The Marias Cardigan is a fitted, slightly cropped cardigan, with ruffles and 3/4 sleeves. It is knit following the CocoKnits method, flat over the body and in the round over the sleeves. The button bands are knit at the same time as the body, using three double pointed needles. This isn’t a begginer pattern as increases, lace and button bands are all knit simultaneously, but it is achievable for most confident knitters. It is originally knit in quite a warm yarn, but this can be substituted for a cooler, plant-based yarn, for a more summery feel.

It has been named after the Three Marias, a name given to Maria Isabel Barreno, Maria Teresa Horta e Maria Velho da Costa, three Portuguese authors who were responsible for writing Novas Cartas Portuguesas, one of the most important books during the Portuguese dictatorship, which was responsible for denouncing the dictatorial repression and the negative effects on the condition of women in the country. I finished this cardigan during the same month as the 50th anniversary of the revolution that put an end to the dictatorial regime, and this name seemed the most fitting.

Gauge: 21sts and 28rows over a 10x10cm square (washed and blocked)

Sizes: 1 (2) 3 (4) 5 (6) corresponding to bust measurments 75 (80) 85 (90) 95 (100)

Note: Considering the design of the cardigan, I recommend choosing the size closest to your actual measurment, with no ease (neither positive nor negative). However, if you prefer a different fit, simply choose the size with the finished measurment that fits your preferance.

Recommended Yarn: A Retrosaria Aprensenta Super Soft (100% wool, 287m/50g) and Knitting For Olive Soft Silk Mohair (70% mohair, 30% silk, 225m/50g) held together or any other yarn or combination of yarns you can achieve gauge with