Minimalist Cardigan Knit-A-Long

Another Finished Mini Cardi

2008-01-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

I may win the prize for "Slowest Knitting of a Minimalist Cardigan," but at least I can now say "IT"S DONE!"

Minimalist Cardigan

Pattern: Minimalist Cardigan by Ruthie Nussbaum
From: Interweave Knits Fall 2007
Yarn: 2-Ply Morehouse Merino/~ 6 skeins in Olive
Needles: KnitPicks Options US size 4
Modifications/Notes: I used sport weight yarn instead of worsted. Rather than rework all the numbers, I did a swatch, took a chance and simply followed the directions for the next size up, taking care to work to the lengths for my true size and not the larger size. I think my only other modification was to short row the shoulder shapings and seam them with a three-needle bind off. First I worried it would be too small, then I worried that it would be too big. In the end, I'm pretty happy with the fit and the overall look.

More photos at my blog.

Thanks to everyone here who posted motivational photos and answered questions and kept me going - even though you may not have known you were doing it.

Finished and worn a while....

2007-12-08T17:56:00.001-08:00

So, I finished mine actually about three weeks ago. I knit the 44.5 inch sweater. It is too big. Seems to be a theme for a lot of people. I saw that the model was wearing a 35" sweater and assumed I needed to knit something larger too because she is very willowy, and I liked the way it looked on her. Also, the sleeves are long. I am a towering 62 inches tall, so I automatically shorten sleeves. Still with a couple inches off the recommended length I wish they were a little shorter still.

I have worn the sweater quite a bit. I love it. The drape is nice. The overall weight is pleasant for when it is chilly. Highly recommend this sweater if you are looking for a very versatile cardigan and aren't afraid of moss stitch. :)

another FO to add

2007-11-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

Mine is done as well! I even wore it today. Unfortunately, no one was around the take pictures when I put it on, so I give you the picture-of-self-in-the-mirror-without-flash version in all its glory.

yarn: Karabella Aurora 8 in turquoise
needles: size 7 straights
size: 35.5, but I should have made 34

There are a couple things I'd like to change, but overall I'm happy with it. Enough to wear it in public, anyway. My only real complaints are that mine also turned out a little long and the cuffs are too loose. This is all pretty much due to the fact that I should have made it one size smaller.

Surprisingly, as it turns out, it looks better with the fronts rolling. I even made them roll more to make it slightly smaller. The yarn worked beautifully and is so soft and cushy. I'm quite pleased!

More of the saga of the sweater on ravelry under twiceknit and soon to be on my blog.

My wrap-up

2007-11-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

Valley Yarns Colrain, color "Chestnut" (109 yards per ball), ~7.2 balls
US 4 Knitpicks Options circular needles (32")

I knit the smallest size. My initial swatching showed that I was almost getting gauge with US 4 needles (the pattern recommends US 7). Instead of trying again on US 3's, I decreased the number of stitches I cast on for each piece to make up the difference. However, I neglected to alter the number of stitches involved in armhole and shoulder shaping, resulting in deeper armholes and narrower sleeve caps than desirable. Luckily both are still workable -- they're just not proportioned as nicely as they could have been. I used short-rows for shoulder shaping and did a 3 needle bind-off for each.

I also chose to add additional length (a half inch) to the fronts and backs (it has been my experience that sweaters are often too short on me if I don't add a couple of inches, at least). This turned out to be a bad idea.

After blocking it was too long/too big looking in general:

I hadn't taken into consideration the drapiness of the fabric or the fact that this cardigan is meant to be worn open over a shirt (and is not fitted at all). It hit in the middle of my butt, and looked like a limp red tent on me. Ooof.

Maddeningly, it looked OK (actually rather nice) with the fronts cinched together like this:

(although the back pooched out strangely around my waist in order to accommodate my buttocks)

I looked for a clasp, but was not happy with the clunky looking overly-fancy ones available, so I sewed on hooks and eyes to keep the fronts closed instead. Unfortunately, this focused too much tension on the hooks/eyes so that the fabric around them pulled rather disturbingly (no photo, sorry).

I took these off and made i-cord frogs, which I sewed to the fronts like this:

While they look nice just sitting there, frankly, they destroyed the minimalist nature of the Minimalist Cardigan (not to mention I attached them a little high, which made me look extremely flat chested and weirdly proportioned, and they looked kind of crooked). Soooooo..... off they came.

