Pumpkin Ale started with a list: for Rhinebeck I wanted a versatile cardigan that could be worn open or closed; worn as a jacket, possibly even layered over a thinner sweater if the weekend was cool; pockets were a must for keeping change, business cards and a map handy; and the silhouette should be one that was easy to wear for many different body shapes.

Pumpkin Ale begins with a richly textured back panel that combines garter stitch and some of my favourite cable patterns. Working the panel by itself means that you can focus on the stitch pattern without worrying about shaping the rest of the sweater. Stitches are picked up down each side of the back panel and worked back and forth to create side panels that wrap around to form the front of the cardigan. The shaping within the back cable panel is combined with short rows at the sides to create a flattering flare from the waist. An edging pattern made up of only knit and purl stitches is worked simultaneously: simple but effective.

Yarn
Worsted weight yarn with good elasticity and stitch definition, wool or wool blends are ideal. Shown in Miss Babs Heartland Worsted (100% Merino, 250yds / 230m, 4oz / 115g) in Roasted Pumpkin.

920[960, 1040, 1120, 1150, 1250] (1310, 1400, 1440, 1510, 1610) [1680, 1750, 1840, 1900, 1960]yds / 840[880, 950, 1020, 1050, 1140] (1200, 1280, 1320, 1380, 1470) [1540, 1600, 1680, 1740, 1790]m.

Gauge
21 sts and 32 rows = 4”/10cm in st st.
21 sts and 40 rows(20 garter ridges) = 4”/10cm in garter st.

Sizes
Finished chest circumference (with fronts overlapping):
30 [32, 34, 36, 38, 40] (42, 44, 46, 48, 50) [52, 54, 56, 58, 60]“ / 7681.5, 86.5, 91.5, 96.5, 101.512, 117, 122, 127) [132, 137, 142, 147.5, 152.2]cm.

Shown in size 36” with 1” / 2.5cm of positive ease.

Helpful links
Technique Thursday - Cabling without a cable needle
Technique Thursday - Wrapless short rows
Blog post - Using charts even if you hate them
Technique Thursday - Crochet provisional cast on