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These are finished objects from yours truly.  Some projects are designed by me, some projects are not, all projects are here to inspire.

Labor of Love

1/4/2018

3 Comments

 
Belfast Cardigan
​Pattern by Irina Anikeeva
Cost: $6.50

Shown in Wool of the Andes Tweed
Flagstone Heather

Skills Needed: cabling (left and right), tubular cast-on, increases, decreases, short rows, button holes, knitting in the round
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All projects I knit are knit with love, but sometimes a project comes along that is extra special and seems to stitch in a little more of me than expected.  Sometime last winter, I want to say February-ish, I started a sweater for my husband.  I was so happy because he actually asked me to knit it- I wasn't inflicting my weird obsession with fiber on him, he really wanted a sweater and he really wanted me to make it.  I am happy to report I finished it...before the new year, even.  (Yes, yes, I appreciate it, but you can stop cheering for me now.) I am even happier to report that we survived the sweater curse.  Apparently it's a thing- you knit a sweater for your partner and your relationship falls to pieces before it's done.  But I will say, I think knitting something for someone so close to me is what made this project so special.  My husband and I have had a difficult year; not in our relationship but more just life things coming up and slapping us in the face.  And through it all I worked on the sweater.  I look at the finished work and I see in the cables each of the trials we faced this year.  Every section has some memories that are very specific to, let's say, just the left sleeve or the collar.  With it all said and done, this 2017 sweater project makes me feel proud.  Proud because all of those intertwined cables that represent our challenges have made us stronger and that despite some of the upsets we faced, we are together and we are strong.  (Also, there is some personal pride because it was probably one of the more technically difficult knits I've tackled.)   I love my husband and his sweater is filled with that love.  

As for the pattern itself, it is lovely.  I really like the cable work that Ms. Anikeeva includes in her designs.  She does a beautiful job, too, of making lovely men's knitwear that is also masculine.  While there are delicate components and a lot of pattern and interest, the overall appearance of this sweater is very "man."  It is balanced, the cable work is not overdone.  (I have seen some sweaters where the cable work is absolutely stunning, but there is so much of it crammed together that it makes me a little dizzy.  This cardigan did not have that problem.)  

I chose to use KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Tweed in "Flagstone Heather."  It was a nice yarn to work with, but the main reason I chose it is because a sweater, especially a men's sweater, needs A LOT of yarn.  I was trying not to make the first sweater I knit for my husband cost almost $300 in supplies, and the KnitPicks yarn was a nice option that was also economical.  I am sure one day I will knit a $300 sweater, but this was not that day.  I really loved the pattern in tweed, though.  (I'm a sucker for sweaters in tweed.) 

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Summary:  This cardigan has great cable work.  It has a balanced appearance and the pattern is well written and clear.  I even got to try some new techniques, like a tubular cast-on.  The collar is also great, it is bulky and warm, worked in short rows to build height around the neck.  I would recommend this project for someone who is comfortable with cables, patient, and has some experience with garment knitting.  The difficulty rating on this pattern is "intermediate" and I think that's pretty accurate.  
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3 Comments
Barbara
4/14/2020 05:51:48 pm

Rachel, this is a note of belated thanks for your lovely inspiring article in Interweave Knits about the Belfast Cardigan, which has motivated me to start swatching in preparation for attempting it myself. I was beyond excited when I stumbled across your website and found your photographs of the actual sweater from your story...it is stunning and so beautiful! I am also relieved to know that I am not the only one who has been very nervous about the stitches left exposed after removing the provisional cast on yarn! I am new to this technique, and perhaps you can advise...do they truly hold up without unraveling after the sweater is worn???

I hope that you and your family and the sweater are all safe and well during these difficult days. Again, many thanks for providing me a great deal of joy and inspiration.

Sincerely,

~~Barbara~~

Reply
Rachel
4/15/2020 01:14:48 pm

Thank you so much for your message! What an uplifting note to receive exactly when uplifting is needed! And it makes me so happy that you found inspiration in my words and work. That is like a million hugs all at once.

This particular sweater has weathered two winters of moderate usage. There are chilly days here in Alabama, but no sweater gets constant wear in an Alabama winter. However, the tubular cast-on has passed the test of time and still looks great on the edge. The nice thing about the cast-on choice is that it doesn't give that seamed edge appearance like a long-tail cast-on would. It really has a very polished look, so as scary as it seems, it was a great choice by the designer. My advice- move forward with confidence and rip out those provisional threads with (delicate) gusto, your sweater will look great!

I hope you and yours are safe and healthy. Keep calm and knit on.

Reply
Barbara
4/15/2020 03:02:18 pm

Rachel, thank you so much. A couple of days ago, before I happened upon your website, I thought to email Irina, the Belfast's designer. A Ravelery friend had mentioned that she was wonderful about answering questions about her designs. She wrote me back this morning, and suggested using a smaller needle for casting on. My test swatches confirmed...the stitches are smaller, and you are also so right..the edge, and the slip stitch ribbing are absolutely stunning. I've mastered the provisional cast on, and I am so proud!

I think, though, that the loveliest thing about this sweater is the way that it has brought so many of us together who have triumphed in knitting it, or aspire to master its construction. There is something of Irish magic here, and I wish you all the best and blessings of Erin!

Stay well my friend

~~Barbara~~




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