I decided that I needed to go ahead and crop the cardigan, or I was never going to get any wear out of it. I picked out the seams toward the bottom of the sweater and lopped several inches off the back and both fronts. Then I put the live stitches onto a needle and worked downward - adding about a half inch of the k2,p1 ribbing before binding off (I know this doesn't match the length of ribbing on the sleeves, but I was afraid of adding back too much length after my surgical escapade). When finished, I reblocked the bottom edge only.

Now, I may be completely batty, but I'm much happier with the way the sweater looks on me! Yay!

I may still add some kind of relatively invisible closure (I was thinking of putting a button or two on the inside of one front edge and a loop or loops on the inside of the other), so that I have the option of wearing my Minimalist Cardigan with the fronts cinched in.

Oh, yes. One last note: the ribbing at the cuffs wasn't tight enough to stay put if I shoved the sleeves toward my elbows a bit (which I am prone to do, and I think this looks better, anyway), so I wove some elastic thread inside each cuff -- much better!

Oops! Not quite done.... I just love the look and feel of this yarn -- it's buttery soft, and the tencel gives it such a nice sheen and drape. Highly recommended!

I'm alive!

2007-11-25T22:53:00.000-08:00

So here's my long-overdue update on the progress of my Mini. I am done with the body and 1.5 sleeves (the last sleeve just doesn't want to be over with, I swear it's secretly working against me). I've already gotten a head start on blocking and seaming which has surprisingly been more of a pain than it really should be. Now I know I've definitely past my October 20-something deadline but you know, life happens. Anyway, progress picture! It fit perfectly here and after I blocked it, I found the length to be perfect but the body just a wee bit too wide and that's of course because I went with the 39" size for positive ease when I really should of gone for 36" which is waaaay closer to my actual bust size (37"). The end product is still going to be very wearable, though, and I'm pretty happy with the outcome thus far. And the color is delicious even if it might clash slightly with my red hair.

Would like to knit it...

2007-11-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

Hello... My name is Donna and I would like to knit the Minimalist cardigan also. I haven't knitted in awhile so I may need help. I am going to swatch this afternoon. I have Ella Rae Classic on hand that I would like to use.

Your project are great and I thank you for your inspiration.

I feel like such an airhead.

2007-11-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm knitting my Mini body in one piece, fronts and back together. I'm up to the armholes, which for me in my sportweight yarn is 98 long rows of little moss stitches. I just discovered that I am not using the needles I swatched with. I'm using a size smaller. I only found out because I needed the size 3 needles for something else and couldn't find them. Guess where they were. Argh! I can't bring myself to rip all that moss stitch so I'm going to continue on with it and block the heck out of it. Should fit, at least until I have to wash it. I guess I'd better loose some weight before then! I still can't believe I did it.

Just Joined & Just Cast On...

2007-11-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
Just cast on last night. After futile attempts at training myself to k & p continental style in the guage swatch, I am resigned to going slower using English, which my fingers do automatically. I agree it makes sense to go seamless up to the arm holes, so that's the plan. And I am also doubling the band to be able to make a facing and prevent rolling. I'm an impatient blocker, so rolling is always an issue for me... I am COMMITTED to getting this done in time...wish me luck! Photos will come when I have more than 1 inch on the needles....

Done!

2007-11-13T15:29:00.001-08:00

It's done and I love it! It was originally a gift but I may have worn it to work today...
More pics on my blog and Ravelry under katiekakes.

In the home stretch

2007-11-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Just the cap shaping and seaming left!

No seams, no curling, no ribbing

2007-10-26T05:56:00.001-07:00

I got started last night and I did decide to do fronts and back together with not side seam. I think the only way this might give me any trouble is in blocking, and this will need a good blocking because even my gauge swatched biased a lot. I'm also nixing the ribbing at the bottom. Moss stitch doesn't curl and I don't really want it drawn in there, so I just started right in with the moss stitch. I'll probably put rib on the cuffs, though. The other mod I'm making is with the stockinette bands. I'm making them twice as wide and will fold it in half when done, so it will have a facing and not curl. I'm using a DK weight yarn that really is knitting much more like a sport weight, so it won't be too thick there. The only thing I'm worried about is if I'll have enough yarn. Since I'm using a different weight I didn't know for sure how much to buy, and then I'll use more with doubling the bands. I hope I'll have enough!

new to the KAL

2007-10-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

Hi! I'm Harrison (twiceknit in the blog world). I just stumbled upon this KAL yesterday. How did I miss it?? I'm making it in turquoise Karabella Aurora 8. I'm not really sure I love it in the yarn (the yarn and I aren't really getting along--it's already been one sweater that got frogged), but it really shows the moss stitch.

