May 21, 2023

When some colors of the Blossom Cakes went on clearance for $5, I bought 5 cakes with no particular project in mind (while sitting in an airplane, waiting to take off for DC). Hexagon cardigans have been a fad for a while and I thought this denim color would be appropriate for a garment. I like linen stitch because of the drape, obviously since I have the Aria Cardigan started but languishing in my hibernation pile. I should be finishing that project, but instead the lure of new and shiny wins again!

My plan is to make the first hexagon until the sleeves are the circumference I am happy with, then make a second hexagon to match and seam up the shoulders. Then I’ll add width and length by working around the front and bottom of each side. Then I’ll seam the back, do the sleeves (decreasing to the wrist), and finally add more rows to the bottom if I want it longer. This is the way Erin does it in her video, and it makes so much sense to me. I may or may not make a single crochet button band, stopping short on the width before adding to the bottom so it goes all the way up the front and around the neck. (The hem and cuffs may also get sc bands.)

The original Campfire Cardigan, by Jess of Make and Do Crew, started off this fad. It has balloon sleeves because it instructs you to continue increasing the size of the hexagon until it fits around your torso. I like a more fitted sleeve, so Erin’s approach is what I’m going to go for. There are dozens of hexi cardi tutorials, so she may not have been the first to make this adaptation, but her YouTube tutorial covers both linen stitch and this way of sizing, so her tutorial gets my vote as a great one to use as a general guide. I’m toying with the idea of starting the decreases on the sleeves before the hexagon is finished for an even more tapered sleeve.

May 23, 2023

This yarn is very nice to work with. I do wish it was DK weight because I’m worried this cardi will be too much like a bathrobe. The yarn reminded me at first of a bigger Scheepjes Stone Washed, but it has more acrylic so it is softer, and it appears to be chain spun. I hope they keep the Blossom Cakes in the line even if this color is discontinued, because I think it would make wonderful blankets.

May 24, 2023

I have stopped the first hexagon at 27 sc per side and I’ve begun the second side.

May 27, 2023

I have finished my second hexagon as well.

Next, I will add width to the cardigan without making the sleeve wider using this method: https://youtu.be/gofDbFtuvAg?t=872

October 28, 2023

I wasn’t loving the fabric on this for a garment and I knew I’d never wear it. So I frogged the two hexagos and I’ve started a linen stitch square blanket instead.

I’m still liking the hexi cardi idea but I think I’ll use some of my DK superwash wool instead, or maybe even fingering.