First knit of 2020!

WIP Last month I started a new work in progress – my first designed, long sleeved, v-neck lace cardigan. 

I had a number of beautiful shell shaped iridescent buttons with an aurora borealis hue that I was keen to use on the garment; and I wanted this cardigan to be a real showstopper; with a number of qualities. The cardigan needed to be warm, it needed to look like a vintage garment; and it needed to look as good over the top of a swing dress; as it did teamed with a denim skirt.

Art Deco style iridescent shell buttons

I‘m not an experienced hand lace knitter, so intricate patterns (as yet) are beyond my ability. I love the Old Shetland Shale Stitch described by Rae Compton in her ‘Practical Knitting’ book. I inherited this book from my grandma, a skilled knitter herself; and along with other volumes of knitting and sewing books I inherited from her; Rae Compton continues to be a source of inspiration.

I wanted a stitch pattern that would be a repeat of no more than four rows; but looked more intricate than it was. I decided to shelve Old Shetland Shale Stitch; and instead settled on another stitch I’ve used before. This stitch was used in a 1945 jumper pattern. The pattern is now in the public domain and archived in the V&A Museum in London https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/1940s-knitting-patterns The stitch is a two row repeat, with the second row being a purl; so is super easy to remember and execute!

I have a number of skeins of Baa Ram Ewe’s Titus 4 ply range in my yarn stash. Titus is a mix of 70% British wool and 30% British alpaca. It’s a lovely yarn to work with, with a soft halo from the alpaca, but with the stability of wool. The lace stitch with it’s yarn overs to make the eyelets help to trap air; and combined with the comfort and softness of the Titus yarn, the cardigan will be warm and snuggly.

Body of cardigan. Titus 4 ply yarn knitted in ‘Hull’ a beautiful soft mint green – perfect for winter to spring

I decided to compliment the Art Deco style buttons by creating a 1930s silhouette to the cardi. I used an extra wide waistband rib at the bottom, which will be repeated on the cuff. The lace body creates a ‘blouson’ effect over the waistband, creating the classic 1930s style top.

So far it’s been a pleasure to knit! Working out how to decrease the stitches for the v-neck while maintaining the lace pattern has required some problem solving; but that’s part and parcel of the design process for me!

I’m hoping to finish this cardi within the next three weeks; and look forward to wearing it through the end of the winter season and into the beginning of spring.

Wishing you all a happy new year. For me, I hope to make 2020 a year full of Peggy Lilly Vintage designs!

Happy knitting! 

 

First sleeve started!