I love the pattern, though. I cast on last month and sailed along on the back, but the fronts seem to be taking me forever. And then I still have the sleeves! It's finally getting cold in my neck of the woods, so maybe that will motivate me to finish. I can't wait to wear it!

My one worry--like several other people, my stockinette bands are curling like crazy, both horizontally and vertically. People keep telling me that they'll be fine after a good blocking, but I have my doubts...

Seamless?

2007-10-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

Has anyone made this fronts and back altogether so that it is seamless at the sides? Is there any reason it shouldn't be done that way?

Moving Right Along

2007-10-22T14:38:00.001-07:00

Penny really wanted to make an appearance in this knit along since she's sure this sweater is at least 2% corgi fur. I'm into the right front now and moving at a nice pace. The three-needle bind off went well, thanks for the great instructions Amanda!

They won't stop rolling!

2007-10-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Woohoo, I've finished the right front as you can see (sorry for the poor picture quality - apparently, my camera doesn't take to nighttime pictures very well) and those edges are rolling like crazy. I'm hoping they'll flatten out once I wash the pieces, I'll keep my fingers crossed that they do. I'm starting to wish I'd made the 35 1/2 inch size rather than the 39 1/2 because despite getting gauge, I can tell it will be a little big on me. I knew it would be anyway since I have a 37 inch bust but hopefully somewhere in the blocking process, I can get it just the right size.

Finished back!

2007-10-14T13:28:00.001-07:00

This is a fun knit, it's so easy to do while watching TV that I haven't been able to make myself switch between projects. Hopefully the rest of the pieces go as smoothly as the back and I don't run out of yarn!

Intro and progress photo

2007-10-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

I was so giddy to find a knit-along for this sweater but I almost considered not joining just because it seems like whenever I join a knit-along, I never finish the sweater. However, I've given myself a deadline of October 20th to finish so you can hold me to that. I'm nearly finished with the back, just working on the last few inches and then I'll be ready for the final decreases and to bind off. I'm knitting it in Cascade 220 Superwash in color #855 which they call maroon but like Ron Weasley and as a fellow redhead, I'm not fond of the idea of maroon and I prefer to consider it more of a "brick" color. I love how it's turning out so far, the texture is yummy and the moss stitch really isn't as tedious as I thought it was going to be. Oh, and take a look at my needles in the picture - they've turned red from the yarn.

on the sticks and growing

2007-10-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

I cast on for my cardigan about 2 weeks ago. So far, so good. I am up to the arm decreases on the back and had to stop to knit a quick little baby sweater.
Once my hands recover a bit I will get back to it. I am enjoying this project, though I had dreaded the k1p1 repetition.
I am also knitting this in ultra alpaca in the 2nd size up. My gauge was a bit off but as I was between two sizes I think it will work. So far the back is measuring right for the size.

Here is a (poor) photo of progress thus far.

Finally some photos

2007-10-06T16:21:00.001-07:00

Hi. I finally got my camera back. And here is my lovely cardigan, in pieces.

Newbie

2007-10-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hello all.
This is my first KAL, and my first sweater! After knitting many socks and mittens I have decided to make the big leap to sweaterdom. I am knitting the pattern backwards, starting with the sleeves, and am now on the left front piece (saving the big slog of the back for last). I kind of wish I had the foresight to knit the body in one piece up to the armholes, but oh well, too much done now. I am taking Amanda's advice and doing a three needle bind-off at the shoulder seams. Unfortunately, my mom took my camera on a trip to California with her, so no pictures of my new love until next time! But to give you an idea of my mini cardi, I am knitting with elsebeth lavold's Classic AL Garnet on US 6 needles, and my oh my is it lush. I can't wait until I can wear it!

New member

2007-10-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I'm Kate and I'm making the cardigan with Berroco ultra alpaca on US7 needles. I cast on today while staying home sick and I've made some good progress. I think I may try the three needle bind off at the shoulders since I don't like seaming much. This is my first knit-a-long so I'm excited to get tips and watch every one's progress.

I blog here long dog knits

Finished!

