little black cardigan
Wardrobe staple that it is I’d been putting off knitting a black cardigan for a while mainly because I didn’t want to knit something in the dreaded un-bloggable yarn colour much less try and sell a pattern for an impossible to photograph item. But I was going on holiday, to rest not work and so I figured that I’d make a cardigan for me at least even if it was camera shy. So the day before I left I wandered round the corner to HandKnit and snagged some black wool cotton. Luckily it isn’t the least bit camera shy, although these aren’t the greatest photos they aren’t too terrible. I don’t think a pattern will be a problem, but I’m thinking of doing another in a lighter colour with shorter sleeves in something light and fuzzy. But given the fact that I already don’t have time to execute all of my ideas I might leave that as a suggestion or find someone else to knit it. We’ll see.
Construction wise this is similar to Briar Rose. That is: bottom up, sleeves and body joined at underarms and set in type sleeves worked seamlessly and shoulders joined. The sleeves are long, knuckle length although could of course be any length that you desire. I like sleeves that cover my hands a bit, perhaps because those on purchased things often do so it seems right. The stitch patterns create a slight bell sleeve effect with no actual work, and are elastic enough that no shaping at all is worked on the sleeves so it really is totally a case of keep going until you like the length. These are so long that I might need to buy another ball, but knitting them has taught me finally that fond as I am of dpns magic loop is definitely less taxing on my arms / hands. Since those are just a little bit important I switched methods halfway through.
The same simple stitch patterns create all of the body shaping and staggering the transition from one to another creates this elegant diagonal.
The neck line will be a deepish v and I’m planning on fastening it with buttons just at waist level. The edges are neatly finished with i-cord (do you know this? all you do is slip 3 purlwise with the yarn on the wrong side at the beginning of every row) and I haven’t worked button holes in.
I wanted to decide on the buttons once I’d finished it and I was planning on doing simple button loops. Then I started thinking about the symmetry of having buttons on each side, and I happen to have 6 rather perfect black ones so that would be 3 pairs. I considered something along the lines of super kitschy sweater clips, like these but more ‘me’. I do like the idea of resurrecting these, but I think they’d work better on a fastened at the neck cardigan. Then I saw Emily’s birds and bees cardigan.
See the cute little knit tab with a button hole at either end? I’m not sure if it will work, and this may also be a better as a neck fastening thing, but I’m going to try it and I think it might end up just right. I do hope so. Crochet may be the way to go, for something a little sturdier. And if it’s not just right? Well there are plenty of other possibilities and everyone needs a little black cardigan don’t they?
Posted: September 25th, 2007 under knitting.
Comments: 30
Comments
Comment from pins&needles
Time: September 25, 2007, 2:22 pm
Even if the color is a bit photo-shy, I would take pictures of it just because it’s dark and drab. I love taking yarn like that and making it into something great, which you’ve done. Great job on that cardigan.
Those bee buttons are insanely cute! I have a friend who would die of cuteness overload if she saw them.
Comment from Danielle
Time: September 25, 2007, 2:24 pm
Oh no, that’s all I need– another cardigan to start! I hope this is made with heavy worsted yarn on big needles ;)
Comment from Thalia
Time: September 25, 2007, 2:39 pm
It looks great so far - and I like the long sweater sleeves that partly cover my hands, especially when it is cold. I like the double-button idea too. (and the bee buttons are just adorable!)
Comment from Marie
Time: September 25, 2007, 2:44 pm
I just love all the little details you’ve put into this cardigan. Brava!
Comment from Janine
Time: September 25, 2007, 2:46 pm
It is looking great so far - I love that sort of shape cardigan - I never seem to fasten more than one or two buttons anyway :-)
Comment from colleen
Time: September 25, 2007, 3:04 pm
Somehow I don’t get the sense that this is going to be a simple, little black cardi. Looks great!
Comment from Wanett
Time: September 25, 2007, 3:06 pm
I love the button tab idea. I have been looking for a project that I can swap out the button band instructions and replace it with this. I hope it works out.
Comment from Tumblina
Time: September 25, 2007, 3:15 pm
Curses! I finally started my black cardigan a couple of weeks ago!! Nevermind, Arwen is cute too…
Comment from Alice from france
Time: September 25, 2007, 4:26 pm
This nex design is so pretty! Even it’s a dark color i think in a brighter color it would be so lovely! If you want someone to knit it, call me!
The bees buttons are SOO cute!!
