This is the first sweater I have completed that I am using a pattern for. It is from drops. I am, however, changing the front to be a pullover with a partially open collar instead of a button up cardigan. So far I have the front and a partial arm done. I am using Lion Brand Cotton Ease and a size 9 needle. With the yarn and gauge that I am getting I had to do 2 sizes up from normal to get what I normal would. There is a LOT of shaping with this pattern, and you really have to pay attention because it is all in centimeters, as well as the fact that I added color changes. I also plan to add a pocket on the front using the same shaping as the arm holes (2/3 the size as the front of the sweater). Check back for updates.
Mar 9, 2009
I am working on the last sleeve and then I am almost ready to seem. I have made quite a few adjustments to the pattern. Below is what I have written down.
Drops Pattern: Cardigan in Vivaldi with Hood
Knit size XL and I am a 36in chest. It fits just right in the chest area.
Yarn I used: Lion Brand Cotton Ease (bought 4 pink, 4 blue, 2 green)
Size 9 needles and I am 1 st per inch off (making the garment smaller) on the gauge which makes it fit perfectly on the top. I am going to be adding gussets on the bottom of the sides to help with shaping and fitting there.
Color Changes: Bottom band 12 rows pink – pattern 4 blue rows, 2 green, 4 blue, 6 pink – repeat
I carried the colors, but I am going to try and use the green to do my seeming.
Front: This is knit the same as the back till you get to the arm shaping. Do the arm shaping same as for the back till you get to where you knit even and there are no more decreases. At this point you will be splitting the stitches. Find the middle stitch and count three stitches on either side of it (this will be for the “v” neck part continuing onto the hood) Put the stitches on the left on a separate stitch holder and work with the stitches on the right.
Front Shaping: After you have split your stitches up accordingly and put the ones you are not working with on waste yarn follow the rest of the instructions. K 22 rows changing colors where you normally would, then start your decreases. Decrease one stitch on inner edge (center of chest) every 4 rows till you have 18 sts left. Repeat for other side of the V shaping.
Here is the pattern for the gussets: these are to be placed at the bottom edge on each side. I knit these in all pink and I plan on putting some blue laces across them, but want to see what they look like sewn in first.
cast on 17 sts
Knit to 8.5 in from start
Bind off 1 st on each side every 4 rows till 5 sts remain.
End on a decrease row (gusset should be 80 rows tall or 10 in)
Insert in the side of the sweater.