2007-10-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

I love my finished sweater! It's so warm and comfy. I foresee it being worn over a long-sleeved henley once it gets cool.. For now I've been wearing it around the house and such, because it's always cold indoors even when it's really hot outdoors.

That's my instant-gratification self-portrait.. I'm hoping my boyfriend can take some more detailed pictures for me soon, and those will show up on my blog.

This was a fun, quick, and fairly easy project! Right now I'm missing having it to knit on while I read for my classes.

Finished & Very Pleased

2007-09-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

This was such an enjoyable project. (Never did I think I would say that about so much moss stitch!) I used just over 7 skeins of Louet Riverstone in the French Blue color to make the largest size. The sleeve length was a bit of a surprise, I somehow thought it was going to come to just below my elbow. It may the usual problem of pattern writers thinking that the fatter you are, the longer your arms are.

Because my pattern pieces were somewhat distorted, I blocked them all before sewing up. Live stitches at the top of the shoulders would have been a good idea but the seam turned out very tidy anyway. I think the blocking also helped reduce the curling on the lapel.

Which weight yarn?

2007-09-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

I need to order a substitute yarn for this, but I don't know what kind to get because in the magazine, they say the specified yarn is 13 wpi which would make it a sport weight or lighter, but the yarn's website says it is gauge 4 which would make it worsted weight. Which weight are you all getting gauge with?

Sleeve Caps

2007-09-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

I'm nearly finished my first sleeve cap! Yaaay, so close. But I've run into a little problem. I want to make sure that I'm not skipping something that I shouldn't. After you do your series of decreasing at each end of RS, the instructions say:

Dec 1 st each end of needle every fourth RS row 0 (0, 2, 2, 0, 0) times.
Then,
BO 0 (2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts at beg of next two rows.

I'm knitting the second size, so I wouldn't have to decrease every fourth row. So I can just skip that little bit entirely, right? And just go right on to BO 2 on the next row? The fact that the first bit doesn't say something like, "For sizes 39.5 and 43.5 only" is throwing me off.

Intro and progress thus far...

2007-09-19T09:43:00.002-07:00

Hello! I'm Celeste, and I'm new to this KAL.

This project is going fast, despite the moss stitch getting a tad bit tedious at times! I've completed the back and the right front, and am about half way done with one sleeve. It's been smooth sailing so far, though in reading other posts, I kind of wish I'd left the shoulder stitches live to do a three-needle bind-off. Live and learn, I suppose!

This RYC Cashsoft Aran in Aubergine had been sitting in my stash for almost a year. The color doesn't register well on-screen, unfortunately, but this is shaping up to be a highly wearable knit!

On The Needles...

2007-09-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

but such a long way to go. I've finally cast on - trying to squeeze in this project between finishing the Baby Tulip Sweater & socks for the Monkey Sock Swap, and duties required of a high school science teacher / mother of 2 boys. I'm using Cascade 220 superwash & Addi Turbos. But.... right after I took this photo (signs of fall - good time for a sweater), I noticed I screwed up & had to rip back about an inch. If you look carefully near the top (thank goodness) the moss stitch is off. ARghhh - any suggestions on how to figure out where I should begin?

I'm going to follow Amanda's lead & do the 3-needle bind off. Why seam when you don't have to. Not sure about short row shoulders - help - that is new to me.

Thanks for the help all - this KAL should help keep me on track!

~Heather R.
ravelry: Arctic Knitter

Waiting to begin....

2007-09-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have my yarn, my Addi turbo, and wait, where's the pattern? I've been such a good girl, grading and doing work during the week, waiting until the weekend to start. I bribe myself all week, sneaking peeks at my magazine as motivation, and then I leave it on my desk. Typical.
I can't wait to begin and I hope there are still some of you working on yours by the time I get started!
I'll be using Cascade Lana D'Oro in a dark purple tweed.

It's finished!

2007-09-15T15:34:00.001-07:00

Yay!

I'm very happy with the finished sweater, though I think I'll be adding a clasp to mine (a la Bronwyn). I should have known, as open sweaters/jackets/shirts never really drape properly on my body -- the fronts just flop open and hang at the sides. Looks good here, but I don't expect the sweater to behave when I'm actually moving!

Here's a closer picture of one of the short row, three-needle bind-off shoulders (see the previous post's comments for an embarrassingly long explanation of how I did that (sorry, Holly Jo!).

I have a very long project post about this on my blog, if anyone wants all the gory details. I've got a couple other pictures over there, too.

