This project is a sample for Junction Fiber Mill. It should highlight their Neon colors, and I think it does it well.
When the yarn arrived, I arranged it in a “rainbow ‘ color, true early childhood teacher that I am./ I followed the suggestions in the original and alternated 1 row of main color(vampire) to two rows of another neon. The hexagons were fun to crochet, the only problem I encountered was trying to remember to turn the work at the end of every row, instead of working around. I made a few mistakes at the beginning, then I remembered.
The cardigan is a Size small, to fit the recipient. It is true to measurements, for once. I tend to be a looser knitter, but I guess I crochet true to size. I like how the two parts of the back and the shoulders are joined, it was very straightforward. I added some length, to reach the measurements. I then worked the sleeves. On the second sleeve I finished my skein of Solar Power Yellow a little before finishing the row. Bummer! But I found in my stash a skein of neon yellow I handspun from Riverslea Farm in Epping (now closed). It was a little thicker, but it matched the color, phew!!!
I am not sure I like the tight wrists; I’d probably prefer them a little larger and less puffy looking. I liked learning the stitch though. It mimics a knit rib. The finishing involved going around the cardigan and I used as much of the Vampire main color as I could. I ended up one crocheting one row less than the indicated number. I blocked the cardigan soaking it and drying it. I then weighed it. It totally confused me as it weighs more than all the skeins put together and I have some leftovers…. I think the Mill sent me generous skeins.
I love the idea of this cardigan and would like to crochet it for myself maybe in a more drapey yarn, an alpaca blend or similar. And definitely softer colors…..But I hope the recipient will like it, she is much younger than me!
What a fun pattern!
Edited July 5th 2025: I brought the cardigan to Junction Fiber Mill’s Open house. Amanda tried it on and seemed to like it. The cuffs were too tight though, so I brought it home, undid the cuffs and crocheted them again in Brat (per Amanda’s request!). I modified round 1 of the cuffs in order to have more stitches and still maintaining the balloon effect. Finished circumference for the cuffs is almost 8 inches with this modification, much softer to wear. Photo with the green cuffs is the Final version!