I started this cardigan on Boxing Day, as my post-Christmas treat to myself. It is inspired by Elizabeth Zimmerman’s sweater of the same name, but I am working it from the top down, not using EZ’s percentage system and I have also changed the Fair Isle pattern on the yoke. So it has sort of ended up being my Fair Isle yoke cardigan, hence the title of this post.
I am mostly using 2 ply Jumper Weight yarn from Jamieson and Smith, with the red being Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift. Both companies produce wonderful pure wool from the Shetland islands; some people express a preference for one manufacturer over the other but, to me, their yarn is equally lonely. I therefore tend to make my choice based on which one has the colours I want.
This cardigan includes both short row and vertical bust darts, as well as short row shaping at the back neck. It seems to be fitting ok so far. I’m knitting it in the round – it is destined to be my first attempt at steeking (aak!).
I wanted the cardigan to have quite a vintage feel. So I am making it short and fairly fitted, with about 3 inches of 1×1 ribbing at the bottom. I will knit the buttonband separately and sew it on afterwards.
I’m almost at the bottom now, and have just briefly paused my somewhat obsessive knitting to make a little gift for someone. I can’t wait to get back to it though!
Can’t wait to see this finished, the colors look really lovely together. I can already see it has a ‘vintage’ feel to it
those colors are absolutely gorgeous together!
It looks fantastic – very vintage, very you!
It’s beautiful! Let us know when you’re steeking…eek!
Oh Anna, it’s gorgeous! I love those colors, they’re perfect for you.
What a beauty this is – wonderful choice of colours (I never knew those two companies weren’t one and the same so I’ve learnt something already today) and it sounds like it will be a fabulous shape. No wonder it’s been obsessing you
It’s a beauty! Makes me think that spring is just around the corner. I can’t wait to see this one take shape.
That is just so stunning! I love the colours, and can’t wait to see it on you. Good luck with the steeking!
Inspiring; and the colour combination is gorgeous. Even though much of it is beyond my understanding, I so enjoy reading about the process.
Your typo – “their yarn is equally lonely” – conjures up a picture of isolated, sad-looking balls of wall, waiting for a friendly match to come along. You’ve found the right one here.
Ooops! Proof reading is a big part of my job, too…
Oh, it’s lovely! The colours and your stitches look perfect. Looking forward to seeing it on you.
That is really lovely, look forward to seeing it finished. Good luck with the steeking.
What gorgeous delicate colours you’ve chosen! Just perfect for spring…
It’s fantastic! I may be doing my first steek in the next month or so…it’s so scary.
It looks lovely Anna, can’t wait to see it finished. I’m loving fair isle at the moment. I’ve just finished you beret, I’ve put it on Ravelry, I love it & I’ve had lots of comments.
I’m setting up a knitting group in Feb so I’m hoping I can spend some time knitting for me & not to sell!
wow. that is so beautiful! the fair isle pattern and the colours, and the fine knit, just beautiful. i hope the steeking goes well and you enjoy every bit of wearing it!
I love the colors. The sweater has such a lovely, delicate, vintage feel.
oh it is just amazing! i cant believe you basically did your own design- cant you write the pattern up??? please?!
i have been admiring it since i saw the photos in flickr, cant wait to see it on you 😀
soooo inspiring – i am totaly amazed and in orr (i think thats how you spell it)
xxx
that is beautiful! reminds me of vintage fabrics, tea parties, and springtime. so lovely! good luck with the steeking!!
Oh it’s going to be breathtaking!
One day I hope to use some of that wool. It just knits up so beautifully, from the look of it.
oh it looks so lovely – and complicated!
This is gorgeous. I love the colors.
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it. Have a wonderful new year.
As always with you, wonderful knitting! Love the pattern and colors!
Thats beautiful knitting.
Very beautiful – I love the colors you chose!
Lovely colours! De bien jolies couleurs.
gorgeous. The colour selection was inspired. I can’t wait to see it finished.
Oh Anna, this is so beautifully ‘you’! I cannot wait to see it finished!
There must be something vintage in the air. I love the delicate duck egg blue with the red, it is going to be stunning.
this is lovely.