Back in June, I was extremely lucky to be given several balls of homespun wool by my Mother-In-Law, which she had spun herself. I knew I wanted to knit something for the children and eventually settled on using the blue wool to knit a Daisy cardigan, which I found via Ravelry. It is the first time I have used hand spun wool and also balls of wool with no paper wrapping.
It is knitted all in one and knitted top down, which are new techniques for me as well. In retrospect, I would have used a slightly bigger needle. I may change the fastenings as I don’t like the way it gapes. And yes, she is still wearing her apple tree top!
I was running out of wool, so AJ decided that she would like 3/4 length sleeves rather than short sleeves, so I used the remainder of the wool to make the body longer. It is a really warm cardigan and, with shorter sleeves, it is practical for her.
Another first for me was to cast off the sleeves and bottom edge using picot edging (excellent how-to here). So much more fun than my usual method of cast off. I’m going to be doing this from now on. It is such a pretty way to finish a garment. I did block the cardigan, but it seems determined to roll. I hope it calms down, but I don’t think it is a big problem.
AJ loves her new cardigan. Admittedly, I think she always loves the things I make her. Makes it even more special that her clever Grandmother spun the wool. Lots of love put into this cardigan, for sure.
I managed to squeeze in the extra knitting today, inbetween processing quinces. More on quinces tomorrow. Makes a change from apples.
Don’t you just love the fluffy fuzz on a quince?
I love the homespun wool and the colour is so pretty. The three quarter sleeves are so cute.
Enjoy your Sunday,
Anne
Thanks Anne. I didn’t intend to make them 3/4s, but I think it works better that length. There is so much wool in the cardigan, that it is quite heavy. Slightly shorter sleeves are probably an advantage weight wise!
I LOVE the color!! Beautiful job! What a lucky little girl.
It is a good colour. It suits her colouring. Just need some really cold weather.
That cardi looks really lovely …colour, style and wool it’s beautiful.
if you scroll down this page there is a different button loop that may work better?
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/FEATspr09TT.php
just an idea
I’ve just had a look at the link and that would solve the problem. Very neat solution and lovely clear instructions. Now all I need is to seperate the cardigan from AJ. That is the tricky part. Thanks Val.
As I have recently been given about four stone of quinces, I will await this post with interest!
Also, lovely cardigan – what a glorious colour, and the pointy bits add just the right level of elfinness. 🙂
I think the best bet for four stone of quinces is to open up a factory. I’ll include my jelly recipe. I think AJ would love the idea of her cardigan being elfy. Her father described it as hippy.
how lovely and such a great colour and wonderfully spun, well done Mama, super knitting.
how lucky to have quinces, can’t wait to read more xx
Thanks Denise. It is a great colour. I’m looking forward to the day that I learn to spin and can knit my own wool. In the meantime, I am a handspun wool convert.
I have a Latvian friend who had a good remedy for rolling edges. She always did a row of single crochet on the back side of the knitting at the join. It seems to add weight and structure. Worth a try if it doesn’t settle and easy to remove if it doesn’t work!!
There are no joins in the cardigan, but I follow the logic. I’m getting used to seeing it turn up, but I might change my mind. I’m still trying to wrestle the cardigan away from AJ to change the buttonholes!