Smooth Like Butter

Earlier this summer I knitted the Union Station Cardigan.This sweater is a top down design, which is now my favorite way to make sweaters. I love that you can check your sizing as you go. After my last cardigan ( See Cardigan Blues), I made sure to check the sizing frequently AND the ease considerations.

The Union Street Cardigan features subtle texture changes in addition to a chevron eyelet pattern that cascades down the yoke and front panels of the sweater. The directions were easy to follow as there were great charts and clearly written pattern information. For the yarn, I selected Cascade 220 Sport in Daffodil. I needed a bright cardigan for my wardrobe and the butter color of this yarn grabbed my eye almost immediately.

My research on Ravelry indicated two knitter concerns 1) The sleeves knit up a little snug as per the pattern directions and 2) The sweater knits up a little shorter than expected. I am glad I completed my research as both of these “issues” did occur.

To fix the sleeve issue, I added 4 stitches at the bottom of the armhole and then did not complete the stated decreases along the sleeve. The sleeves are still a little snug in the bicep yet, aggressive blocking allowed me a little more room. I will note that I dried my sweater on a drying rack and now you can see the bar indents. Hopefully, some wear or another wash will make those disappear….AGH!

As for the length, the pattern picture is a little deceptive. It looks like the result is a cardigan that ends at the upper thigh. Knitting all rows mine ends at my hip area. I have nothing to complain about as I am less than 5′ so the original length would have been too long for me. However, taller knitters beware.

I am so glad this cardigan worked up as smooth as butter. Layers are key for living in San Francisco so this sweater will be a much appreciated addition to my wardrobe.