This week was a huge achievement for me – I finally finished my first piece of crocheted clothing! This cardigan has been sitting in my room for ages and I’ve just never gotten around to finishing it off even though the pattern is extremely straightforward and the end result is so pretty! I’m so happy to have it finally complete, and I can see myself wearing this for the rest of winter, and even into spring.

• 5 skeins of Isaac Mizrahi Carlyle – a super bulky weight (6) yarn (above: Plaza)
• Size N/P (10.0 mm) hook

Pattern by Lion Brand Yarn

You do have to sign up via e-mail to get the pattern, but it’s such a cute pattern that I think it’s worth it! The look of the ribbing adds a bit of elegance to the simplicity of the creating.

Initially, I had planned to add the collar designed by Stephanie at All About Ami, as this was where I originally saw the pattern. However, when I seamed up the sides, I realized that I had made the cardigan a touch too large, and I didn’t need a collar at all. In fact, the cardigan will curl a little bit to form a natural collar if it is a bit bigger. This is just something to keep in mind when you are sizing the cardigan – the yarn will stretch a little bit, so even if the rectangle seems small while you’re making it, don’t panic too soon. It just might be big enough!

As a point of reference, I ended up chaining 75 stitches in the foundation chain, and I completed 65 rows. Before seaming, my rectangle measured 36 inches in length and 28 inches in width. I haven’t experienced any of the “bum bunching” that Stephanie talks about, so that might be another bright side to having accidentally done too many rows in the rectangle.

I would definitely recommend looking at Stephanie’s blog in general – there are so many adorable patterns that are all very easy to follow, and I actually ended up using her blog post on this pattern as a supplement to the Lion Brand pattern itself. Hopefully you can also find some inspiration on her site! I know I have.

(I am not affiliated with either Lion Brand Yarn or All About Ami! These are just my opinions)