libra knits and sews: Spring is (not) in the air

Or at least it wasn't when I wrote this post. Now that I've uploaded the photos though the sun has come out at last and it's actually quite warm!

I first saw this pattern knitted up by Lucy and decided I'd like to knit it. However, it is one of the few vintage patterns that I have which is too big for me as written - size 38" - 40" bust, most vintage patterns being in the 32" - 36" size range. (Although perhaps more accurately most patterns that seem to be readily available on the internet, rather than most patterns ever written.) So some adjusting of numbers was required.

You will see that my version doesn't look much like Lucy's, or the picture on the pattern itself.

This is because I found the fancy ribbing quite time consuming to knit, and I knitted the body on 2.5mm needles, so the stocking stitch wasn't exactly quick either! I decided to forego the fancy ribbing at the top of the yoke - ultimately what I wanted was a green cardigan to wear sooner rather than later, not a faithful vintage reproduction garment.

Fancy ribbing

I used Wollmeise lace in the Petersilie colourway which I've had in my stash for a while. I absolutely love the colour and it was lovely wool to knit with. It's the perfect yarn for a lightweight cardigan and I'm really pleased with how it's turned out.

Other changes from the pattern - I didn't knit the pockets - I might well knit pockets on a longer line, relaxed fit cardigan, but I didn't think I would ever use them in a waist-length fitted cardigan. I also did top down sleeves, knitted the body in one piece up to the armholes and did short-row shoulders. I also did a picked up and knitted on button band rather than a narrow strip to be sewn on - I don't really have the patience to knit these types of button bands... I made twelve 3-stitch one-row buttonholes (another change from the pattern) simply because I had twelve buttons. I don't think I'm ever going to do them all up though. The buttons are glass and I bought them at a Hammersmith Vintage Fair last year, or maybe the year before. I bought them on spec hoping they'd go with this wool... Aaand I've just noticed that they're in the header photo at the top of this blog, still on their card!