I wanted to design a piece that had easy construction and a stitch pattern that was interesting lace. Cardigans are a staple in my closet and living in CO it can go from 80 degrees to 50 degrees in a matter of hours in the fall so it is always nice to have something that can be thrown on over anything. The Goldenrod fits the bill.

It is made in one piece beginning at the back, increasing for the sleeves is as easy as adding ch sts at the beginning and end of a row where indicated in pattern. The pattern st could be a little tricky if the crocheter doesn’t understand that on the first repeat row of the pattern st it is necessary to ch X number of sts then work into those chain sts before you are back to the original piece. The edging incorporates post sts to give texture around some solidity to such an open lace pattern around the body. Plus, the top chain draws the eye linear along the center of the body which is very flattering :-)

When I design, I try to make all my sweaters available in several sizes and flattering for all figures. This one in particular comes in several larger sizes and would fit just about anybody. Also, it is very easy to to customize and make longer if you want. It is as easy as doing one or two more repeats before adding chs for the sleeves (making sure to still end on the appropriate row number) then making sure that the same number of rows are added to the front of the sweater as well.

One last thing, you might want your cardigan to come in with some type of closure but don’t want to disrupt the look of the collar…I would add hook and I closures to the front right at the bust line. With the lace being as open as it is it will stretch nicely over you breasts and make a nice look. In the pictures here on Ravelry you can see the model holding the front closed in just this way.

Yarn review – Thin yarn is my favorite to crochet with..especially when I am working in a lace pattern. I think it really makes a piece have that polished look rather than homemade. This yarn is fantastic because the combination of silk and wool make the piece breathable yet nice and warm.