Badana is the name of the most critically endangered of Portugal’s native sheep breeds, Churra Badana. Its wool was once used locally for weaving blankets and other textiles but presently there is almost no demand for it and it becomes a source of expense and trouble for the farmers. This pattern was born out of my love for this beautiful breed and respect for the shepherds who keep it alive.

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7, 8)

Recommended ease: 12–22″ / 30.5–56 cm of positive ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust Circumference: 48.75 (54, 58.5, 59.5) (62.5, 64.5, 65.25, 72)″ / 124 (137, 148.5, 151.5) (159, 164, 166, 183) cm.

Length from Neckline to Back Hem: 31 (31, 31.5, 32) (32, 32, 32, 33)″ / 78 (79.5, 80, 81) (81.5, 82, 82, 83.5) cm.

Centre Back to Wrist: 24 (26, 28, 29) (28, 29, 29.5, 30.5)″ / 61.5 (65.5, 71, 74) (71.5, 74, 75.5, 77) cm.

Upper Arm Circumference: 18.5 (19.5, 21.5, 22.5) (25, 25.75, 27, 28.75)″ / 47 (50, 54.5, 57) (63, 65.5, 68.5, 73) cm.

MATERIALS
Yarn: 9 (10, 10, 11) (12, 12, 12, 15) skeins of Badana by Rosa Pomar (50% Churra Badana wool, 50% Campaniça and Serra da Estrela wools, 126 yds / 115 m – 50 g), colourway 000.

5 (6, 6, 6) (7, 7, 7, 8) skeins of Silk Mohair by Isager (75% mohair, 25% silk, 231 yds / 212 m – 25 g), colourway 7S.

Or approx. 1058 (1154, 1165, 1222) (1335, 1399, 1410, 1680) yds / 967 (1055, 1065, 1117) (1220, 1279, 1289, 1536) m of each worsted and lace-weight yarns.

Needles: US 8 / 5 mm (for ribbing) and US 10 / 6 mm (for body) 16″ / 40 cm and 32–40″ / 80–100 cm circular needles.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, stitch holder or waste yarn, 3 buttons (1″ / 2.5 cm wide) and three small buttons for securing the main buttons safely in place (optional). One Badana patch (optional): All the proceeds from the sale of the Badana patch are donated to the Badana breeders association (BADANA ANCORCB) to support their essential work in preventing the extinction of this unique breed.

GAUGE
14 sts x 19 rows to 4″ / 10 cm on US 10 / 6 mm needles in St St, after blocking.

CONSTRUCTION
This cardigan is worked from the top down using the first steps of Julie Weisenberger’s method: First, stitches are cast on for the back neck and increases are made to create the upper back and shoulder lines. Next, stitches are picked up from the sides of the upper back to create the right and left shoulders and upper part of the front. Stitches are added at the underarms and the rest of the body is worked in one piece. Sleeves are worked in the round.