a new favourite cardigan

I have finally had time to take photos of my 'new' cardigan. I finished it a while ago but either the lighting was poor, there was no photographer available or I was in a bad mood. Today, I am working from home because I am coughing my insides out and I would rather do that in private (just in case I loose control over my bladder). Too good an opportunity to miss. It is quite dark but there's not much I can do about that. All photos are selfies and may be a bit out of focus.  

The cardigan I made was designed by Meiju Knits and is called Aureed. I loved the pattern the moment I cast my eyes on it. It took a while to find yarn that I would love, too. I used Cascade Heritage, which is a sock yarn containing 25% nylon and 75% merino wool. 

I struggled to get the gauge right. The pattern asked for Madeline Tosh Merino Light knitted up on a 4 mm needle. My yarn was nearly the same yardage per 100 grams but there was no way I could achieve the gauge with a 4 mm needle. I used 3.25 mm needles instead. I am not usually that bothered with knitting a gauge but I have learned painfully that it is not worth the time saved when at the end the garment doesn't fit.

I enjoyed knitting this cardigan on the whole. Yes, it is a big project and it took a good while. Knitting up a cardigan for an adult on small needles is quite possibly crazy but I think it was worth the effort. The cardigan is knitted from the top down and is shaped with increases and short rows. I really liked the short rows! After what seemed endless rows of purl stitches, the rows got shorter very quickly. Short rows are such a clever way to shape a garment. It is a shame they are not used more often.

The lace pattern in the back makes the cardigan even more special. It looks like a rather complex pattern but it is very simple, and after a few rows I didn't need the instructions at all. 

I enjoy wearing the cardigan very much. It is an uncomplicated garment, there are no buttons and it drapes really well. I am planning to make another one soon. I will not use the same yarn! Cascade Heritage is a nice yarn and I figured that the nylon content would make for a hardwearing garment. I enjoyed knitting with it and it was reasonably priced. However, the wear is disappointing. The cardigan is pilling all around, not just in the usual places (i.e. under the arms). It annoys me a great deal because I find it unsightly. I am not sure how to get rid of the wool pills other than picking it off painstakingly with my nimble fingers. I suppose I could introduce 'de-fluffing' as a form of punishment for my children....

I shall research different yarns before I make a second model of this cardigan. 

It has been a while since I mentioned how much I appreciate seeing you visiting me. It is a great pleasure to read comments, or even just to notice that lots of you have read a post without leaving a comment. Thank you! 
I find it sometimes difficult to allocate time to read blogs and comment. Full time work is just that, full time! I make time to stop by, it is a pleasure. Did you notice how many blogs have disappeared or are in hibernation? Where do they go? Instagram maybe? I would love to discover new blogs but don't have time to do so. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Tell me if you have a blog yourself and I haven't visited you. I shall do so as soon as I can!

In the meantime, have a great weekend! Cxx