I'm very very happy with my latest completed knitting project. I don't often attempt what I think of as 'large' garments - jumpers or cardigans or (heaven forbid) dresses. I'm rather a slow knitter and, for myself, have a preference for quite plain knitted garments - which are then boring to knit. But the popular Audrey in Unst pattern, by Scottish designer Gudrun Johnson, really appealed to me. It's an ideal balance of plain elements - the stocking stitch body and sleeves - with decorative details - the deep twisted rib basque and cuffs and the seemingly smocked front yoke.
Once you start knitting, there are additional pleasures. The pattern is beautifully and clearly written with just the right amount of information, and the cardigan has been designed with such neat finishes - the ribbing, the perfect set-in sleeves, and the i-cord edging at the neck.
I had only four skeins of the Madelinetosh Sport weight yarn - not enough for a cardigan for me, but just right for my daughter. The yarn is just as pleasing as the pattern and for similar reasons of balance. The gradations of colour in the yarn, appropriately named 'silver fox', bring variety, but its neat twist and clear stitch definition give regularity.
I'd bought some beautiful old glass buttons that were a perfect match for this colour, but had to abandon them as I didn't have enough of them. I then bought shell buttons, which were also a perfect match, but they were too large. Eventually I bought the buttons I've used from the ever-reliable All Buttons Great and Small in Newtown - just the right size, just right mottled grey colour, and the right number. And I still have some beautiful buttons to be used for later projects.
I put the cardigan in the post to my daughter yesterday. Now all I have to hope for is that it fits.
16 comments:
it's beautiful lyn! Another gorgeously made example of this cardigan that keeps calling to me. The glass buttons really work well with it. I-cord is a great finishing isn't it? I love it.
of course i meant the buttons you used - i was thinking of the glass buttons as I typed!
I'm with Bells about the call of this cardigan and your looks superb. I like the Shetland Trader's designs and have made quite a few and have made four Aestlight shawls. As you say, well written and clear.
Newtown buttons? Love them and find them very helpful and just as determined to find the right buttons for the garment as I am. At the moment I'm using a stash given me by a friend from his Mum. she was a dressmaker who died some 10-12 years ago and she had saved everything. I would guess about 1500 buttons were given me and it's a treasure trove.
This is beautiful!
too right - just right
the yarn, the pattern, and the execution all are just right
Gorgeous and grey
I never met an Audrey I didn't like. This one is no exception. I'm sure your daughter will LOVE it..
absolutely stunning. what an amazing gift to recieve. such a beautiful pattern, and so perfectly finished. lucky girl!
It looks amazing, and I think that your daughter will love it. The buttons are a very nice detail.
Very classy and beautifully knitted.
You have done such a beautiful job on this cardigan. Everything about it is just perfect.
Oh Lyn it's perfect !
Everything from the pattern, colour, buttons, blocking, and finishing - just beautiful :)
Beautiful Lyn, I'm sure your daughter will treasure it.
Just back from vacation and catching up on blog reading. Your Audrey is lovely. Beautiful work and such a soft colour. Reading about your friend living in her family's heritage home was neat. To this Canadian it appears to be the absolutely typically Australian house.
Elegant simplicity beautifully executed.
Really pretty!
I just found your lovely blog - and that shades of grey...be still my aching heart. It is stunning. Congratulations!
Post a Comment