Pattern: Printed Silk Cardigan, Interweave Knits Spring 2008
Yarn: Frog Tree Pima Silk, a little over 7 skeins
Needles: US 2 and 1
Notes: I think it’s official that the Spring IK was my favorite issue ever. This is my fourth knit from that issue, including the ill-fated hexacomb, and I plan to make several more eventually. When the preview came out this was immediately my favorite sweater. It ended up fourth in line because I really wanted to find the perfect yarn. I ended up using the same yarn that Lolly used, and it really was nearly perfect for the pattern.
I knit the sweater at a slightly tighter gauge to end up with a 32″ bust, with the idea that it would stretch out eventually. I’m very pleased with the fit, which is perfect after my half hearted blocking job (my blocking board is in storage, so it’s still a bit wrinkly and that one edge wants to curl.) I added a turned hem so that the bottom wouldn’t roll, and I think it goes nicely with the rest of the sweater. Upon reflection, the plain edge might not have been bad, but I’m happy. I did my first tubular cast on for the sleeves, and while it was a major pain I love how they look.
The twisted stitches nearly killed me – this yarn is pretty splitty, so it was slow going. I love how they look, but all things considered I think I would rather work with lace. I used a lot less yarn than the pattern called for, probably a little bit because of my gauge, but I don’t think knitting to gauge on the 34″ size would have used up that much yarn either. Maybe it’s the substitution I used, but I ended up wtih almost 2 balls left over, and I bought less yarn than called for in the pattern to start with.
I love the finished sweater – it’s an unusual color for me, and out of all my handknits it may look the most like something you would get in a store. The pattern itself has lots of little touches that really give it a professional appearance. It’s lightweight and perfect for every season except the dead of winter. I definitely recommend giving this knit a try!
Gorgeous! Simply gorgeous.
As always, absolutely stunning. Just beautiful. I love seeing your FO’s.
It looks great on you.
It’s beautiful! I definately understand your enthusiasm
I have just started this one myself! Your’s look awesome!
Very nice! I love the dramatic pose too. I can’t handle the thought of knitting anything on needles quite that small, esp. with twisted stitches, so I’ll be passing on this one. LOL!
So pretty! Thanks for sharing.
It looks lovely on you! I love the color.
Fabs! And the color you picked really looks great on you. Great job!
Its beautiful and look great on you !
It looks fabulous. That’s one of my fav colors too – well done.
Beautiful knit! Great job.
That’s a great fit! And I love the texture on the top half. You did a wonderful job!
It’s *gor*geous!
It looks gorgeous! I enjoy lace much more than cables/twist stitches, too, but that twisted stitch texture on the bodice is just beautiful.
Even though the color is not your typical choice, it’s a wonderful color for your complexion. The sweater is amazing. I don’t think my skills are quite up to par for this one, but maybe someday I can attempt it!
Your hard work definitely paid off! If it lovely.
It’s gorgeous and it fits you perfectly.
(as per-usual….)
It´s gorgeous and the colour is perfect for you!
Absolutely beautiful !!
It looks great on you! It’s a beautiful colour choice with your complexion.
Seriously – that came out gorgeous! Great pic of you in it, too.
Jess, the sweater looks beautiful on you. I’m so glad you like the design and the fit
Yes, I like lace better than twisted stitches too – which is why my designs lean heavily towards lace. I can’t believe you’ve done 4 projects from this issue!
It’s stunning. I really like that color on you.
absolutely stunning….your knitting is always so inspiring!
Awesome! I do like the finished hem edge– it makes it look nice and finished. This design is great for showing off the neck and collarbones without being the least bit revealing. It’s officially a must-knit for me.
Wow that is really pretty! I need to get back to mine, it’s been neglected far too long for instant gratification knits.
I just recently found your blog and I love it!!
Congrats on finishing the sweater. It’s beautiful! I just re-subscribed to IK and I missed that issue
I might have to order it off the website…
Your sweater is beautiful; that color looks great on you
It’s beautiful! I’m definitely moving that one up on my list.
Gorgeous!
great job – that color looks fab on you!
That is so pretty–and so well done!
Stunning! Yours is prettier than the one in the magazine! Great job!
That color looks great on you! You should choose it more often.
I, too, am a bit afraid of the tiny needle size, but love the pattern so much, it might have to be my first project with the 1′s and 2′s.
Thanks as usual for sharing your FO’s with all of us!
Wow. What can I say! BEAUTIFUL!!!!
my god it’s gorgeous! wow i wish i can be able to knit as well as you one day!!!
This is beautiful. The fit is superb!
Lovely sweater and the buttons are so cute.
Hi, I am impressed by your work as a whole. You are a great knitter! I just want to ask you about this sweater – Can you tell me how you make this turned hem? Is is something different from the usual casting-on? Thank you!
Hi I’m Laura from Mexico, I saw your blog and I am impressed to see Your PERFECT SWEATER.
As a craft person(from Knitting to Staing Glass Etc)let tell say Your Work is Awesome!