I'm not sure I would have finished this in the time frame that I did if I didn't have this KAL for motivation and inspiration (moss stitch for an English style knitter is tedious). Thanks, everyone!

three-needle bind off for shoulders?

2007-09-14T10:11:00.001-07:00

So, I am nearing the end of the back (old photo - just added for interest). I am wondering if anyone can tell me a good reason why I shouldn't keep the shoulder stitches live and then do a three-needle bind-off with the corresponding fronts instead of seaming? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. :)

Hey Amanda - would you mind sharing about short rows on the shoulders? I am struggling wrapping my mind around it? Not numbers or anything, just general idea. Thanks!

I think I can, I think I can...

2007-09-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

Man, sleeves are hard. They're like the "eating your vegetables" of knitting.

So, I have one sleeve left to go (I'm about 30 rows into it). I sew as I go (so I don't have to do it all at once), and here's what I've got:

The body of the sweater is a little bit tight, but the moss stitch fabric is so stretchy, I expect it to relax a bit in the wash. And hopefully, those tubes o' stockinette will relax a bit, too!

Barring disaster, I expect to really love this once it's finished. Which is good, because I'd have a hard time choking down my veggies (ie, knitting this sleeve) otherwise.

I don't know how the rest of you are doing on yardage, especially since everyone is subbing for the recommended yarn. My size calls for 8 balls, I ordered 9, and I'll be using a large chunk of that 9th ball. Granted I added a little length to the body of the sweater (about 1/2-3/4"), but I think I would have gone over 8 balls even if I had followed the pattern exactly.

Cotton Minimalist Cardi

2007-09-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

This is my first time blogging, ever, and my 6 year old took the pictures, so please forgive the quality. Thanks for letting me join your group!

My dear friend gave me 10 balls of Rowan Handknit DK in a lovely blue. The Minimalist Cardigan pattern seemed just right for it. It looked like a summery shape, and I thought that cotton would be a good fit for it. I really love the pattern. However, when I knitted my swatch in seed stitch, I thought that it looked too grandmotherly or washcloth-y in the cotton, if you know what I mean. So, like bobbi, I switched the body to stockinette, and the band to seed stitch.

I'm happy with the way it came out, but I do want to knit it again in the original pattern with something like Debbie Bliss Alpaca silk. I'm using a hair pin to keep it closed up top, but really like that clasp that Bronwyn (the prolific knitter) used on hers.

I thought this was a fun, easy, quick knit, but I'd change a few things. I'd either make the sleeves longer or shorter, they just aren't elbow length on me, and look like I just made a mistake knitting the sleeves. I also think that I'd do the smaller size (did the 351/2 bust), but I think it looks a little big on me. However, I do have a terrible history of shrinking my handknit sweaters, so maybe it will work out in the long run.

Anyway, thanks for letting me join your knit a long, and when I get some Alpaca Silk, I'll start posting my next Minimalist Cardi.

--Pam.

Uncertainty

2007-09-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

I cast on for this sweater last week but I have already arrived at an existential crisis. I'm not sure I am going to like the sweater in the yarn I'm using. It seems to me this sweater wants to be a cute, slightly sophisticated city piece, and I am starting to suspect that knit in 100% wool like this it may come out rougher and more rural. Looking through everyone else's pictures of this pattern on Ravelry it appears that this sweater looks nice and crisp in a yarn that has more shine and less furriness. I'd like to ask others who are knitting this in 100% wool what their experience is. I like the yarn fine; I'm just not crazy about putting all the work into a sweater that I'm not going to wear the way I wanted to. Opinions very welcome.

More on my blog.

Reporting in and a question...

2007-09-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

Finished the back tonight and am still loving the pattern. I've decided to move on to the fronts and I have a quick question: Do we all agree that the pattern should read the ribbing is done for 1.5" on the front (just like the back) or the 1.25" that it states? Is there some reason it is a quarter of an inch less that I just don't understand?

Thanks!!!

Almost done with right front!

2007-09-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

I just passed the armhole shaping for the first front!!! I know i'm not that far, but still... It goes quickly. I'm knitting mine in a bright green color of cascade 220. Pictures soon!

I love it!

2007-09-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

I finished mine! I love it! I didn't love it so much when I was sewing up the bagillions seams, but when I tried it on, it was love at first site. This is my first sweater with seams I was swearing I wouldn't do another one but I will. I made a lot of modifications, for details and more pics head on over to my blog.

