This pattern is available as an individual pdf or as part of the Earth Collection. The Long Way Home Cardigan is the third design in my Fall 2011 Earth Collection, which also features the Chalice Cowl and Faraway Blues Wrap. It is a cozy but stylish cardigan that will take off the chill of those first fall days.

Lace instructions are both written and charted. The pattern has been professionally tech edited to reduce the possibility for error, but if you have questions or believe that you have found an error, please contact me.

finished measurements
29 ½ (33, 36 ½, 38, 41 ½, 45, 46 ¾, 50, 53 ½, 55 ¼)”
75 (84, 92.5, 96.5, 105.5, 114.5, 118.5, 127, 136, 140.5) cm
bust circumference.

ease
Designed to be worn with approximately 3”/7.5 cm positive ease. Sample in size 34 ¼” / 87 cm.

yarn
7 (8, 9, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12, 13) skeins Sunday Knits Nirvana 5-ply “Earth”; 137 yds / 125 m per 50 g; 90% merino wool, 10% cashmere.

Cardigan requires approximately 960 (1020, 1130, 1160, 1310, 1390, 1450, 1560, 1650, 1690) yds / 880 (940, 1030, 1060, 1200, 1270, 1320, 1420, 1510, 1540) m of aran weight yarn.

needles & notions
US 7 (4.5 mm) 24” circular needle
OR size necessary to make gauge.
6 (6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7) round buttons, approximately 1.5” / 3.75 cm circumference
4 stitch holders
stitch markers to mark button bands and repeats (optional)
darning needle

gauge
21 sts and 28 rows = 4” / 10 cm in lace pattern.

construction
The body of the cardigan is worked flat in one piece from bottom to the beginning of the raglan shaping. The fronts and back are then worked separately to the neckline, where the remaining stitches are held on a stitch holder. Next, the sleeves are worked flat to the neckline, and the stitches are held on a stitch holder. The pieces are then blocked and seamed together, the live stitches are placed back on the needle, and the collar is worked flat.