I finished knitting my purple cardigan. I love it. It could very well be the best thing I’ve ever knitted. I’m really happy with the fit and love wearing it. From my notes, I reckon it’s taken me eight weeks to knit, which is impressive for me.
The only part I need to work on is the curling hem. I have blocked it, but not enough, it seems. If anyone has got a tried and tested method to make the hem behave, please let me know.
I used King Cole Merino blend dk. 100% wool. It is now my favourite yarn to use. A real pleasure to knit with. I’ve made hats with it before as it’s anti-tickle, and have often thought it would be good for something bigger. I bought the yarn in the sales, which reduced the cost down to a do-able price. I’ve found it priced at anything between £3 to £3.79 per ball. Back in January, I bought it for £1.79 per ball making the cardigan work out at just over £25 to make, instead of the usual £42. Perfect!
The cardigan pattern is King Cole 4076. There is a choice of a cardigan or jumper. Both are long line with side vents. I found the pattern straightforward. The cable panel is easy once you get into the swing of it. After a while, I stopped referring to the instructions, as it’s obvious what to do from the previous row, if you see what I mean. Total joy to knit.
So on to the next knit. Yes, I’ve cast on, but the photo really doesn’t give a fair representation of the amount of time it has taken. I’m using Wendy air yarn. It is wispy thin. Never underestimate how long it can take to find the start of the yarn in a ball like this. Lots. I’ve tried the first row a few times, but undone it. I’m not charging ahead with this one. I’m sure I’ll find my way with it. Eventually. It is such a contrast from my last project.
As it’s Yarn Along time again, I’m including my book, which I am loving. Matt Haig’s How to Stop Time. I’ve nearly finished it and am dragging out the end, because I don’t want to finish it yet. Savouring every last page. It is difficult to put down. It’s so good, I find myself reading and preparing the evening meal at the same time. The book in one hand and a spoon in the other. Children mumbling that I’m ignoring them.
Last photo of my cardigan. I’ve ordered some more wool to make the jumper version next. I’ve found it again at the same price, so hopefully they have enough of the same dye lot, which caught me out last time. I had to change colours. Fingers crossed. It is such a good pattern.
Joining in with Ginny’s Yarn Along. What have you got on the needles at the moment? Are you reading a good book? Oh, and any advise on my curling hem, would be much appreciated.
Well done on all those cables! That would have taken me a lot longer than eight weeks! Did you wet block or steam block? Sometimes wet blocking helps curling hems more than steam blocking. (Otherwise, just encourage the curling and call it a design feature–ha!) 😉
I read that book last year and while I had some quibbles (reviewed on my blog) it was an enjoyable story. Glad you are loving it!
I like your way of thinking about calling it a design feature. I did wet block it. Really interested that it might have added to the problem. I’ve worn it a bit now and the pressure of sitting on it has helped, but I may try to steam press it to finish it nicely.
And your cables are lovely, as is the bold purple cardigan you knitted.. I would think it would be a joy to wear.
I must confess I laughed as I read the title of the book you are reading…no, I had not heard of it…and my remark was, “Have fun trying”.
Yes, that title made me laugh when I saw it. How many times have we wished it, if only for a little while?
What a terrific job, and sits you perfectly! Kudos to you. If no one has a solution for your hem, how about knitting a narrow edging at the bottom? As long as it didn’t add too much length, since the current length seems ideal.
I did mean to say “fits”, not “sits”. 😀 I’m sure I typed that. 🙄
That made me smile. 😀 Although I thought you were going for suits.
Thank you Lisa. I’m as pleased as punch with it. Like your idea and tempted to incorporate it into my next knit. I’m making the jumper version, once the wool turns up. I’ve worn the cardigan a bit now and as I sit on it, I’m pressing it into shape, so fingers crossed it will all come out in the wash. I love the length too. I thought it would take an age to knit, but really it was fairly quick and worth the effort.
I’ve already told you how much I love your cardigan, I’m so looking forward to seeing your jumper. I need to join a Crochet Along as I’m ending up with loads of WIPS without a purpose.
Thank you Anne. I’ve already knitted a few inches of the jumper. Good idea to join a craft along. I always find it encourages me to get a move on. 😀
I really enjoyed Matt Haig’s book, it’s the first one of his adult books that I’ve read but I definitely want to read more 🙂
Your cardigan looks fabulous! I love the colour 🙂
#MMBC
It is a good book. I’m on the look out for some of his others now. And thank you. The cardigan is perfect for the kind of weather we have at the moment.
Great to see you on craft schooling Sunday after such a long time! Love the sweater and hope to see you again soon!