Knit from our new Arctic Qiviut blend of 30% Qiviut- 20% Merino- 20% Silk- 30% Baby Alpaca- at $7.95 per 25 gram skein its a Luxurious little bargain. I knit this on a 3.5mm and used our 3 ply. I am pleasantly surprised with the results, the sweater is so soft warm and the fit is wonderful- close fitting and not too bulky in size XL.Perfect to wear with a thin t-shirt or a cute Cami-top. The colour is a natural sort of oatmeal. I don't usually go for this type of colour but this has a special sheen to it and the baby alpaca adds halo. I didn't want buttons for this so i opted for a single sterling silver clasp i bought from a silver dealer in Israel ....still hasn't arrived as yet ( i buy from Israel as much as possible to score Heaven points)
Old Shale Stitch or feather and fan pattern has been around since Victorian times.... makes for an easy knit stitch on the run. This pattern is so easy. Even if you have never knit a cardi before you can do this. The is similar to a short sleeved cardi from http://www.flossyanddossy.blogspot.com/. Wendy, is a designer of everything Vintage and has Oh so cute wiggle
dresses at a very reasonable price for her quality workmanship. flossy and Dossy also manufacture wedding dress at very reasonable prices. Check her out and grab yourself a little something special.
Tension: Over stocking st on 3.5mm needles -24sts X 27 Rows = 4'' inch square.
The overall measurements are: Length-back-24''. Width - 21''
Sleeves: length - 19'' - Width at top of sleeve -17''
Width at Front: 22'' includes the front bands/ribs. These measurements are approx; and are based on my knitting tension and the garment after blocking.
You will need :
1 pair of 3.00mm needles , 1 pair of 3.5mm needles, stitch markers, wool needle,
15- 25 gram balls of Arctic blend 3 ply by http://www.cottagecraftangora.com/
Clasp or buttons to close at collar.
The pattern:
With 3.5mm cast on 130 sts then follow this pattern throughout for the back.
1: (RS) Knit.
2: Purl side.
3: K2, * (PM)-place a marker, K2 tog ( 3 times), YO, K1 ( 6 times), K2tog (3 times).Rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
4: Knit.
Repeat the above rows until work measures 15'' inches long ( no stretching). Next, change to regular stocking st on the next knit row, work until back measures 17'' inches long.
Under arm shaping: Cast of 5 sts at the beg of next 2 rows. then DEC 1 st each end of the next 4 rows. Work straight until armhole measures 9.5'' inches deep. Shape shoulders: cast off 6 sts at the beg of next 4 rows. then cast off all rem sts purl side.
Right Front:
Cast on 76 sts. Work as for back keeping pattern correct, shape armhole, cast of 5 sts on the beg of next knit row, then 1 st at the beg of next 4 rows. work until armhole measures 6'' inches then shape neck front by casting/binding off 15 sts.Next DEC 1 st at neck edge every other row until armhole measures 9.5'' inches. Next cast off 6 sts at shoulders edge every other row 2 times. cast/bind off remaining sts.
Left front:
Same as right, reverse shaping.
Sleeves:
With 3.5mm cast on 58 sts. Follow pattern as set and place markers between so you always know where your at. Work on the 58 sts for 6 pattern repeats, then inc 1 st each end, work another 2 full pattern rep then inc 1 st each end again. Continue to inc 1 sts each end every 2 full pattern repeats.(that's 4 rows = 1 pattern repeat). Continue as set until work measures 10' long(without stretching).
Next change to stocking st. continue to inc 1 st each end every 4 rows.When work measures 17'' long inc 1 st each end every 2 rows until 100 sts, cast/bind off purl wise.make another sleeve.
Next :lightly press and steam all edges using silk or wool setting on iron. Sew up all seams.
Front bands: With (RS) facing you, 3.00mm needles pick up & knit 136 sts from right front and K 2, P2 for 6 rows, cast off in k and p sts. Repeat for other side. You may find that you want a wider band, simply knit more rows till you happy with the width of the band/rib !
Neck: with 3.00mm needles pick up and knit 130 sts, k2,p2 for 6 rows, then cast/bind off knit and purl wise.
Please let me know if there are any errors......have fun !