about 19" before I divide front and back, and will begin the shawl collar at the same time I start the armhole shaping.

If you look at the photo of the blocked bottom of the cardigan, you'll see a bit of a partial skein laid out above the sweater. The alpaca yarn I chose is just a little too yellow; I wanted a nice light camel. So I tea dyed part of a skein, and I like the way it looks, so I'm going to go back and tea dye the part already knitted and the remaining yarn. As a point of interest, the 12" took 3 full skeins, so I expect the full 28" body to take 7 skeins, each sleeve to take 2 1/2 skeins and the collar probably another 1 or 2. Total skeins needed: 13 or 14 at 109 yds each.

If you want to knit along, cast on a total of 14 repeats of the 14 stitch pattern, plus 3 stitches for a 44" chest measurement for a size medium. For a large, add one repeat. For a small cast on one repeat less. You may choose a provisional cast on and add the hem later, or start with the hem. To start with the hem, cast on the required number of stitches on s needle one or two sizes smaller than you need to get gauge for the main body. Knit for 2" or so in stockinette, knit a Knit turning row on the WS, then change to the larger needle for the body. Knit the first RS row in pattern. Knit 19" from turning row in pattern, or the length you want from hem to underarm.