Had a break in the rain yesterday and a chance to take pictures of the Ariosa cardi. I threw in on over the first top that looked decent, but I need to test out other options. (As always, click for embiggening)
That said, in the end I like the yarn and the FO, just have to reconcile that it wasn’t exactly what was in my head, know what I mean? Also, it’s far dressier than all my other sweaters and will be a great work piece, nearly year round with the nippy temperatures they keep. Hmmm. More short-sleeve cardi’s would be quite versatile in my wardrobe. And have the added benefit of being quicker, because, short sleeves!
Pattern: Ariosa Wrap Cardi by Cecily Glowik MacDonald for Classic Elite
Yarn: Bouton d’Or Dandy, Lichen, 8.5 skeins (~750 yards)
Needles: US 9 and 8 Options, used US10 for cast off on collar
Size: small (37″)
Mods: Apart from yarn sub, the only mods were to the shawl collar/band. It’s in 2X2 rib (instead of 4X4) and It’s about 3 inches wide (instead of 5). Both of these mods were intended to make the collar look less heavy and more delicate. BTW, I picked up 2 for every 3 stitches on the vertical portion of the collar, and it turned out to be almost exactly the number of stitches called for in the pattern.
Missing Mittens
When I finished Ariosa, I cast on a pair of mittens. For my nephew. You see, my nephew never received the mittens I made him last month. And the postal service has been zero help. “Indifferent ignorance” was the phrase he used. So either they are lying in the bottom of a bin, or someone, somewhere, is enjoying a lovely new pair of handknit woolen mittens.
I’m trying to take a c’est la vie attitude. Because, what can you do? I’ve never had USPS completely lose something. But, they were several days delayed with one christmas package, and I can’t help but notice that the price for Priority on anything but a flat rate envelope has skyrocketed. And that’s without delivery confirmation or insurance added on. So, I think I will be investigating FedEx or UPS when sending my handknits in the future, where you get tracking service.
He saw the pictures of them of really liked the color. I didn’t have enough Peace Fleece left to make another pair, but I did have a very similar color of Cascade 220 in the stash. Would you believe it. I mean, I have a fair stash. But it’s not unending. Even I was a little surprised at this. Anywhoodle, looked through my patterns and decided on All the Water from Through the Loops. My nephew did not shy from the cables – so more cabling it was!
I finished the hand of this one last night. I want to get these finished and off to him while it’s still winter!
Speaking of Short-Sleeved Cardigans
The Spring IK Preview is up! On first glance, I am digging this issue. I think spring/summer editions must be far more difficult to do than fall/winter, which more easily lends itself to knitwear. I like more things in this issue than I have since the Fall 2007 magazine!
Some of my favorite designs in the preview are: Silk Cocoon Cardi, Diminishing Rib Cardi , Soap Bubble Wrap (to be available on Knitting Daily), Saoirse Shawl (glad when I saw this was a shawl and not a skirt!), Net Duffel Bag, Whisper Cardigan (which I think looks much cuter and better-fitting on designer Hannah here), and the Float Stole.
Can’t wait to get it in the mail and take a closer look!
Rowan also has some new booklets out: Lenpur Linen Collection, Milk Cotton Collection, Organic Cotton Kids Collection, RYC Babies, Rowan Classic Family, Rowan Classic Reminiscence, and Rowan Classic Romance.
ETA: I also meant to mention that Yarn Forward Issue 11 is previewed here, for sale on February 16th. It’s the first issue that’s fully edited by Shannon Okey, and there look to be some gems, including some from Shannon herself!
How will we ever keep up?
I’ve given up — there’s no way I can keep up! I’m getting ready to start the Tangled Yoke Cardigan — how far behind am I?
I like that cardi on you, although I do see the bulk you’re talking about on the bottom half — Overall, though, it’s really flattering and what a great colour. It’s almost a neutral but more interesting.
I have given up as well. I can’t keep up, and I guess it’s part of why I don’t seem to have any FOs — I get sidetracked too easily.
