January 27, 2024

New test knit for Joanna . She always has the most interesting details in her design and this one is ambitious with an all over lace on the body/sleeves.

I had the vision of using one strand of Nutiden with one strand of silk kid mohair. Again, I’m using Biscotte yarns Hermione because I love the softness and the fact that it doesn’t shed. It’s easily available in my area.

I made little balls of Nutiden before starting and haven’t had an issue with breakage.

I knew the most complicated part would be to do the Italian cast-on and the ribbing of the neckband, using the right needle size. Although I got gauge for the body with the recommended needle, I had to go down and use a 2mm for the neckband. The Nutiden expands a lot in ribbing and it’s recommended to use a significantly smaller needle size than with other yarn.

At first glace, there’s a lot going on with the pattern. There are different charts to be used (no written instructions for the charts), raglan increases, broken ribbing, cables, lace, etc.

Since it’s a cardigan, the body is knitted flat. You have to be careful while reading the charts backwards, not to make mistakes, especially in the beginning. In time, I got comfortable and was able to start knitting without referring too much to the pattern.

A challenging knit, but fun and interesting.

February 1, 2024

One more row and I’m splitting the body/sleeves. I am really enjoying the process.

February 18, 2024

The body is done. I used the tubular bind off and did 2 rows of double knitting beforehand (knit the k and slip the purls with yarn in front). I used a 2.5 mm for the hem.

I watched a video to give tricks for the cast-off and it went fine. I used a short tail and added more yarn by felting it as I went. I’m happy with the result.

Here’s a link to the video by Knit and Grace:

https://youtu.be/jVnNLuZrwfw?si=9xFNs5GNs9sH4gAk

On to the sleeves now.

I made a modification on the sleeves length and stopped around 36 cm before the cuffs. I started at row 21 (as per pattern), made 2 complete charts then stopped after row 14, before the 2 diminution rows, switching for the 2 mm needle again. I made 2 double knitting rows before bind-off.

For a reason I cannot explain, I had a more difficult time binding off the sleeves with the Nutiden than the hem. Maybe I grew impatient? I had to start over the bind-off on my first sleeve, which wasn’t easily done.

Now, it’s all done, as soon as it’s dried, I will add final measurements and yardage.

Super proud of this accomplishment.

February 29, 2024

Final measurements

Chest: 104cm
Upper arm circumference: 36cm
Sleeve length from underarm: 40cm
Cuff circumference: 20cm
Underarm to hem: 27cm
Hem: 4cm