Inspiration: Long Cardigan

Where Is Summer

I love the idea of this cardigan. It's long and has a soft halo. The unfinished edges make the button bands and pocket tops roll in, which gives it a bit of a relaxed (read: messy) feel. Now, I say button bands because I'd prefer buttons as an option on a sweater like this, but it doesn't look like there are actually any on this sweater. I like the idea of the sweater though, with nicer finishing. Coupled with light fabrics and prints underneath, this is a really cute early fall outfit.

Simple boyfriend-style cardigan, deep v-neck shaping, raglan sleeves, low pockets, an inch or two of of positive ease. This could (and seems to) be done in one piece in the round, either top-down, putting the sleeve caps on holders before starting the body, or bottom-up, separating for the sleeve holes and finishing the front and back separately. Steek up the front center and add on a simple folded hem button band. There wouldn't be much aesthetic difference if it was knit in one piece flat with the sleeves joined afterwards. Pick up stitches on each front for simple flap pockets.

The soft halo is really nice and could be reproduced with an alpaca or a mohair blend, or if you want to get really extravagant, put some angora (rabbit, not goat) fiber in. I have a gorgeous yarn that's an angora blend. I think it's Classic Elite Fresco which is a 60% wool, 30% alpaca, 10% angora sport-weight with a gorgeous, subtle halo. It's spun a bit more tightly than the yarn used in the photo, but it would give a similar halo effect.

This is an experiment to see if I can reduce the size of the pictures so that the posts load a little faster. Do you prefer smaller pictures and faster loading or larger pictures so you don't have to click over to the link? Let me know in the comments! 

Inspiration: Oversized Loose-Knit Pullover

Silver Knit

Laid Back

Boat Hat

Love these over sized pullovers. Really long, cozy, loose knits with simple black accessories. Black and white (or silver) is always a classic. I especially love the open detail in the back of the second one, which would be pretty easy to make.

Knit the fronts and sleeves at a loose gauge with several inches allowed for ease. The back is knit in two pieces. The upper piece is knit with the same amount of ease as the fronts for 10-12 inches with a folded hem. Starting at the bottom of the lower piece, repeat the folded hem, beginning with the same gauge and ease as the rest of the pieces. Then, increase regularly moving toward the top. When seaming, just leave the seam between the upper and lower backs open. The difference in width will create that draping naturally.

Use a fiber that drapes well like plant fibers, like bamboo or cotton, or silk. A longwool would even work here, and you could layer in the cooler months. The loose gauge would also help add more drape.