Happy Knitting!
Bobbi

Button?

2007-09-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

I've started knitting the right front side, and I'm wondering if I should make a button hole and have a button closure. What do ya'll think? For those of you who have finished, do you think a button closure would be a good addition?

Also, here's a picture of the finished back.

Intro

2007-09-03T09:05:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the chance to join this KAL. I found out about it on Ravelry. I am using Louet Riverstone 100% wool worsted in the French Blue colorway. It is really nice to have a straight forward, not too much concentrating involved project after finishing Mystery Stole 3.

Well, the biggest slog is over. I finished the back on Saturday. It is somewhat distorted but I think blocking will fix that.

Since I didn't want the bottom edge of the stockinette sections to curl, I made a slight modification to the pattern. Instead of beginning the front with K18, I just K3 so the edge roll would be consistent and then began with the ribbing.

Minimalist Card

2007-09-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the start of my Mini Card. I started a few days ago while working on other projects. I guess I'm about 5 inches into this project. The yarn I'm using is from my stash...Berroco SenuWool in Shaker Grey. This yarn is now discountinued. I was able to get it during a 75% sale at a yarn shop I went to a few years ago. Happy Knitting!!!

Not Liking this Pattern

2007-09-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

I am about half way up the back for this sweater and am not liking it at all. Ok, you all know what a simple pattern this is, but simple patterns are my downfall! If you can believe it, I have a lifeline in mine! Don't laugh! I take the train to work, so am always blabbing with my friends, and I usually do most of my knitting there, and you wouldn't believe how many times I've gotten distracted on this pattern while blabbing and done the wrong row and had to rip it out! So I got back on track and put the lifeline in. Ok, get up off the ground from laughing now, ok??? LOL Well, yesterday, dang it, it happened again! I ripped back a few rows and started on the row I thought it should be, and I was working on it right now, and see another glaring mistake from where I must have done the wrong row . . . AGAIN! I'd be done with this sweater if I wasn't constantly ripping it out and starting over! Boy am I a moron! I have to have a lifeline AND I have to put a marker on the pattern to remind myself where I left off! ARGH!!!! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go frog again!!! Maybe I'll go do some cross stitch for a while.

Ease is not my friend.

2007-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm new to this KAL, and itching to cast on! Got my yarn and everything. The only problem is.. I don't know which size to make! I don't knit garments very often, so ease always causes me a lot of heartache.

So how much ease are you incorporating into your cardigans? I'm a 36" bust, so I can do the 35.5" with negative .5" ease, or the 39.5" with positive 3.5" ease. At first I was leaning towards the larger size, because the schematic looks like the finished size incorporates the gap in the front, but then I did the math and it looks like the finished size is only the amount of fabric. So now I'm leaning towards the smaller size! But I figured I'd ask around for some reassurance before I actually cast on and make a commitment. (For the record, I have gauge.)

New Member

2007-08-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hello KAL-ers!

I started knitting the mini cardi last weekend. I'm about 9" into the back. I'm using Andean Silk in Barn Red from Knitpicks. I can't wait to finish it, though I probably won't be able to wear it until November! (I'm in GA, and we just ended a month-long stretch of 100+ degree days.)

So far I like the pattern. A bit redundant, but I do like the texture of the moss stitch.

Here is a picture of my progress:

Rollin', rollin', rollin'...

2007-08-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

I've had the theme from Rawhide in my head all day. What is wrong with me?

Yes, I've started knitting the fronts of the cardigan. And that edge? Rollin'. The side edge isn't that bad, which surprises me (in a good way), but the bottom edge is really flipping-up (and not in a good way). Part of this may be because I can't leave well enough alone and started my knitting with a WS row, instead of a RS row as instructed in the pattern (I think it makes the cast-on edge look nicer). I don't know if this will block itself out once I've finished the sweater, or if I'll be figuring out some way to stop the rolling at the bottom of the fronts (the rolling at the sides doesn't bother me like I thought it would). I already have a few ideas in mind, so I'm not too worried if it comes to that.

Despite the rolling, it's really nice to have some stockinette to knit now...all moss stitch, all the time is a little tedious!

Me Too

2007-08-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow Minimalist Cardigan Knitters-

I'm jumping on the bandwagon. I finally received my fall IK just last week and was immediately taken with this pattern. I had some yarn on hand for an abandoned project and it seemed like fate. I've knit about 5" of the back so far.

