25-12-2022

Sleeves have been separated. Almost done with the first CC2 block.

02-01-2023

Started the bottom short row shaping today.

13-01-2023

I finished the short row shaping a couple days ago and started the bottom edge. I struggled a bit with the pocket openings, somehow the stitches were way too loose. I hope it looks ok when it’s all together. Was this pattern really this challenging?

23-01-2023

Bottom edge and pocket linings done! Next is the neckband.

28-01-2023

Neckband and icord bind off are done. I picked up the stitches for the neckband with the MC instead of CC1, but any otherwise I did exactly as per pattern. I’ve also sewn both pockets and woven in all ends. All that is left now is the sleeves. It’s looking great and I’m happy about it, but I had forgotten from my first unsuccessful attempt a few years ago just how tedious knitting this pattern is. I mean I love the look of the cardigan, it’s beautiful, polished and elegant with so much attention to details but the downside of that is that its construction is very intricate, there’s a lot of small steps and details to look out for. I love the finished garment, but the process to get there is not as enjoyable to me.

29-01-2023

I wanted a slightly tighter sleeve on this so I started the decreases in CC1 slip stitch section. I decreased in pattern at rows 6, 14, 22, 30 then continued knitting straight for 20 rows, following the colour and slip stitch instructions (15 more rows of slip stitch, 5 plain rows). After that, I resumed the sleeve decreases every 10 rows until ( reached 48 sts.

01-02-2023

Right sleeve finished, now moving on to the left. I’m so excited to have this done, it’s looking absolutely amazing!

02-02-2023

Fun story - when I separated the sleeves, I was somehow short 3 sts on the back, and I didn’t know why (I was pretty sure my total stitch count was right). I didn’t pay it too much mind, I increased 3 sts and moved on. Well, turns out when I put the left sleeve stitches back on the needle, I realized I had 3 extra stitches. The raglans are looking symmetrical on either side, so I probably placed the left back shoulder stitch marker 3 stitches off. Nothing to fuss about, but something to pay attention to if I ever knit this again.

Also thank god I didn’t pick up the neckband stitches with CC1, because I finished the CC1 section of sleeve 2 with barely 1-2 yards to spare. That was close!

05-02-2023

All done! Just gotta wash and block.

07-02-2023

I wasn’t sure how the handspun was going to react to washing/drying since it’s a merino-tencel blend, but I’m actually happy about the result. The yarn is actually fairly fine, finer than the other two yarns I’m using in this project, and so the fabric was a bit loose and airy. I was hoping it would shrink a bit in the wash, but I didn’t want it to completely felt. Well, it turned out perfect. I sent it washer and dryer (alone on air fluff) and while it did shrink, the knit retains some stitch definition albeit a bit fuzzier and fuller which showcases the tonal shades beautifully.