DONE, DONE, DONE... FINISHED EVEN. . .

Cardi D O N E! I think I knitted parts of this sweater three times! lol. But it's done and it did turn out the correct size. . . a nice redeeming quality. It is laying on the blocking board drying right now. Tomorrow it will get its buttons sewn on and then be off to its new home with one of my DD's.

This was a KAL sponsored by LyonBrand Yarn. It is the Simple Raglan Cardi. The pattern is free on their site. If you visit Ravelry, there is a link there also.

I made several changes to the original:
Body: short rows across upper back to lift neck edge; a few more short rows across mid-back to elongate it and keep sweater from riding up; also lengenthened body to just past waist. Did a 10% dec just before bottom ribbing to pull it in. At front edge did a very simple lace insert over 6 stitches of: Sl, K1, YO, K2Tog, YO, K2Tog, continue to work even across row to last 6 stitches: K2Tog, YO, K2Tog, YO, K2. [I slip the first stitch of every row!]

Sleeves: Lengthen to 3/4; work straight to this length then rapid dec of 15 stitches to equal 40, then rib with size 6dpn needles - this gives a one-inch negative ease which perfectly fits DD's elbow/arm circum' of 8.75inches. Working in the round eliminates the sleeve seam and makes this cardi almost seamless [except for weaving 6 stitches at underarm].

Front Band: b/c body was lengthened, more p/up stitches were required. I used 88 which is a muliple of 4 for the K2P2 rib with extra 4 for beg/end and a sl 1 at beg on each row. Size 6 needle. Buttons = 5/8 and 3/4 inch: i bought both and will decide which to sew on tomorrow... probably 3/4 inch.

If I make this again I will knit two rows plain after all yoke increases are finished where yoke, sleeves, body are separated for knitting the lower body. This will greatly facilitate weaving the underarm stitches later. Also, will either knit the whole in the round with a front steek, OR knit the front bands at same time as making the sweater. It seems counterproductive and too much extra work to this knitter to BOTH work back/forth AND pickup for the front bands. This is a nice and very easy pattern. I ran into a bit of trouble b/c I wasn't paying attention when I made several changes to the original pattern -- life happens, eh?! lol

If you decide to knit this little cardi, I hope you will share your project. There is a group on Ravelry. I am "KnittyCyn" - come visit.

I can't close today without sharing what I caught Missy doing the other day. It seems the porcelin bowl was calling her name. I don't understand the facination she has with the sink... at least it is not the toilet! lol

That's it for today. Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time. . .

Quilty Hugs,

ON THE NEEDLES - A Simple Raglan Cardi Sweater

Saturday evening, in addition to all the hub-bub preparation for Easter weekend, I began a new sweater. Yeah, I know... a bit insane. If you would like to make one also, the FREE pattern can be found on the Lyon Brand Yarn site. It is called: Simple Raglan Cardi. Below is what mine looked like by Saturday bedtime:

I have several more rows completed now. This sweater is made from the Top down. I usually begin at the hem, so this is a nice change. It is for my DD Lonna. I am making several changes to the pattern: Sleeves will be 3/4 length; Body will be to waist; Front Edge has small lace insert. A ribbed front will be added after-the-fact for buttons, buttonholes, etc.

Lyon Brand is also hosting a KAL for this sweater, so come join in the fun. All the scoop can be found HERE, as well as a link to the free pattern. A few have finished their sweaters already as they started in February. Some nice photos can be found on Ravelry.

That's it for now. I am off to round up some strings for tomorrow's Friendship Group Meeting. We plan to sew up a storm of blue fabric! Until next time. . .

Quilty hugs,