Test for MarzenaKolaczek

Knitting this in size Small, using a lighter weight yarn than recommended.

I got gauge with 3.25mm after blocking. The yarn is slippery and knitted up quite loosely, so I used wooden needles to give some grip. I also know from experience that alpaca and silk have a tendency to stretch, and they have no memory to spring back like wool.

Knitted exactly to pattern, apart from the sleeves.
For the 4 buttonholes I calculated them at 16 rows apart, the 2nd came on row 3 of the chart, the 3rd on row 19, the 4th on row 3 of the ribbing.

For the sleeves, I picked up an extra 2 sts round the arm (76, rather than 74), and made them longer.
I continued with the sleeve decreases as set down to 52 sts. Then 2 rounds straight before starting the rib.
I did the decreasing rounds on the sleeves as k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 as I prefer the decreases to lean inwards, towards each other.

The finished size is exactly 39” bust, 19” from back of neck to hem (I stretched it to that length, alpaca and silk stretch easily), and 18.5” inside sleeves.

Finished weight 132g, 792m.

Marzena has taken the greatest care writing this pattern. There are completely separate patterns for each size, which makes it very easy to read both the instructions and the charts.
Everything is well explained and easy to follow.
The lace isn’t for beginners, as there are lace stitches on both right and wrong side,but it’s not difficult either. Once I’d done a few rows I found it fairly easy, and didn’t have to concentrate too much.

The result is absolutely beautiful. A comfy cardigan that looks as good with jeans as it does with a dress.