I'm using Morehouse Farm Merino 2-ply in "Olive." This yarn is considered sport weight and since it is a lighter weight than the pattern suggests, I'm following the pattern as written for the 43 1/2" and hoping to get around 38". (Sort of what Bronwyn did, only in reverse.)

I'm looking forward to watching all of your sweaters grow!

New to Group

2007-08-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I recently joined this KAL and can't wait to start, but I will have to. I am currently working on the Sweetheart Vest that is in the same Interweave Knit's issue. It will be a birthday present for my MIL.

I will be doing the Mini Cardi in Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride Worsted in Spice.

I look forward to seeing everyones FOs.

Kristy

Getting closer

2007-08-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm still working away on the Mini Cardi. Here's my progress as of yesterday afternoon, I've actually finished this sleeve and started on the other one. This will be my first time assembling a sweater and I'm getting nervous!

Happy Knitting!
Bobbi

Swatch Completed

2007-08-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am trying to knit from my stash these days. I discovered enough Hayfield Silky Cotton in a beautiful light blue. It should be a great lightweight sweater for next spring/summer. Checked and doubled gauge . . . I'm good to go!

I love it, rolled edges and all.

2007-08-20T16:44:00.001-07:00

minicardiwithtop2
Originally uploaded by The Prolific Knitter

There are more photos on my Flickr page if you click on the one you see here. The specs on this little beauty:

Started: August 6, 2007

Finished: August 17, 2007 (though I initially was going to install a zipper, but settled on this clasp today to maintain the soft lines of it.)
Pattern: This should be obvious. ;)
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran in Venetian, a dark plummy brown. My gauge was off, so I made the smallest size to accomodate the yarn. It worked perfectly, in my opinion.

Notes: The rolled edges are actually nice. All while knitting it, I was suspicious... would I end up with knit tubing framing the girls? It does roll a little at the edges, but that just makes it softer (in both looks and feel) and the more pronounced rolling at the bottom is perfect for letting a bit of lace ruffle peek out from this otherwise staid cardigan. When I wear this, I feel very scholarly. *grin*

I hope y'all out there have a similarly wonderful experience with your Minis. This sweater is very versatile, and I think you'll find yourself wearing it all the time...!

No, there isn't a fire...

2007-08-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

But you might see the smoke coming up from me while I'm trying to think about this rolling stst band. What if you casted on for the 18 (the number in the band) and knitted, say, 5 rows and then casted on the rest of the band and knit as normal except when you get the the 5th row (or 10th on the band) you knit the cast on edge up...hem it. Of course, throw a purl row in there so that it creases in the right place. Bad description.

I'm not as concerned about the vertical edge of the band rolling because I think that would almost give it a finished look, but I don't want the bottom to roll out.

Anonymous commented on the last entry that they were thinking of double knitting. I would like to know more about that.

Is it cheating to move onto the sleeves until a concensus has been reached on this? How is it going, Bronwyn?

Another new member...

2007-08-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

I just joined the KAL, and look forward to getting started -- once I finish my current project and get my yarn. I ordered some Elsebeth Lavold Classic AL in a burgundy shade (Webs has it on clearance). It has a similar content and gauge as the yarn called for in the pattern, so hopefully, it will work well. I've never used it before, but my mom has some in her stash and it feels divine in the skein.

I'm very curious to see how people handle the collar -- I had a pretty strong negative reaction when I got my issue of IK and saw that the edges are stockinette...I really want to see how other people fare (I worry that those edges will roll something fierce!).

OK, I have something to show, now.

2007-08-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Took time out of knitting (and cleaning) to snap a photo of my Mini Cardi so far. About an 1.5" to go before I decrease for the armholes.

Love the pattern! What a fun, quick knit! I just pray I don't get front-itis.

Invitations

2007-08-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Hi! If you've sent a request for and invitation and haven't heard from me please resend it. Just as I was clicking "delete all spam messages" this morning I saw a request for an invite, but it was too late and it was gone.

Sorry for the hasty deleting!
Happy Knitting!

Just Found This KAL Today

2007-08-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

So, I figured I'd join, since I started this sweater today too. I don't have any pictures to share as yet, since I'm only on row two! I do most of my knitting on the train to and from work so that's all I got done today since on row three I zoned out and messed up my ribbing of all things! I have a project I'm almost done with, so I needed another train project, and chose this one. Anyway, I am making mine from some yarn from Elann, the Peruvian Pure Alpaca in the color Sangria. It's very soft, a little hairy, but I think it will work for this sweater, it's a really pretty heathered read.

