I wear sweaters everyday for a good part of the year. I decided it was time to make a hand knitted everyday sweater that I could wear on a workday. This zipper cardigan, with a small bit of cables, should be just right.

Modifications:
1) While I like some waist shaping, I thought the shaping used was a bit extreme. Instead of decreasing every 4th row 11 times, I decreased every 6th row 7 times. Instead of increasing every 4th row 9 times, I increased every 6th row 6 times.

2) The pattern uses a smaller than normal number of picked-up stitches on the front edges to kind of scrunch up the front and leave you with a deeply curved hemline. I choose to pick up 3 of every 4 stitches for the entire front edges (from shoulder seam to hem). I like the smother well-finished overall look this created, and I wont miss the exaggerated curves.

3) Just a small detail: I used a provisional cast-on for the 4 stitch wide I-cord edging to allow for a Kitchener graft.

I am rather happy with the finished sweater -- great to wear to work at my ‘day job’. I must admit though, that I am a touch disappointed in the yarn. I always loved working with it in the past on all kinds of colorwork accessories, but this is the first garment I ever made with Cascade 220. Maybe it is the dark color, but the finished garment is a bit fuzzy in appearance and attracts a lot of lint.

See the Blog Posts tab above for links to my blog where you can see photos of the zipper pinning and stitching.