As it turns out, this yarn does not want to be knit at 20 stitches per 4 inches. I sort of expected this, which is why I did a swatch. It also doesn’t like being knit into cables. The heathery alpaca/wool blend just really wants to be stocking stitch. Fortunately I’m not bored at all by miles of stocking stitch.
So here’s the deal. What I want is a plain long cardigan, knit in pieces, seamed, and with a wide shawl collar. I don’t want to do a top down cardigan. My ideal gauge for this yarn is at 17.5 stitches per 4 inches. You wouldn’t think this would be a tough pattern to find, but there you have it.
You do know where this is going, right?
It looks like I’m cobbling together my ideal sweater on my own.
This is either a brilliant idea, or quite insane. But how hard can it be?
Stay tuned.
I think it sounds brilliant! I look forward to seeing your progress.
And that sounds suspiciously like Bee’s Knees. Without the texture or cable. Knit from the bottom up and adjusted for gauge. The bit of ribbing under the arms actually does improve the fit. Skip the cable, or replace ( like I did) with a better/more symmetrical cable.
You are sailing so far out from me I can barely see your masts.
Those “Knitters Handy Book of [patterns/sweaters/topdown sweaters]” are the best single investment I have ever made. I reach for one of them nearly every time I think about a new project. FWIW, the author’s row gauge is way different than mine; be warned.