Tuesday 25 February 2014

Shawl collar cardigan

This cardigan has been an on-and-off (mostly off!) knitting project for well over two years now. I've knitted other things in between, but after I finished my polo neck tank top in the autumn, I told myself that I wasn't allowed to start any other big knitting projects until this was finished. I'm adding more and more cute patterns to my to-knit list all the time and I wanted to get this finished so I could move on to something more exciting, so I'm very pleased that it's now done!


The main reason why this stayed a WIP for so long is because, truth be told, I was never completely in love with the pattern. I bought the pattern and yarn together in a kit from The Knitting Shop because the kit was reduced and a really good price and because this looked like something that my limited knitting skills could handle. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate it by any means - it's a nice cosy cardi, I like the colour, and I know I'll wear it, it's just it's a bit boring and I'd probably prefer something that's a little bit more fitted than this pattern is designed to be. 

But on the plus side, I've got a new cardigan to keep me warm and I was right about it being something that my knitting skills could handle. This is all just stocking stitch with a bit of ribbing round the edges so nothing complicated at all. I think it was good for me to knit something like this that I could definitely cope with, but now I'm ready for more challenging things! And I've also learnt the lesson not to start knitting something unless I really like the pattern!


The pattern is Wendy Skye pattern 5495, and I used Wendy Skye DK yarn in Fir, which is a poly/acrylic/mohair blend. It was nice to work with, and I like the blend of colours and the effect that the yarn produces when knitted up. 

When I actually picked it up and got round to working on it, it was mostly quite quick to knit. In 2 years, I'd only managed to knit about half of the back, then I knit the rest of the back, the 2 front pieces and the arms relatively quickly over Christmas and at the start of the year. Then I hit a bit of a wall again when it came to picking up 357 stitches around the button band and collar! It was a bit of a tedious process, but the collar turned out nicely so it was all worth it in the end.


Speaking of the collar, here's a photo to prove that it does sit nicely and it's not always in the weird half-turned-up position that it's in for some of these photos. Not sure what happened there, but it started raining (again!) before I could take some more with the collar in the right position, but at least it looks nice in the close-up.


I decided that neutral buttons would work best with all the colours going on in this cardigan, and I love these cute little wooden flower buttons. I found them in Millie Moon on a recent trip to Frome. I could spend a fortune in that shop - it's very dangerous!


Anyway, to cut a long story short, I'm glad this is finally finished, I like it but don't love it, and I'm now looking forward to knitting something else. I got Little Red in the City for Christmas, and I love all of the patterns in there, so my only dilemma is which to knit first - not a bad problem to have!

11 comments:

  1. I think it's fabulous, I bet you find yourself throwing it on all the time and then come to love it. The colour is great and the shape while not fitted is very flattering to you.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I do think it'll get worn a lot - it's nice and warm and it goes with lots of things in my wardrobe so it'll definitely be useful!

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  2. I love it, especially the colours of the yarn.
    Joy x x

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  3. Yeah, you finished your cardigan, well done! It looks so snugly and cosy! And although it is not your favorite pattern, I am sure you will wear it loads. The buttons are adorable!!! I just had a look into the book and really like the projects. So, I am looking forward to your next knitted make :)

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    1. Yep, I'm really pleased to have finished it! And yes, it'll definitely get worn a lot - and I love the buttons too! Little Red in the City is a great book, I think I'm going to start simple and go with the Cria cardigan - just waiting for my wool to arrive now and then I can get started! :)

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  4. Gorgeous yarn, perfect fit and I love the longer sleeves! On a more personal note, you look so very much like my late, very good friend Doris. I think of her often and even more so every time I pop over to see you!
    Best,
    Sheila
    http://sheilazachariae.blogspot.com/2014/02/bonfire-wedding-blanket.html

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    1. Thank you! I've never been told I look like anyone else before (other than my Mum, apparently we "have the same face"!), I hope me looking like your late friend brings back happy memories and isn't too strange for you!

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  5. I think it's just lovely and you look great in it! I've only ever really knitted for other people (mostly babies!), but you've inspired me - I've just bought a cardi pattern!

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