A Quick Cardi

This was a great knit for me. It took me a bit to figure it out, the directions aren’t as detailed as I’d like, but that is only because it is my first Cardi and knit in this style. Now that I have the hang of it, I think I may knit another. I am speaking of the Abalone by Beata Jezek (available as a free download on Ravelry).

I used the beautifully soft Louet Riverstone, 100% wool. It was a lovely yarn to work with and I would certainly use it again. I also used a size US8 circulars as that was the only size I had in a 32 inch. It is an interesting pattern, as the body is knit from the bottom up. Increases start from the first row until desired width is hit (for me it was 32 inches). Then its a straight knit until the desired length.

Then the stitches that will make the sleeves are placed on scrap yarn and worked separately. Later they are folded in and all sewn together.

The finishing is where I got flubbed up a bit. All stitches around the body are picked up. The directions just say to add a few sts at the corners to flatten out the bunching. The first time I picked it all up, I did not add enough stitches and had to pull the edging back out again. I actually increased every sts at the corners, knit two rows, then decreased anywhere there was a bit of gathering on the edge. This technique seemed to work for me, but I was very nervous about having to rip it out again. All in all, a great knit. It is very versatile and I have already worn it a dozen times. I wouldn’t mind knitting another, perhaps adding a little more detail in the edging. I am very pleased with this quick knit.

What are you knitting?