I do hope you’ve all had a lovely Easter.
Finished makes have been thin on the ground around these parts recently, but I’m finally pleased to share with you Longfellow by Michelle Wang for Brooklyn Tweed, which I finished for Hubby back in January.
Spring in the North of England is a contrary beast to say the least. Today we’ve had sunshine, rain and wind. So a lightweight cardigan like this is a great garment for a chap to have to keep the chill at bay whilst still maintaining his vaguely hipster credentials (I have my tongue firmly in my cheek at this point!).
If you’ve a good memory, because this took an absolute age to finish, this is knitted in Garnstudio Drops Alpaca. It’s a fine 4ply with a halo and a bit splitty, but it creates a lightweight yet warm fabric which keeps himself cosy.
The pattern itself is spot on in terms of measurements. I’ll be honest and admit that I found the instructions for the armholes more than a little confusing, so defaulted to a simple k1, k2tog decrease (k2tbl at the end of the row) which worked perfectly fine. Knitted pockets are still new to me and these were a doddle.
Whilst simple 4ply cardigan patterns are hardly as rare as unicorns, I think the proportions of this one are just right. It fits great at the armhole and shoulders, and I’m particularly fond of the depth of the v-neck, which is perfect for wearing buttoned over a shirt. Which is just how Hubby likes to wear it.
All in all this cardi is a great success and I’d happily knit him another one, even with the miles of stocking stitch needed to cover those rugby player’s shoulders. Next time, though, I’d use a different yarn because I’m not happy with how this one is wearing. You’ll clearly see on the above picture that it pobbles and bobbles quite easily. What you can’t see is that despite the most careful of hand washing and flat drying the fabric is flattening quite quickly.
Also the buttonholes don’t hold up to being buttoned, and I can assure you that this isn’t a tight fit. There’s enough ease just not enough support in the buttonhole.
The yarn was very inexpensive as I bought it on sale so I’m not completely gutted by this…I just won’t use the leftovers to knit Button her Fleur Bleue.
Oh dear…that just means a visit to the yarn shop!
Lord – he’s gorgeous in it! Well done Evie! The hipster quotient is high 🙂
I have to agree with you (although I may be a teeny bit biased!). Thank you!
Lovely job there. The colour really suits him. Well done K xXx
Thank you. I do think it’s a great colour on him!
Lovely cardigan, which is absolutely brilliant at this time of year. I understand your comments about the yarn – I knitted in Drops Nepal which is lovely but I don’t think will wear well.
Thank you. Drops yarns are so inexpensive and feel so lovely it’s easy to be tempted. But, with the time it takes to knit something I think, going forward, I’ll be choosing better quality yarn.
A beautiful blue colour and your husband makes a vey good model. I admire your perseverance with all that stocking stitch though – it must surely be the most boring stitch ever – but good for mindless knitting in front of the T.V. Have you tried using tape or ribbon behind the buttons and buttonholes to strengthen the knitted bands? Maybe an idea for next time.
Thank you! It was tedious beyond belief but was all knitted in front of the TV…with mutterings about demonstrations of love and suchlike! 😉
I did consider backing the buttonholes, but as the yarn isn’t wearing terribly well I don’t think I’ll bother with this one. Next time…definitely!
Yep he’s a handsome hipster and his cardigan looks fab, good work Evie! x
Thank you kindly! 😀
He’s a natural model! Royal blue suits him really! Great job on the knitting…those stitches look so even. Question: how do you block your knits? I must say every time I did it I never noticed any difference on the final result…so I just gave up!
Thank you, on all counts!
I’m not a master on blocking but I generally soak the garment in lukewarm water and an appropriate detergent…I’ve recently laid hands on some Eucalan,(http://www.eucalan.com/)which I’m testing on my next garment.
After rinsing I gently squeeze as much water out as I can without lifting it. Then roll it in thick towels and squeeze again. I usually get himself to help at this time as he’s stronger! 😉
I then lay it flat on dry towels and gently push it to shape and the right dimensions. Leave it to dry and voila!
That said, when I had my big sewing table in the loft, that had a pinnable surface so I used to pin garments to shape on that and leave them to dry. That gets an even better result, and is the only way with something like a lacy scarf, so I’ve just got a set of blocking mats and will use them in future.
I don’t know if any of that is helpful. Do shout if not!
Wow what a lovely lovely cardi and he is a very handsome gent in the colour and cut. Very clever Mrs Stitches!
Thank you kindly! I’m awfully tempted to knit him another one.
That looks fantastic on your handsome hubby! Such a great, classic style and you did a lovely job on it.
Thank you, thank you. He does love it!