I like cardigans. You might have noticed if you've read this blog before. Long, short, knit, sewn, crocheted...doesn't matter. My big trouble is that I tend to go with patterned fabric, or multi coloured yarns and then struggle with creating outfits because I also have a lot of patterned tops. And even some bottoms.
I need a white cardigan. Years ago I made a "white" Bill King cardigan on the standard gauge knitting machine. It's nice--boxy, unusual, very light. However, I'm not fond of the back, and, it's not white. It's a lovely soft white. I need crisp, cold white.
I looked in my stash and debated between an unknown high twist smooth white yarn and a slubby coned yarn. I went with the slubby yarn. I've used it for a few small things, but there is a LOT of this yarn.
I was debating between two different mesh crochet patterns from Inspirations. I went with the Crochet Mesh Beachside Cardigan. Yarnspirations Link and Ravelry Link. I liked how it looks like the cane mesh material used in the backs of old chairs.
I swatched quite a bit, using two strands and different hook sizes to get gauge. I used 4.00mm and 4.5mm. The first swatch was too small so I tried again and could not get the second row to line up right. Kept at it and it finally clicked. Use the video linked in the pattern.
I made size Large. It took so long to do one row of the X stitch. It did get a bit faster but each stitch just requires several steps. The height builds faster. It's hard to decide if a simple double crochet mesh wouldn't have been easier, but I do like how this pattern is just a bit more unique than a simple double crochet!
When it came time to separate for the arms, I did not do as the pattern said. Instead of 11 X stitches for each front, I used 14 X stitches. This made the back smaller. It wouldn't have worked easily to do a full bust adjustment with short rows, like you might with single crochet or a simple knit pattern, but at least my front pieces would fit better and the back wouldn't be too baggy.
One thing to note--the diagram showing the front armhole and neck shpaing do NOT show the straight rows after finishing the neck shaping. I had to go back and add two rows to each front. I ended with 7 X stitches on each front.
I made the size L sleeves, with no adjustments.
I think this is the most shaped crochet piece I've done! I'm really pleased with how it all went together!!
I'm wearing it today, and Lucy (now 22), said it's a very trendy design!
I really like this cardi, though the sleeves could be one or two rows longer.
There's only one issue.
It's not WHITE-white.
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