My Lace Panel Cardigan actually fits

It is a Christmas miracle, you guys! I actually finished my plum-colored Lace Panel Cardigan and it fits.

I apologize for this awful photo. With my photographer (aka husband) at work, this mirror-in-the-bathroom shot was the best I could do. I was so excited about making something so wearable, I wanted to share it with you right away though.

As you may remember, this was my NaKniSweMo project.  All of the knitting was done on schedule in November, but it took most of December for me to carve out time and energy for the sewing, collar and button band.  Note to self: next year go for a seamless NaKniSweMo project, for goodness sake.

I made a few modifications to Cecily’s original pattern. I added several inches of length to the body.  I worked the 38″ size aiming for 2″ of positive ease, based on measurements of some fine gauge sweaters I wear all the time.  This sweater fits well, and I’m glad there is no gaping on the button band, but I think I would have also been happy with less ease.

I shortened the armhole and ended up rewriting the sleevecap to adjust.  I’m sure Cecily’s original pattern involves a much more graceful sleevecap than my version, but mine gets the job done.

My last mod was to the collar. The original has a wide boatneck.  I shortened it to about 1.5″ and worked a hem to add some strength to it (I was worried the weight of this sweater would stretch out the narrow collar). To work the hem, I finished the 4×4 ribbing, worked a purl row on the right side, then worked 1.5″ of stockinette, decreasing about 10% of the stitches in the first row.  I sewed the hem down neatly on the inside of the sweater.

The knitting on this sweater was easy and fast. The finishing was much less so for me. I am most proud of that part though. I think this is probably my most successful buttonband and collar ever.

One last bit about the yarn, Berroco Vintage.  This yarn was an impulse buy from the Webs Closeout page while I was ordering something else last summer.  I ended up loving it! It’s a wool/acrylic blend and I think it combines all the best elements of those fibers. It’s warm, soft, and sproingy like all wool, but it also seems incredibly durable and is machine washable like acrylic.  I’m considering ordering some of this to make an affordable and durable Kerrera sweater for myself this spring.

As soon as I can get the camera in my husband’s hands, I’ll get some better pictures.

Find my project notes for this cardigan on Ravelry.

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