I’m thrilled to be testing this very pretty, feminine cardigan from Cristina Ghirlanda (Minimi on Ravelry) of Toscany, Italy. I love her comfy, modern styling.

I held two yarns together for this cardigan (worsted + lace) to achieve gauge.

Needles used:

Size 13 US - Cast on back sts only

Size 10 US - Body and sleeves (except for ribbing)

Size 8 US - Lower ribbing, sleeve ribbing and neckband

What I did differently (with Cristina’s permission):

• I did not do as many waist decreases (prior to the “Hem” section) as the pattern suggests. On the row prior to starting the lower ribbing, I decreased only 3 sts = 130 sts total for lower ribbing. If you deviate from the pattern instructions, just be sure that you have a multiple of 4 + 2 sts before starting the lower ribbing. I’m short waisted, so the ribbing hits me at the upper hip level rather than around the waist.

• Instead of sleeve decreasing, I did increasing as follows:

I picked up one extra stitch under each arm. So I started with 52 sts rather than the 51 stated in the pattern. Then I increased 2 sts after every 5 rounds (13 times) = 78 sts. Then I knit 1 round and decreased in preparation for the cuff:

(k1, k2tog, k2, k2tog) all around, k1 = 56 sts
Knit one round
(k2tog) all around = 28 sts
Switch to smaller needes (size 8 US)
(k2, p2) ribbing - 12 rounds
Bound off using JSSBO.

Weight of finished garment: 20.4 oz (578.3 grams)

Garment Measurements (after shrinking in a warm dryer):

Bust circumference - 40” (shrank 2”)
Hard to get an exact measurement because the front edges curl under. Might be a bit more.

Bottom ribbing circumference (unstretched) - 32” (shrank 2”)

Ribbing height - 2.75” (shrank .25”)

Center back neck to bottom edge - 19” (shrank 3”)

Center front neck to bottom edge - 17” (shrank 3”)

Underarm to bottom edge (including ribbing) - 10” (shrank 2”)

Sleeve length from underarm (including ribbing) - 17” (shrank 2.5”)

Raglan detail (diagonal, not including neckband) - 10” (shrank 2”)

Neckband - 1” (shrank .125”)

Armhole depth - 9.5” (shrank 2”)

Narrowest part of sleeve (at underarm) - 13” (shrank 1”)

Widest part of sleeve (above ribbing) - 18” (shrank 1”)

Sleeve ribbing circumference (unstretched) - 6” (shrank 1”)

When using cotton or cotton blend yarns, I always allow for quite a bit of shrinkage in a warm dryer (because this is how the recipients will care for their sweaters). I was not sure how this alpaca lace would hold up in a warm dryer, but the cardigan came out wrinkle free and looking beautiful. Following is how I do the final shrinking before gifting my hand knits:

• Turn garment inside out and soak in a large, clean (stainless steel) pan. Mine is 13” in diameter and 10” deep. Let set for an hour or two until yarn has absorbed maximum water.

• Drain garment in a large stainless steel colander for an hour (or over a clean sink) and then gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring.

• Tumble dry in a warm dryer with 6 or 7 clean, dry towels. Be sure the garment is still turned inside out when in the dryer. The towels will quickly absorb water from the garment.

• Remove when sweater and towels are thoroughly dry. I sewed on the buttons after this shrinking procedure. However, I had marked the button positions with contrasting color yarn prior to the soaking and drying. Be sure buttons are washable if you plan to launder in this manner.

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