Often while knitting, I go to a place of deep contemplation, not unlike a simple meditation. This cardigan begins with a simple random eyelet pattern framed on the back, and then sides and borders are all worked out from this center piece.

The simplicity of repetitive stitches and stripes will give you plenty of time to ponder, or just drift off for a few happy minutes of peace. The merino/silk blend yarn gives a perfect drape and next to skin softness that is amazing.

This is an intermediate pattern, you need to be able to do increases and decrease, pick up stitches, change colors and work a simple lace pattern.

Finished Sizes

• 12 (13 ½, 14 ½, 15 ½, 16 ½, 18)” / 30.5 (34.5, 37, 39.5, 42, 46) cm wide across back
• To fit approx bust sizes 28-30 (32-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-54)” / 71-76 (81.5-91.5, 96.5-101.5, 106.5-112, 117-122, 127-137) cm

Yarn
Skein Merino/Silk Sport (MC – main color) 50% merino wool / 50% silk, 363 yds / 332 m per 3.35 oz / 95 g; 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins, shown in colorway Barley
Skein Merino/Silk Lace (CC – contrast color) 50% merino wool / 50% silk, 766 yds / 700 m per 3.53 oz / 100 g; 1 skein, shown in colorway Tribal
- Or approx 975 (1020, 1085, 1200, 1280, 1360) yds / 880 (930, 990, 1090, 1165, 1240) m of a light dk to sportweight yarn (MC) and approx 375 (420, 450, 500, 535, 570) yds / 340 (380, 410, 455, 485, 520) m of a laceweight yarn (CC)

Needles
US Size 5 / 3.75 mm; 40” circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge (see note on gauge below)
Note: I used the magic loop method for any small circumferences, you may use dpns or whatever circular knitting method suits you.

Gauge
24 stitches + 32 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch, unstretched (on sleeves)
20 stitches + 34 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch, blocked (on body)
- Note about gauge: The yarn I used, being a silk blend, relaxed after washing/blocking the cardigan.
I recommend knitting a fairly large swatch in stockinette stitch (6” x 6” square at least), then measure your gauge. If you are getting 6 sts to 1”, wash and hang your swatch diagonally, weight the bottom with a couple of clothespins or binder clips and measure gauge again when dry, you should get 5 sts = 1” / 2.5 cm, the row gauge should change slightly to 8 rows = 1” / 2.5 cm.

Notions
Tapestry needle 4 stitch markers (2 colors)

Pattern Notes
- The fronts of this cardigan are designed to hang open; when choosing a size you need to measure your center back width (from under the arm, across the midpoint of your back, to the midpoint on your other side). Finished sizes are suggested, take time to measure! If you are in between sizes, go with the smaller size. You’ll also want to consider your upper arm measurement, since the sleeve is fairly fitted.

• Cardigan is knitted beginning at the center back, which is knitted out in a square. The sides are then picked up and worked in rows, and an afterthought sleeve opening is created. The sleeves are then picked up and short rows are used to create the cap, then they are worked in the round. The top and bottom borders are picked up and worked in rows.

• When you are working striped sections, do not cut yarn, instead loosely carry your unused color of yarn up the side of your work as you go, twisting strands every RS row (or every other rnd on sleeve).