This has been in the works for a while! It just seemed to take forever to get to the finish line!
I took Pagan Sky, which is a pullover, and converted it to a cardigan. The conversion meant a lot of extra finishing: steeking, front bands, etc. I had planned on using buttons…even found some pretty good ones. However, after trying every buttonhole I could muster, I just did not like any of them! I knit swatches and the right front band dozens of times!! I threw in the towel and opted for snaps. My other issue was gauge. My gauge was much tighter, even though I used the identical yarn as the original (I loved hers!). I had to go up two sizes to get to my real finished size. I lengthened it several inches as well, adding a-line shaping. And of course had to lengthen the sleeves. All of this meant a lot more knitting!
I used grosgrain ribbon to reinforce the bands and provide a sturdy backdrop for the snaps.
The little dots are seed stitch in the gold color. The yarn is Rowan Moordale (70% Wool, 30% Alpaca; 251 yards/100 grams; colors Ash and Turmeric). I liked knitting with this yarn. The pictures don’t quite capture the gold: it’s really kind of a soft gold that is brighter in direct sunlight. It goes with nothing I own, so I am going to the yarn store today to buy yarn for an under ‘tank’!!
A suggestion for those who make this as a pullover: the beg of round is in the center back. I would mark the center back for reference for the short rows, but actually move the BOR to the left back shoulder (two repeats over). That way the “jog” would not be as noticeable. I obviously moved my BOR to the center front from the center back without any issues.
The amazing thing is that it fits pretty well! Yay!!
PS to Elaine: I did swatch the one-row buttonhole and all other combinations I could come up with. Part of the problem was sizing (small BHs looked better, but were too small for the button), or larger ones just looked too big and disrupted the band. Not a big fan of the tulip.
You ARE entering this in the next State Fair, aren’t you???
Comment by Chloe — May 3, 2021 @ 9:28 am
This is absolutely gorgeous and inspiring!
Comment by Linda M — May 3, 2021 @ 10:21 am
Beautiful results, well earned!
Comment by Gretchen (aka stashdragon) — May 3, 2021 @ 11:05 am
It’s funny how blue the yarn looks in those photos. I know it’s dark gray since I have the same yarn!
Comment by Sally — May 3, 2021 @ 3:22 pm
Absolutely breath-taking! I love the finishing of the bands! So artfully done with the grosgrain ribbon and snaps! Really upgrades the quality of this sweater pattern. Gorgeous!!!!
Comment by Kathy Wl — May 3, 2021 @ 9:01 pm
Very pretty. Totally agree with moving the BOR; can’t imagine having it at center back. You really didn’t like your one-row buttonhole? The only other one I like is the “tulips” from about 2010–fiddly, but it works.
Comment by Elaine in NNYC — May 3, 2021 @ 10:09 pm
Lovely. You amaze me with all the alterations you make!
Comment by Amy — May 4, 2021 @ 12:51 pm
Exquisite. I am in awe…
Comment by Emm — May 5, 2021 @ 2:49 am
This is stunning!
Comment by PT — May 5, 2021 @ 2:52 pm
My favorite part is the grosgrain and the snaps- it really elevates an already gorgeous cardigan.
Comment by Pat — May 6, 2021 @ 11:13 pm
Exquisite.
Comment by Marlys — May 12, 2021 @ 11:10 am
Wow, this is stunning. The tiny “stars” on the neckband and button band are a huge improvement on the original pattern.
Comment by Pru — May 19, 2021 @ 1:03 pm
That is beautiful. I am not experienced enough to be able to change a pullover to a cardigan and I’m sure not ready for steeking.
Gorgeous sweater!
Comment by Janyce O'Keeffe — May 22, 2021 @ 2:17 pm
Beautiful cardigan, as usual. In my book, you lead everyone in your wonderful attention to detail and finishing. Which brings me to the same quest that you mention: decent buttonhole vs settling for snaps. Your snaps are well suited here.
I was thinking about trying a different, for me, technique on my next button hole band: 2 row buttonholes, 1st row cast off, second row utilizing long strand cast on to replace, weaving in that second strand as I go. Probably will show thickened area, not sure.
Regardless, beautiful, inspiring work.
Susan
Comment by Susan Duncan — June 11, 2021 @ 11:40 am