I've had so many requests for the quick return of this pattern! Finally, here it is, re-engineered to be better than ever. What's new?
1. There's now some back neck shaping. The surplice border looks simple and elegant, but in fact the cardigan requires some extra shaping to help it sit beautifully on the shoulders. How has this been achieved? The back shoulders are now each worked separately with some increases happening at the same time as the short rows, before being joined together with a cable cast-on. It's not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, it's ridiculously straightforward.
2. There are no longer any shoulder seams. Initially, I joined the shoulders with a 3-needle bind-off, concerned that the extra-wide dropped shoulders would sag without that reinforcement. Then I realized that
3. The suggested provisional cast-on method has been changed to the crochet chain method. For most people, it's quicker, and easier.
4. The ratio for picking up the sleeve stitches has been changed from 3 stitches per 4 rows to 2 stitches per 3 rows.
5. There are new sleeve lengths, although I know you all have the sense to adjust for your own size and not to blindly follow sleeve length suggestions. That's the whole point of top-down knitting isn't it?
6. Finally, there are two additional sizes. Remember, this design is meant to have about 12" of ease, so a size 60" is really a size 48". Choose your size accordingly.
FYI, the above tutorial links have been included in the pattern.
Now, enjoy! This cardigan is easy and fun to wear. In fact, we're about to have a cool spell, so I'll be wearing mine over the next couple of days. I know it's summer, but this is Canada, right?
If you already have a copy of Wheatsheaves, you'll be receiving an invitation to download the new version. If you haven't purchased this pattern before, you can find it here.
