Let’s start Monday off with a finished object, shall we? I finished the Spindrift cardigan for my sister over the weekend.
This was the cardigan I was excited to make because I got a chance to use the now discontinued Classic Elite Chateau yarn in such a sunny hue.
This is very simple and quick top down knit. I worked this up with bulky weight yarn on size 11 needles. I really like the diamond pattern that runs down the center panel and the side shaping is done with simple increases and decreases. And the best part?
It has patch pockets! Perfect size for my sister to carry around her work badge and cell phone. My sister has talked a lot about how cold her office is and sent me pictures while she’s bundled up in blankets so I thought this would be perfect with the snuggly garter stitch collar to keep her warm and cozy. This yarn is super light but after wearing it for a few minutes you realize how warm this alpaca blend really is, she’ll be very happy. I knit this in a size smaller than I would normally wear so I feel like it’s just a tiny bit snug for me. That means it’ll fit my sister. And this sunny yellow will totally brighten her day.
And in other news, I’ve got the entire week off before I start working! So that means lots of getting my house together, reading my new textbooks and lots of knitting!!
Yards of Happiness 
Woooohhhoooo!!! to having the next week off before taking on HU full-time!!! YAAAYYYY!!! So super-excited for you and Spindrift looks great! Just looking at the rays of sunshine coming off that beautiful color (one of my favs) made me smile . . Thanks for a good start to an otherwise ordinary Monday! 🙂
Such a cheerful cardi!
Gorgeous hue and knit! My friend used this yarn before and I’m sad to see it go. Random knitting question: which bind off do you prefer to use for your sweaters/cardigans?
Bind offs depend! So for the shawl collar I pulled out the regular bind off and redid it as a stretchy bind off so it would lay better (it was pulling). It really just depends on the project.
Beautiful color and a nice easy pattern
Stunningly beautiful! It brings the sunshine to rainy Chicago. I don’t know how to knit topdown. I may use my knitting credit for a lesson to learn how and make this sweater, which I would use for my outdoor fall cardigan.
I think top down is easier because you can try it on as you go! That way you know early on if you’ve made a mistake.
This is great! So did you just sub a bulky yarn by choosing a smaller size than usual? I mean, since the pattern is written for Aran? Thanks!!!!
I find that Aran and bulky can be a bit interchangeable. I just make sure I get gauge with whatever yarn I use! I’ve substituted dk weight for patterns that called for worsted but got gauge with a bigger needle!
Your sister is a very lucky lady! This cardigan looks awesome and, from your description, feels awesome too! Congratulations!!!
That sweater looks great!! I expect you’ll have another finished by the end of the week!
I love the color!!
The sweater looks great! I bet your sister will love it. I just have to say that EVERY time I see that teal wall behind you I do a happy dance. That is a color that makes me SO happy.
The teal is a Behr paint color called Realm. It’s my favorite.
Thanks for the color info!!! I will look at the paint samples next time I’m near a paint store!
Wow! Love the pattern and the color is gorgeous on you. Your sister is one lucky lady. Enjoy the week off!
Super cute, and I am so jealous of the week off. 🙂
It’s beautiful, I really love it! I’m always afraid to knit such “open” cardigans as usually they slide down my shoulders (maybe they’re unusually steep lol) but I love the look!
I always find I need to really put my arm in a lot of hand knits. I can’t have the armpit low or it will slide off 😂
Such a beautiful sweater. What sister wouldn’t be proud to wear it. I just found you on IG and your gallery is amazing. Did you just jump into sweater knitting or did you read a lot about it first? I have plans (and yarn already purchased to start my first sweater) but it’s so intimidating.
I took a class at my local yarn store because I was nervous about sweater knitting. If you can knit in the round, you can easily knit a top down sweater. I suggest Jane Richmond’s classic raglan pattern, it’s top down and worsted weight and her instructions are so clear and easy. You can do it!
I’ve just recently come to your blog via PomPom Quarterly and I’m loving it! Beautiful cardigan and great colour. I’ve been knitting for over 40 years and never made a top down garment….. I’m inspired, thank you
Thank you and welcome! You’ve never knit a top down after 40 years of knitting?! It makes the sweater knitting process so much easier because you can try it on as you go!
I love that middle!
I love the look of this sweater! I think I will put this in my queue. The color warms my heart . You do amazing things that inspire me. Thank you Dana.
Awesome! I love the color, of course, and the panel down the back is just enough visual stimulation so the sweater is not a boring knit! I LOVE it!!! And yes, August, has been slooooowww for my knitting too 😦 I wonder what that’s all about??? At any rate, after the holiday I got my ‘mojo’ back and I’m off and running! 🙂 Can’t wait to see the latest test knit and how’s that blanket coming along? 😉 You finish all of your squares yet?
Summer slump maybe?
Hello i really appréciate if you could send me or give me the link to this pattern. Many thanks. Merci beaucoup ! Michelle
All pattern links are in the post. Thanks!