Comment from Jennifer
Time: September 25, 2007, 5:12 pm
I’m nearly finished w/a little brown lacy cardigan and find your black one absolutely lovely. Can’t wait for the pattern.
Comment from Rachael
Time: September 25, 2007, 5:16 pm
Oh Ms. Ysolda, I just seem to adore everything you design. This cardi is looking adorable and I really was thinking just the other day how much I needed a new black cardigan in my wardrobe.
You are a marvelous designer, I can’t wait for this pattern!
Comment from Flossie
Time: September 25, 2007, 5:16 pm
Hi Ysolda, I’m looking to buy a stitch dictionary, can you recommend one please?
I love the detail on the cardigan, pretty buy not sickly!
Thanks in advance for your help.
Comment from Reve
Time: September 25, 2007, 5:54 pm
if you need a test knitter, i’m all yours!! i love your knitting/patterns and reading your blog is quite the inspiration.
Comment from Jesse
Time: September 25, 2007, 6:08 pm
This cardigan is going to be great! It’s got everything you could possibly want - I do hope the pattern will be available sometime.
Comment from geertje
Time: September 25, 2007, 6:40 pm
those button tabs are so cute!!
Comment from Julie
Time: September 25, 2007, 7:11 pm
That black cardi is gorgeous- I love the way the different stitches do the body shaping, it looks wonderful so far. Can’t wait to see the finished product- I bet we’ll all be clamouring for the pattern!
Comment from Lucy
Time: September 25, 2007, 10:24 pm
it already looks fabulous unfinished and I can only imagine the final result to be the best!
Comment from A Fanciful Twist
Time: September 26, 2007, 12:26 am
Your creations are sublime! And I do enjoy Miss Emily’s altered cardigan… You are so sweet! xxo
Comment from Jessica
Time: September 26, 2007, 12:30 am
That’s really pretty, and I like the idea of button tabs! :D
Comment from Rosemary
Time: September 26, 2007, 12:35 am
Looking good, as always. Your designs are so clever and seem to flow into the intended shapes.
You haven’t forgotten about Stripy, have you? My needles are poised…still.
Comment from Amy
Time: September 26, 2007, 4:38 am
I’ve always had at least one white cat, so it never occurred to me to have a black cardi. I’m always a little surprised when I see people wearing really dark shiny clothes. I have to take a second and remember not everyone has fuzzy pets ;-)
I knitted your urchin pattern for my little daughter the day it came out and it is wonderful. Thanks you so much for putting it out there :-)
Love and Laugher,
Amy
Comment from Josiane
Time: September 26, 2007, 6:14 am
Oh, this one really grabbed my eye, so I can’t wait to see it completed! If you need someone to knit it in a lighter colour, let me know: I’d love to do it.
Comment from Elsita
Time: September 26, 2007, 2:57 pm
Hola Ysolda!
I am so glad that I found your blog!
I absolutely love what you do. You have such a great taste.
And your blog is so beautifully designed.
Thank you so much!
Elsita :)
Comment from Lori In Michigan
Time: September 26, 2007, 3:48 pm
Yum! A black cardi is totally on my agenda! I’ll be watching….
Comment from Becky
Time: September 26, 2007, 5:37 pm
WOW! Love it, another fab pattern coming up? hope so, I totally need another gorgeous project to add to my to do list!!
You spoil us with your consistently beautiful designs!
Comment from kelli
Time: September 26, 2007, 9:11 pm
i can’t wait to see your black cardi finished. it looks like something i may HAVE to add to my knitting queue… :)
Comment from Lesa
Time: September 26, 2007, 9:58 pm
Oh, I love black. I love black cardies. I made one a few years back that I love, love, LOVE! Yours looks amazing!
I am finally back to work, and I get paid on Friday. That means I will be pattern shopping this weekend! Woo hoo
Comment from Alison
Time: September 27, 2007, 8:41 pm
maybe I’ll take a break from purple and my next cardigan will be black! maybe.
Comment from purlpower
Time: October 1, 2007, 10:38 am
That black cardi looks and sounds like it will be ultra-flattering to many ladies - as always I would be very happy to help you with pattern testing if you are short of hands. Love Helen x
Comment from Alyssa
Time: October 2, 2007, 6:27 pm
I love the buttons! I like to stroll around the notions shop in the garment district and pick up buttons I like. I’m amassing quite a collection; I think I should start using them.
Do you have anymore seaming tips since it looks like you do a lot of sweaters?
Write a comment