Finished - the Pinky Featherweight Cardigan!

I've a couple of finished projects this week to post but I was just so excited about this one it's been given top priority..... I've finally finished knitting my first cardigan - the Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig.





I'm just so thrilled with it. It has literally taken me 4 months of steady knitting to finish this - knitted using 2 strands of Patons Embrace, a lace-weight merino-silk blend. I decided to do 2 strands to give a slightly heavier-weight fabric - the one strand would have been just as nice I am sure but I didn't want it see-through - there's not much point knitting a wool cardigan for a third of the year if it's not warm. I'm so proud of it - it finished drying this morning from being blocked, on it went and didn't come off for the rest of the day!


It's a very simple design, knitted top down with raglan sleeves (the stitch increases are SO pretty!) with the collar added at the end by picking up stitches. I chose to do my collar band in 1x1 rib as I do get a bit annoyed by the way stockinette curls. Initially I did the finished length (before doing the collar band) but it was ridiculously short on me so I fearlessly cut the ribbing off, picked up my stitches and knitted another 3 inches in length before redoing the bottom ribbing. That cost me a week. Lesson learned there!


I knitted the sleeves using DPN's and quite enjoyed using them - I used bamboo needles so there was little risk of the stitches going AWOL - there was a little bit of spiralling where I was changing from needle to needle, but it has pretty much disappeared with the blocking. I found with my Purl Bee knit that using another piece of yarn as a safety line left that row of stitches bigger and an obvious line was present in the knitting, so this time I used top stitching sewing thread - worked a treat. I also picked up a few extra stitches in the armpits to help close up the armpit holes when working the sleeves. The other idea I had (which I thought was pretty bloody nifty for a beginner) was running a contrasting coloured thread all around the neckline when picking up my collar stitches to make it easier to stay in the same row. I ended up picking up one stitch for every stitch at the ribbing, then following the recommended 2:3 ratio on the sides, and 1:1 around the neckline.


Will you just LOOK at those pretty shoulder stitches!!! Who'd have thought me capable of it? Certainly not Past-Sarah! I've got to say I put it on this morning and my cerebral cortex had a little spasmo, puffing out a squirt of dopamine and giving my brain's addiction centre a little tickle (more it said - knit some MORE MORE MORE!). It is such an addictive hobby - especially when you end up with a winner like this one! 4 months? Totally worth it.



Comments

  1. Such a winner for sure! This colour is lovely on you Sarah and I do think that making the length a bit longer was a wise decision, even if it added a bit of work. You’ve ended up with a garment that you will wear often and proudly, and that's what it's all about, right? And yes, knitting is definitely addictive - knit ALL the patterns!

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    1. Thanks Andrea - I was very glad I made that decision too - and next time I'll take the time to get it onto some yarn and try it on before casting off! It looked like a crop top - not attractive!

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  2. I'm working on that same cardigan right now. It's taking me a long time to finish too. I really like how yours turned out!

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    1. Thanks Tiffany - it's such a labour of love! I'm so happy to finish mine!

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  3. Wow that is fabulous - so delicate and delicious! Such a gorgeous colour too ; ) Well doen to you.

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  4. Congratulations! It is great and what a lovely colour.

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    1. Thanks Kirsty. Sometimes I looked at it and thought 'god will I still like pink at the end of this?!' - ha!

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  5. Yay you! It looks fabulous! Although I think of myself as a knitter most of what you said sounded like Dutch or some other language I don't have any idea about. But yay you, those choices paid off!

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    1. Haha thanks Jillian. I'd like to thank The Internet for all it has taught me! You'll laugh, 30 minutes after posting this I was already swatching my Cape Cod - so addicted!

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  6. Darling sweater Sarah - I love it! You might have even inspired me to give it a try! ;-)

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    1. Thanks Maris - I'm really very much a beginner and it was easy, just slow going!

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  7. Absolutely beautiful! It's such a lovely shape and colour on you. Those stitch increases at the arms are sublime! You'll be loving this for years, and feeling wonderful every time you wear it. Just gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Danielle. I've literally only taken it off to sleep! So tempted to make another one (pain of knitting fading away, much like the memory of childbirth so I hear!)

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  8. Definitely a WINNER!!! Totally worth your time investment, it looks great! LOVE.

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  9. Thanks Ono - I reckon it's a winner too - I'm still on a cardi-lovin' high!

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  10. That’s the first ever cardigan you’ve knitted?! I don’t believe it! It looks so neat and even!
    I wish I could knit, but it doesn’t agree with my wrists—and I don’t have the patience. ):
    I have a great work-around for that, however: I ask my mum to knit stuff for me! Ha! She loves to knit, so it’s really win-win. (;

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    1. Thanks Jana - I'm slow but pretty even with my knitting! A knitting mum is a treasure indeed!

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  11. The other half8 May 2014 at 21:47

    When do I get my scarf?

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    1. Haha! Soon my love. I've done a couple more rows on it. Just glad you're not nagging me about the Kombi! xxx

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  12. This is so true! I am knitting my first garment and I already feel addicted

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