A Little Diversion

I'm democratic in my love of the crafts - and somewhat schizophrenic, apparently, as I've decided I MUST KNIT SOMETHING NOW. I don't know what it is about the spring, but warm weather brings out my inner knitter. I think it's cuz you can do it in the back yard.

I tried to use some stash yarn, but I really didn't have enough to make a sweater. I thought I was open to making whatever I had enough yarn for, but in fact, I want a cardigan. Much perusal of Ravelry and Craftsy and Knitty and my own library proved this to me.

It's really too bad that I so strongly sense Andi's terrific Miette will not work on my shape:

This pretty cardigan is just what I'm looking for - a light jacket for air conditioned surroundings and on summer evenings. I realize, especially having followed Gail's AWESOME knit along (really, go over there right now), that I can alter the pattern to suit my shape needs. But, in truth, I still don't think it's going to work on my frame as well as this one:

City Cardigan by Val Love

To make this, I have purchased a navy blue light worsted wool (the ubiquitous Cascade 220 Superwash) and that I may forgo the sleeve buttons (which are a bit much, IMO). Of course, I'm about 80 yards short, theoretically - the yarn store didn't have another skein. But I'll order it from Romni and, if I can't get the same dye lot, I'll make the rib in either a contrast colour (same yarn) or another lot of navy - as long as it doesn't look obviously different. I figure I can always shorten the sleeves or adjust the shawl neck to save on yarn in a worst case scenario.

Why is it always on the Monday of a long weekend that I figure these things out, when every store is closed and I can't find out about my extra skein options till tomorrow??

This cardigan provides optional short row shaping at the shoulder and neck, to refine its overall fit. A shawl neck will highlight my chest without calling too much attention to it, and the cinched rib which begins just at the under bust will draw the eye to my narrowest feature. That's the theory, anyhow.

As is the way with all knitting, I spent a bomb of time last night taking every measurement I have, with the intention of adjusting the pattern to suit my exact dimensions.

Alas, my knitting skills are not as developed as my fitting skills and the combination of an open front (vs. pull over style), ribbing and a "faux seed stitch" repeat (that works flat and then in the round) means that I am not ready to tackle a wholesale redraft of this to suit my size. Stitch numbers at numerous key junctures require precision and the ability to apply my math to 4 and 5 stitch repeats. If I make a mistake with my numbers in any of a zillion places, the end result could be a disaster. I'm not in the mood for that possibility.

As a result, I'm going to make the small - a 35" bust. (I've determined the negative ease in my fabric and I believe it will provide 2 inches, not to mention that the style will allow for a bit of extra give in the way the Miette will not, as the City cardi is open over the full bust. As my full bust appears to be 37" every time I remeasure, I'm hopeful this is going to work.) I will add to the length (it's top down, so I can do this fairly easily) in the event that I need more to cover the bust so that the ribbing and buttons begin below my full bust, for optimal fit without adjusting every measurement.

If anyone sees a flaw in this logic - pls. chime in!

In the meanwhile, lets chat: Have you made either of these sweaters (Miette or City)? If yes, what are your thoughts about the process and the finished result? How do you address ease when knitting?