The Shady Grove cardigan is an a-line style garment whose shape will fit and flatter any body type. 3 buttons fasten the upper bodice leaving the lower half of the cardigan free to swing open, which means no pulling fabric across the stomach and drawing attention to the area. Because this sweater is of top-down construction there is very minimal finishing to fuss with once the knitting is done. Simply sew the small underarm seam, block, attach buttons, and you’re ready to wear your new knit!

The inspiration for this design came from my mother, who is probably my biggest fan and also the most vocal about what she’d like in a garment. In planning Shady Grove I listened to her requests for a simple and casual button down that would be comfortable to wear around the house yet nice enough to venture out in and whose style would be appropriate to wear over skirts, dresses, or slacks. What you see is the end result. And yes, Mom gave it thumbs up.