Mastiha by Thea Colman

Mastiha

Knitting
July 2022
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in cable pattern and stockinette
US 7 - 4.5 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
1000 - 1800 yards (914 - 1646 m)
36.25(40.25,44.25,48.25,52.25)(56.25,60.25, 64.25,68.25)”/92(102.25,112.5,122.5,132.75)(143,153,163.25,173.25)cm around body and bust, worn closed.
English
This pattern is available for $8.00 USD buy it now

Mastiha is the cardigan I plan to live in this winter! This saturated gray is a great neutral, but it’s also kind of a gorgeous head turner, because it’s so deep and dark and rich.

The subtle color shifts in the color really make the details in my fabric pop, so I went for a geometric and dramatic motif. I wanted it to be crisp and distinct, but not overwhelming -- since this will be worn with everything in my wardrobe. To create the cable pattern, I added garter stitch to a beautiful leaf motif from one of my favorite Norah Gaughan books, and it provided the exact amount of visible texture I wanted.  

Other details on the cardigan are classic but distinct - and I love this easy, cropped silhouette. 

As always, it’s full of little details. The edge treatment along the collar stands out beautifully from the body. Sleeves are intentionally a little loose and end above the wrist. The V-neck begins well below the armholes, and both hem and button bands are deep and cozy. All the transitions are crisp and distinct. 

The yarn I used is Julie Asselin’s Journey Worsted, and it’s a gorgeous Targhee/Rambouillet mix. Her colors are fantastic, and this fiber combination creates a soft and round yarn that’s really a joy on the needles.

I think Mastiha will go with literally anything I want to wear and I kind of love it. Here’s hoping you do too!


Mastiha is knit flat, from the bottom up. The sweater is split into three pieces at armhole and they are then worked separately to shoulders. At shoulders, the front edge stitches continue to be worked in a strip to meet at center back neck.

Shoulders and these edge stitches are seamed to finish the body before sleeve stitches are picked up along armholes and worked in the round to cuff. Button band is picked up along front opening and worked flat to end.

Cables are both charted and written.

Sizes:
36.25(40.25,44.25,48.25,52.25)(56.25,60.25,64.25,68.25)” 92(102.25,112.5,122.5,132.75)(143,153,163.25,173.25)cm
Size reflects circumference around body, worn closed and is based on final, blocked fabric. Sweater shown worn with 5”/12.75cm of positive ease.

Yardage per size:
1000(1150,1250,1350,1450)(1600,1700,1750,1800)yds 915(1060,1145,1235,1325)(1465,1555,1600,1695)m
Worsted-weight yarn needed. Yardage reflects bracelet-length sleeves and body length given in pattern. If modifying, adjust quantity as needed.

Shown in the Charbon colorway. When working with a hand dyed yarn, alternate skeins to prevent pooling or visible lines when switching to a new skein.