Transverse Cardigan by Ann Weaver FO

Pattern: Transverse Cardigan by Ann Weaver

Source: Interweave Knits Spring 2010

Yarn: Worsted Remnants and 1 Skein Lion Brand Fisherman Wool

Source: Michael's Craft Store (Lion Brand)

Needles: 6mm

Start: May 20 Finish: June 6, 2012

Modifications: Use of Looser Gauge and Addition of Two Row Stripes

I mixed in some remnant colours of my own and a skein I had on hand of my favourite Lion Brand Fisherman Wool for the base colour (cuffs, collar, hem etc.).

This little shrug-like-cardi-jacket thingy is knit flat in one piece from garter stitch cuff to cuff obviously breaking for the front opening. (The pattern is shown with only one colour being used so my two row striped version is quite a departure. Given the strong linear nature of the piece and the fact many Ann Weaver designs feature striping I thought it a fitting modification to try and I think it worked out quite well.

What fun choosing the next colour, meting out the wee balls for a cohesive look cuff to cuff.

Obviously the sleeve rows are shorter than the body rows so figuring out yarn usage was a great engaging little TV watching puzzle.

As I neared the last couple of long body rows before the second sleeve I was beginning to worry about how far the Fisherman Wool would go - especially given the last bit I would need to knit with that yarn was the second four inch wide garter cuff.

To save brown yarn, I substituted a brownish green from the remnants, setting it between bright, light blue and dark teal stripes that by contrast made the green look quite brown. (Above, see the four stripes either side of the seam and then beyond the blue stripes either side of them?) The way colours work together never ceases to amaze me. I was pleasantly surprised with the result!

An eyelet detail between the garter cuffs, button bands and stockinette body is a clever detail to lighten the  garter sections with a pleasing visual punctuation. I think it works particularly well on my striped version as the 2 stitch scale of the eyelets matches the scale of the stripes 

I find this piece both pleasing and interesting. So graphic and yet also quite playful and fun.

Admittedly the "fun" and pleasing qualities evaporate when I don the thing. I knew the boxy shape of this piece wouldn't suit me but the striped garment suited my need to use the remnants. The size was purposely small hoping it might help if it was shrunken and shrug-like. Knitting at a loose-ish gauge gave me a drapier texture I hoped would work better than something stiff and unyielding.

My ideas worked for the yarn and my need to use it up and even in making a successful garment but not in creating a piece that works for my shape.

All together now..."Ewwwwww!"....

It looks terrible on me but surprisingly it would have fit and suited my mother. Interesting eh?

Just what will become of this knit is as yet uncertain. It's not headed to my closet. Knitting up the yarn and learning the colour and construction lessons this knit provided is good enough for me.  For now it will "reside" here and on Ravelry and in the gift box.

Thanks for dropping by today.  Writing these posts has me revisiting the process of working these knits after Mom passed - its no doubt therapeutic and helpful in someday getting to the fabulous thing called "Closure"!

Tomorrow I'll put up the last long-finished FO from a few months ago and then its finally on to something that only came off the needles last week!