I have a tendency to go for the more challenging knitting projects. However, this time I challenged myself to design something mellow and easygoing. And here's the result.
What: Eazy / Own pattern
How: Circular needle 4.0 mm
From: John Arbon Textiles Viola DK, 390 g
Since I wanted to design a relaxed and easy cardigan I kept the silhouette simple. The cardigan starts off by casting on shoulder stitches for the back. There's no neckline shaping at the back or front. The shoulders are shaped with short rows. The back and fronts are worked separately to the underarms and then the rest of the body is worked in one piece. The cardigan comes with waist shaping.
Since the silhouette is so simple I had to add a little something to keep me interested. So the cardigan got this amazing brioche braid at the center of the back. The braid is worked in one-color brioche with simple increases and decreases. It looks intricate but is quite easy to work and the pattern comes with both a chart and written instructions.
The brioche continues at the front edges, the hem and the cuffs - though without the braid pattern. You can use any stretchy bind off but I really recommend trying out Italian bind off. It gives the most beautiful finishing touch to brioche. If you're not familiar with the technique I've made a little tutorial video on my Instagram highlights.
The pattern is now available on Ravelry and it comes with sizes XXS-XS-S [M1-M2-L1-L2] XL-2XL-3XL-5XL with finished bust circ. 39.25-72'' / 98-180 cm. Use the code BRAID to get 20% discount. The code is valid through April 22nd.
The yarn was new to me. I fell hard for it at Edinburgh Yarn Fest and promised to design something special for it. It's a DK weight soft merino yarn from the British spinning mill, John Arbon Textiles. And the best part are the gorgeous heathered colors. I especially love this warm yellow called English Mustard. John Arbon were kind enough to offer a discount code for the pattern launch so in case you would like to try out the Viola DK, you can use the code EAZYCARDILOVE in their webshop to get 10% discount. The yarn discount is valid through April.
