FO: Printed Silk Cardigan

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!