Mongkok Cardigan
Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic, 7 balls
Needles: 4.0mm
Pattern: my own! Available here at The Inside Loop
Background: I actually knit this last year during the last months in Dublin. I wrote up the pattern, but was having lots of trouble with grading the waffle brioche pattern on the bib for different sizes. The math just didn't want to cooperate, which is rare for me. But I really liked the bib detail and wanted to put it into a pattern.
That's how the Pintuck T-shirt came about. Mindful of the math-wrestling, I chose a simple twisted rib for the bib in the t-shirt, and managed to work through the sizing with few problems.
After that was done, I went back and took a fresh look at the Mongkok Cardigan. I tried a different way of knitting the bib, and found that the math came a teeny bit easier with that change. While I was at it, I re-wrote several other major parts of the pattern.
Have you ever tried to reconstruct a knit six months after you knit it? There was lots and lots of swatching. So much so that I could probably have just knit another cardi.
Notes: This will make a great, versatile cardigan for chillier weather. It's cozily fuzzy in this mohair, but plain wool would give a lovely, classic look. If you want a really fancy, evening-appropriate cover-up, this would be unbeatable in silk.
Like nearly all my knits, this piece is an exercise in short rows. Armscye, back and front necklines are done in short rows, so no extra finishing on those edges.
Edges are hemmed to give a clean, finished look. Unlike the Pintuck T-shirt, the bib here is knit as you go on the cardigan fronts. There's no bind-off then picking up of stitches to work the bib later.
I really like this cardi, and I'm so happy I have the chance to share it through The Inside Loop.
7 comments:
That is gorgeous. You've created a really wearable, classic design. I love it!
Congratulations, Lien! I actually saw it on the Inside Loop page before getting to your blog, so it was a pleasant surprise to enjoy with the morning coffee.
I'm trying to bring the US knitters up to speed that there are other sites out there besides Knitty and Twist...! Glad to have a friendly face on the Loops pages this season!
Congrats on your pattern! It's really lovely.
Did you get your yarn yet?
Beautiful. I will be starting to learn how to knit full time now. I will be living in a COLD place plus I am only teaching literature 10 hours a week. I will have so much free time.
Congratulations. That's really really really lovely.
Ha! look at yer smiling mug! that's so cool... plus I like the description for the inspiration for this cardi. I can hear you saying it...
congrats, lien! Well done!!
Congrats Lien! You´ve designed a classic cardie. I hope you continue to bring us such great patterns.
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