Well, that's it for my first post here. Thanks for having me.

Beth

Happy to find you guys!

2007-08-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

I had just finished the ribbing on the back when I decided to do a little search on Ravelry (bonitapita) to see who was doing the Mini Cardi. Followed the links and found you!

I am using Cascade Sierra, which is a 80/20 cotton/wool blend, in colorway 60, a chocolate brown. I really like working with this yarn (made a few baby items with it) and had enough in my stash to give this a try.

I just love the look of moss stitch and I, too, am a continental knitter and find it to be fun and interesting to knit. I'll post a picture as soon as I have enough to be interesting (and good daylight).

happy knitting

New Knitter

2007-08-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hi
Just joined your KAL. Looking forward to knitting the cardigan with all of you. I'll have to go sniff my yarn and pick out which one to use.
I have been knitting socks, baby booties, and baby blanket so far ...haven't attempted a sweater yet. I may need some help and advice from some of you. My blog,

Minimalist Cardigan body

2007-08-11T18:32:00.001-07:00

Minimalist Cardigan body
Originally uploaded by The Prolific Knitter

I finished the body this afternoon and am now onto the sleeves. I don't think you can tell from the photos, but it has a kind of kimono collar - the straps that you see at the top are grafted together, then the edge is sewn against the back neck so that it will stand up. I don't know how I feel about the edging, personally. I know the pattern description says it is supposed to roll, and it's a "design feature" (we all know what that means. *wink*) but I find it very annoying. I am considering sewing a fabric facing and blocking the heck out of it to make it more... kimono like, and less like I am wearing rubber tubing over my lady bits.

Also, the sleeves increase a lot right about the ribbing, and while I like it on the model, it looks very blouse-y. I'll keep it, but I just thought you should know before you get there that there is no gentle increasing outward, just one free-for-all 16 stitches increased in one row. So, you may want to increase slowly along the seam line if that's more your style.

(Oh, and the sleeves aren't going to be elbow length on anyone who isn't 6' tall. As written, it's a 3/4 length sleeve on me.)

I hope to get this puppy done and put together pretty quickly, but sleeves are not my thing so I may end up lagging behind in the end~!

Mini Cardi from the stash!

2007-08-09T18:50:00.001-07:00

minimalistcardigan
Originally uploaded by The Prolific Knitter

minimalistcardigan
Originally uploaded by The Prolific Knitter
I'm really enjoying knitting my Mini Cardi, in Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran. my gauge was a little large, but I did the math and am knitting the smallest size, to have it even itself out at 37-38". (which is the perfect size!)

I'm knitting mine all in one piece up to the armpit, which I am at now, so it's time to divide for the fronts and back. I expect this will be a quick knit due to the bulkier gauge. I generally knit sweaters in dk weight... these size 7s feel huge!

I have a good reason to hurry, I have the Malabrigo coming to knit the Placed Cables sweater from the same issue. I want to have a slew of new sweaters for fall! (I thought it was nice how you have a line of matching stitches where the fronts meet the back, so it looks like there's a seam, when there really isn't! Too cool!)

Rarin' to Go -- Without Yarn

2007-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about this sweater. I love the lines, the way it fits... you name it, I think it's good (well, except the sleeve length).

But....
I'm back in my evil dithering slump. (I'm still searching for Rogue yarn over a year after vowing to knit that sweater). I keep hoping to fall in love with something that I can knit from stash, but am not sure yet that anything I've got on hand will work (okay, some would if there were enough).
I have JUST the right amount of Katia Bufalo, but am not at all sure that it's suedey softness would work for this particular sweater. There's a wholly different sort of draping action going on there.

I plan to lengthen the sleeves. I cannot abide 3/4 sleeves, and can't imagine that these slightly shorter than that sleeves won't also drive me nuts. But I do plan to slog through the moss stitch. (Hmm... does that mean this sweater can work for the SlogAlong blog too? I'll figure that out after swatching.

Classic Elite Skye Tweed

2007-08-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

I ordered Classic Elite Skye Tweed as a sub for my Mini Cardi. I'm also modifying the pattern, it seemed like way too much work to make this sweater in moss stitch, so I'm doing straight stockinette. I've also added a little shaping at the waist. Can't wait to see everyone else's!

Happy Knitting!
Bobbi