Ariosa looks amazing, and I love the color.
That looks great, I love the style of it.
That sweater, LOVE!! I think it’s the perfect length too!
Arioso looks lovely! I’d wear a piece like that a lot.
I know ~ I just can’t keep up with all the new knits I keep adding to my queue!! lol
Very cute cardi! I think you are right – it will be a very versatile piece. That is too bad about the mittens – stupid USPS!! 🙂
I added the Ariosa pattern to my favorites when it came out, but I find your lighter weight version to be much more appealing than the original.
Maybe the belt is what changes the shape and makes it look younger?
How totally devastating!!!! That sucks. I can’t believe it – but maybe they will still show up some day.
I love Arioso. Put it away for a month and when you take it back out you will have totally forgotten your original expectations and be thrilled with it!
It’s hard to know when to cast-off for sweaters to get the length just right. I’m knitting Emily from Heartfelt and lots of people complain they wish they had knit it longer. I merrily followed the pattern and began to panic as I could tell mine was going to be too looooooong. Being loathed to rip I had to work with sizing without having done as many increases, yada yada.
Coming from a matron, I don’t think Ariosa looks matronly on you at all! It clings and hugs in all the right places! The button is faboo…excellent color for you too. Nice work!
Love the cardigan! It fits well and has beautiful detailing. Matronly? NOT!
I like it! And no, it’s not matronly. And that really sucks about the mittens–that poor kitten! 🙂
cute sweater !!! with a different t shirt and a cute leather belt it will be great !!! that is horrible about the missing mittens…….bunch of crap…….i’m upset with usps too.let me know who is cheaper…..i would keep bugging them x0x0xo
How indeed?! I took a quick peek at the preview and am pleasantly surprised. I usually only like one or two patterns in the spring issues, but this one has more that I like.
Ariosa Looks great!
That sucks about the mittens being lost. How disappointing. Good thing you’re such a quick knitter! You’ll whip up another pair in no time. 🙂
Ariosa is fabulous!!! You look awesome in it, and it does not look matronly at all. I love it. Where did you get the closure pin for it? Very nice. I’m sorry the mail lost the mittens. Can you believe postage is going up again, too? Come on. The service is worse, so they need more money. I’m sure the mittens will turn up.
Love all of the new links! Thanks.
ARGH! The post office did the same thing to me last year. They even refused to open the automated mail center box and look inside. I’m not usually catty, but it made me so angry that she wouldn’t walk across the room and open the box to check. I just hope that someone who appreciates the mitts I made really, really enjoy them. So sorry about your nephew’s mittens. At least mittens are fun to make. At least it wasn’t a sweater.
I’ve decided not to look at the previews. I’m prolonging the delight of opening the magazine. I will look at Yarn Forward, though, since I don’t subscribe and didn’t realize Shannon Okey was the editor. Thanks for the link.
I really like your Ariosa, esp b/c it doesn’t have that weird ribbon tie belt that they used in the picture. I think a knitted tie belt would look good though. The color is perfect!
I think Ariosa turned out great and looks cute on you. I would try out a belt with it like others have suggested.
I also think it looks great. It may not be the look you expected, but it’s still very flattering.
The cardi looks great – not matronly at all! Very versatile for your weather out there. Thanks for the link to the IK preview – good stuff, indeed!
Oh I love it, Jillian! I don’t think it looks matronly at all!
You have a knack for picking really flattering knits. You said matronly, I think classic. Ariosa is super wearable. I should start taking pages from your book when planning sweater projects.
Beautiful sweater.
Hi!
Any thoughts on how I might get some Boutoon d’Or Dandy? I am close to finishing a project with it and looks like I am running short!
Hope you can help,
thank you
Ariosa looks great on you! Can’t wait to see what you choose next to knit, after the mittens are completed. Can’t believe the USPS lost them in the mail, but maybe I can. 😦
I too like the new spring IK better than some of their recent issues. Love the float stole, the red shawl, and the Diminishing Rib cardi. So many knits, so little time!