The name comes from the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T. S. Eliot, where Prufrock is measuring his life out in coffee spoons. In the poem, this is seen as a sign of a life where time was wasted socializing when greater things could have been accomplished (My English 101 interpretation of it, anyway).

I designed this pattern during stay-at-home protocols for COVID, so for me, ‘a life measured in coffee spoons’ is a reminder of better days - when you could casually meet friends and catch up over a coffee, or just people watch at a cafe. I’m hoping this cardigan sees many such occasions.

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Coffee Spoons is a top down cardigan. The Broken Rib stitch saddles are worked first, then the cardigan is picked up from the saddle edges and worked down in one piece. It has a V-neck collar, and A-line shaping. Broken Rib stitch accents are featured on the side panels of the bodice and the sleeves.

Sizing
Size XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X)
Finished Bust 30.25 (34.5, 38.5, 42, 46.25)(50.5, 54.5, 58) inches OR 76 (86, 96.5, 105, 116) (126, 136.5, 145) cm
Recommended Ease 1-4” (2.5-10 cm)
Shown in Size M with 2.5” (6 cm) ease at Bust.

Gauge
On US Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles, after blocking:
23 sts/ 36 rows in 4” (10 cm) in Stocking Stitch

Yarn
Brooklyn Tweed Loft, heavy fingering weight,
100% wool, 275 yds (251 meters) per 50 gram
skein, OR
Any sport weight wool that knits to gauge.

MC (Shown in Faded Quilt):
Yards: 696 (756, 825, 886, 971) (1040, 1137) 1206)
Meters: 636 (690, 753, 808, 886) (950, 1038, 1101)
C1 (Shown in Snowbound):
Yards: 232 (252, 275, 29, 324) (347, 379, 402)
Meters: 212 (230, 251, 269, 295) (317, 346, 367)
C2 (Shown in Homemade Jam)
Yards: 232 (252, 275, 29, 324) (347, 379, 402)
Meters: 212 (230, 251, 269, 295) (317, 346, 367)
C3 (Shown in Old World):
Yards: 232 (252, 275, 29, 324) (347, 379, 402)
Meters: 212 (230, 251, 269, 295) (317, 346, 367)

Techniques Used
Cable Cast on
German Short Rows
Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind off (Optional)
One Row Buttonholes