Finished: Zinnia

I wanted a cozy cardigan that would go with everything. This cardigan answered that call. The pattern is another Andi Satterlund design called Zinnia. I had planned on making this pattern in the future but, after I saw Rue Des Renard’s gorgeous version I put this at the top of my queue. The initial plan was to make this cardigan in a vivid color but, I went with a neutral color to make it very versatile.

This pattern was very fun to knit. I did not think I would finish this in 2.5 weeks but, I did. I thought it would be a pattern that I picked up when I had free time. But, snow days and spring break helped me to finish this. The textured pattern keeps things interesting and works up very fast. The textured pattern also gives the cardigan a nice cushy feel. Also, the diamonds added another fun factor to the project. I took Rue Des Renard’s advice and placed stitch markers between each diamond pattern repeat to ensure accuracy. It worked like a charm. Andi suggests about 0-3 inches of positive ease. I went with 0 inches of positive ease and I am very happy with the fit.

My final verdict: This cardigan is perfect. It’s cozy. It’s versatile. I know that I will get much use out of it. I will most likely cart it everywhere with me considering my cold nature.

Details:

Level – Intermediate

Yarn – Lion Brand Heartland

Color – Grand Canyon

Size – XS

Needle – Size  7 (4.5mm)

OAN: Many thanks to my wonderful nieces for being my photographers. That’s one of the perks of coming home.

Finished: Kayla

I wanted a quick and mindless project and I got it. Maybe it was a little too quick. Lol. However, I am pleased with this finished sweater.

The pattern was very clear and simple as pie. I shortened the body by 7 rounds and I did the suggested 35 rounds for full length sleeves. Obviously, I should have completed more rounds for completely full length sleeves. If I should make this again, I would definitely go for longer sleeves. But, I do like 3/4 length sleeves so, I like this sweater.

I don’t have much to say about this pattern. It can be found HERE.

Since I have had my crochet fix, I am thinking about making Zinnia or Henriette next. Though I wonder if it is time to start thinking about spring knits. I don’t think there will be many days of winter left.

Details:

Yarn – Lion Brand Hearland

Color – Redwood

Hook – I/9 – 5.50mm

Level – Easy

WIP: Kayla Sweater

I have never made a crochet sweater. I do have 2 summer tops but, not an actual sweater. It has been my goal to make a crochet sweater for awhile now but, I kept putting it off. Let me just say, that there aren’t many good crochet sweater patterns out there. I do like Doris Chan’s sweaters in her book Everyday Crochet. However, I left that book at my parent’s house and didn’t bring it to school with me.

While browsing Ravelry, I happened upon this sweater pattern. (The designer actually has additional sweater patterns but, I first want to test out this pattern.) So, I bought the pattern and got to work.

First off, I could not believe the low amount of yarn that is needed to make the pattern. I mean this is a crochet pattern. LOL. I most likely will shorten this sweater so, I may not even need that amount of yarn.

I am making the XS. The bust is 29” for this size and my bust is 32”. However, the next size had a bust of 34”. Considering I want a snug fit, I decided to go with the XS. Also, I did not get gauge with the J-hook so, went down to the I-hook. So far, everything is looking great and I don’t believe I will have any fit issues. We shall see…

Let me just say that I am loving this extended single crochet stitch, which is used for this pattern. It is dense but, not bulky or stiff.

I am using Lion Brand Heartland in Redwood. I saw this acrylic yarn in Walmart and I thought the colors were so pretty. Actually, the entire line is pretty amazing. The colors are inspired by national monuments. Now, I don’t know how it is going to hold up. So, this yarn is also a test too. Haha. This sweater is on trial 😉

I am so anxious to see the finished results of this sweater.