This is a pattern by Heather Zopetti – it looks so great on the pattern instructions. Check it out on Ravelry! Well, my girlfriends like the finished product very much and so do I, … but it is a little annoying to wear because of the weight in the front. Each front panel is the size of 3/4 of the entire back panel, so if one does not wear it ‘just r
ight’, be back hem is sticking out. And it is tricky to find the ‘just right’ way to wear it, because there are no seams on the shoulder … So, personally, I prefer to wear it tucked in and closed.
For all those of you who would like to knit this – some feedback on the pattern:
- I used Bendigo Woollen Mills LUXURY YARN, shade ‘Bark’ (354), it’s a 8 ply
- I knitted with 3.5mm needles all stocking stitch parts – gauge 20st/ 30 rows for 10cm square
- Lace panel at the back: I used 2.5mm and 2.75mm and knitted very tightly, and I still ended up with a lace panel bigger (16”) than the instructions specified (13”) and had to re-calculate the whole back
- I added 10 stitches to the afterthought for the sleeve in order to get a bigger sleeve opening, and I am very glad I did.
- I added length to the sleeve, it is a total of 55cm from the afterthought and the cuff is very fitted (I like to stay warm and not let cold air in through the cuff!)
- I added some (three) shortened rows and the side waist to make it flare a bit – it was not worth it – if the cardigan had been longer, I should have added more shortened rows to actually achieve something
- this was fun to knit; very straight forward, after I re- calculated the entire pattern to fit my gauge! More or less just straight and more straight knitting, I put little safety pins in every 20 rows, that saved me counting my rows all the time!
- I really want one, too – I will think about the fit, though. Make the fronts smaller, make it a little longer, add some fastenings, add some shoulder seam somewhere to add strength and make the fit better… maybe this is just the tailor in me…
Look great. I’ m not sure I would have the patience to recalculate the pattern. Do you think you could insert the lace pattern in other garments as a feature?
Well done. You continue. To amaze me and inspire.
Hi Sue! YES, I think the lace panel or any other lace panel would be great to insert in a jacket that sits better. As for re-calculations for garments – hm, it is a pain, but that pain is so much less than ending up with a garment that is ok, but one doesn’t really like to wear… you know? Lovely to hear from you!
S