This is a mini-knitalong because there are just the two of us in it, but the project itself is not mini — not by a long shot. We are making the Aran Wrap Cardigan from the Fall 2008 Vogue Knitting (Design #30 by Angela Hahn):
We both liked how it looked in Vogue, but a photograph of the back we found at Angela’s blog completely sold us on this project (pictures included with Angela’s permission):
Another of the front and how it would look if someone (“Not me,” lamented Susan!) had a waist:
This picture shows the construction:
We both love this! The unusual construction is appealing, but also cause for angst, so we were happy to find Angela’s blog for more photos, construction details, errata and helpful tips. (We recommend making a visit there — after you finish reading here, of course.) She provided a list of yarns to try as an alternative to the very heavy and very pricey yarn that was used for the Vogue version (Trendsetter Journey, 55 yds/50 gm — ~$300). One of her suggestions was Peruvia, which Susan had used to make a Hemlock Ring and Rudy, her stuffed and felted reindeer. It is beautiful yarn — so the quest began! Instead of spending $300, it is more like $80-100. Much better for our price range! (Note: we don’t mind spending money on yarn, but when there is a beautiful yarn that will work as well or better than the original and costs half as much — why not?)
The quest was short: Susan chose Chipotle (#7114) and Sally decided on Bing Cherry (# 7151). You start knitting with the large rectangle. It is about 24×45 (58) inches. It’s a lot of knitting, but you are making the fronts, back, and collar all at once.
The sleeves are picked up and knit down, as is the bottom peplum. It is possible to use the no-cable needle technique for the travelling sts, though it easier to do the Coin Cable and Reversible Ribbed Cable with a cable needle.
Here is our progress so far:
Susan’s Aran Wrap (scanned to show true color);
And to show progress (the actual yarn is not this red — at all!):
Into the third repeat — Susan is making the larger size and will have to do three more repeats of the pattern to complete the large rectangle 🙁 . The disadvantage of being “The Big One!” 
Sally’s Aran Wrap:
Sally’s yarn, which is red, looks less red than Susan’s in this photo. It’s really not as dark as it looks here.
The true color is similar to Manos del Uruguay Color M, also known as Bing Cherry. It’s a deep, rich red flecked with dark. This yarn is also wonderful to knit with. We really wanted to shy away from the recommended yarn because the designer kept saying how heavy it was, and that brought back bad memories for Sally of her Silver Belle.
P.S. from Sally:
My little assistant is visiting (although he returns home to Colorado tomorrow). He still loves his Cats-and-Mice blanket.
Congratulations on this wonderful choice and beautiful yarn choice! I am looking forward to seeing how these projects develop, so keep those great pictures coming, please! I had not been captivated by this in Vogue, but Angela’s blog post really caught my eye, and her additional comments about the collar’s reversibility and the construction make it a very tempting addition to the too-long-already queue. I’m hoping your projects provide a little vicarious satisfaction – as a matter of fact they already have!
Comment by Ali — August 11, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
That is one whoppin’ “mini”-knit-a-long! and one very lucky little assistant. Not too many pooches get to lie in the lap of luxury on a little blankie TO DIE FOR!! You girls simply know how to have all the fun!
Comment by Michelle — August 11, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
Oh Girls I am so envious! This is a gorgeous sweater but I do have to say that Vogue didn’t do it any justice. Thanks to you though you have made people aware of how stunning the sweater really is. I will enjoy seeing it progress in person!
Comment by Kim LaBerge — August 11, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
yay – I liked the look of this, but Angela’s photos are better! Look forward to seeing yours…
Comment by karen — August 11, 2008 @ 10:59 pm
I think I found the perfect sweater for my sister, Thanks. I love how this is constructed.. 😀
Comment by cici — August 12, 2008 @ 5:05 am
This project sure is luscious, and the colours you two have chosen are gorgeous. It looks like a fun knit. Lately I’ve been wondering about the styling and models chosen to wear the knits in magazines. Angela’s pictures show the sweater to better advantage than the magazine, and were the selling point for me on this one.
Comment by Gale — August 12, 2008 @ 7:59 am
I knew that somewhere under the Vogue photo that this was a spectacular sweater — thanks for the additional photos — I just popped over to Angela’s blog and now I am IN LOVE with this sweater! I’ve noticed al of the cable yoke sweaters out there right now……and was tempted…..but this one looks so deceptively simple yet challenging…..I’ve got to finish a sweater but I’ll be swatching this one next!
Thanks for the enlightenment!!!
Comment by Anne — August 12, 2008 @ 8:16 am
Ladies- You are the true pioneers- and I love the colors you both chose.
Is the front hem asymmetric?
Every time I see the little assistant, I crave Taco Bell for some reason.
Comment by Lorraine — August 12, 2008 @ 10:02 am
Stunning! I’m amazed Vogue didn’t publish a photo of the back.
Comment by Miss T — August 12, 2008 @ 10:33 am
Wow, I missed this in Vogue Knitting. They didn’t do it justice with the poor photography. What a stunning project. I look forward to seeing how it turns out for you. And thanks for the link to Angela’s blog, I’ve added her to my feed.
Comment by Diane T — August 12, 2008 @ 11:55 am
I agree with the other comments – I kind of slipped right by it in Vogue. It is gorgeous and it will be great to see two more versions of it!
Comment by twinsetellen — August 12, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
Just lovely!!! You are some stupendous knitters:)
Don’t you love Angela Hahn’s designs? I’m working on her Chinese Lace Pullover – nowhere near as complex as this design, but a sweet little sweater I will be proud to give as a gift this Christmas:)
Thanks for the link to her blog. Have to remember to link to her!
Happy Knitting!
Joan G in Maryland
Comment by Joan — August 12, 2008 @ 10:17 pm
Funny thing. When I was looking at my copy of Vogue Knitting yesterday, I thought, I wonder if Susan or Sally will knit that very same sweater.
Comment by Michele with one L — August 14, 2008 @ 11:27 pm