I’ve had the idea for this cardigan in my mind for a long time, but haven’t had the mind space to put it together.  It’s a little bit of a daunting task, because the stitch pattern has three different gauges that have to be taken into account, not to mention that I just haven’t had the money to buy lovely yarn with, or the time to knit.  Finally, all these roadblocks have left me, and there are no more excuses!

Last week I sat down with graph paper and drew out the patterns I wanted.  I’m calling it Buttercup Cardigan, because there are two different flower patterns in the colorwork.  I wanted something that buttons in the front and has a flattering neckline, which means purling on colorwork sections…but I am being thoughtful in how the patterns are set out so that it is never complicated.  The gauge differences stumped me fora few days, but I thought it over and finally figured it out (I think!), and have cast on for the first few rounds.

I’ve made several simple free patterns to share, and I often design my own knitting projects, but this is the first time I will be taking careful notes to be able to share a more complex clothing pattern.  I am hoping to knit three of these – one for myself and each of my girls.  I am starting on the smallest one for Clothilde.

The yarn I am working with is very nice.  I had wanted to knit it in Quince & co yarn, but sadly they were out of every single color I wanted in worsted weight yarn!  I love how soft their yarn is, and the beautiful colors.  I ended up with DROPS big merino wool, which I am really happy with.  It is springy and light and soft.  It will make a comfortable and warm cardigan.  The yellow is a Malabrigo skein called “Cadmium.”  I love all the different yellows and oranges in it.  The subtle shift in colors makes the colorwork look even more interesting.

This will be the knitting in my hands this week!