When normal people – whoever they are – want a new cardigan, they probably go to a shop and choose one to buy. I dunno, but I’m guessing that’s approximately how it works. Some people knit or hook their own, of course, and those folk will definitely have the upper hand come the apocalypse.
I decided to go one step further. (I always decide to go one step further – even if it’s over the edge of a cliff.) Having rejected every extant cardigan known to humankind, I decided to write my own pattern, then knit it up. Actually that description doesn’t give you an accurate picture because it glosses over all the ripping back, the reknitting for the eighth, ninth, and tenth time, and the near-genius degree of creativity that went in to my swearing about the whole procedure as I hurled the yarny mess across the room.
You see, I’ve noticed a trend for cosy ‘blanket cardigans’ lately, and whilst I’m not usually even remotely fashion-forward, this is one trend that I can wholeheartedly get behind. I pictured myself walking the twinnage to school on a crisp autumn morning wearing such a garment, cheerfully immune to the chill that plagued lesser-dressed mortals, yet terribly stylish in what is essentially a yarny hug with sleeves. Its fringe would ripple teasingly as I swept along. We’d be in plenty of time for school, of course, and as we walked I’d engage the twinnage in edifying conversation about inorganic chemistry or political history. Nobody would choose this moment to remember that they were supposed to have modelled the Taj Mahal out of cheese for their homework last night, and there definitely wouldn’t be any pieces of pasta in my hair.
I’d seen a photo somewhere online of the effect I wanted to achieve, but I couldn’t for the life of me find it again. Hey-ho. What I lacked in specifics, I more than made up for in blind confidence. It was difficult to find the right yarn for the project, but then Stylecraft brought out their aran-weight ‘Life Heritage’ range, which just happened to be perfect for the job. I loved this blue-green colourway that they’d called ‘Seagreen’. And, as I began to knit on our Scottish holiday to the isle of Mull, I couldn’t help but noticed how well it did indeed tone with the seascape around me.
There was a great deal of knitting and ripping and re-knitting during that holiday, so I didn’t come home with a great deal more yarnery than I’d had beforehand.
By the time we came home, my knitting smelled of the sea as well as looking like it.
I still didn’t have much of a cardigan, though. There are books that can guide you through designing your own jumpers and cardigans by suggesting instructions according to your gauge, size, and design features such as collar and sleeve style, but I’d decided to knit this thing edge-to-edge, an approach universally omitted by all of the books that I own. So I was completely on my own.
The final version is worked with gently set-in sleeves. To emphasize its I-just-threw-this-blanket-around-my-shoulders-because-I’m-effortlessly-stylish look, there’s very little shaping, but one side of the front widens near its edge and is embellished with a fringe, because blanket.
There is one fastening at each shoulder and in keeping with the yarn, I looked to the sea for inspiration. Unfortunately the sea is 50 miles from here, so I had to resort to the internet for help. Look! Sea glass buttons! How perfect are these? I bought them here.
So at last, the beast was done.
For now it’s being modelled by my headless friend, who is way more photogenic than me. I have the pattern, scrawled in various notebooks. I can write it up. I can learn to grade, just in case you’re not exactly the same size and shape as me but want to knit this thing. It’s a very easy knit, I have to say. Would you like the pattern?
Mike Walker says
I’d love the pattern but I wouldn’t know what to do with it. Kindling, perhaps or maybe mopping up kitchen spills?
The better question would be: “Can I please knit one for you?” together with a request for the necessary dimensions (and of course, a quotation. Ma femme Jacky would be delighted with it for Xmas!
The Twisted Yarn says
Hmm, that is QUITE a big ask… I could teach you to knit…
Anne Bradshaw says
Yes, please! It looks lovely ????
The Twisted Yarn says
Right, I’d better get busy then…
Ella says
Yes, please, I’d love the pattern. “Wrapping blanket around myself in a fruitless effort to pretend the cold doesn’t get to me” season just started, and a blanket with buttons would at least enable me to keep knitting cosy socks.
The Twisted Yarn says
I’ll do my best. However there’s a serious risk that by the time this beast is written up, wrapping-blanket season will be well and truly past for another year.
Heckenhocker says
since when did season determine a knitter’s decision to start a project? 😉
The Twisted Yarn says
Yay, a kindred spirit!
Debbie D says
It is gorgeous! Yes, I would want one, but alas, I only know how to crochet and just that keeps me busy enough without learning to knit (which I tried once and it was a disaster). So a crochet pattern for it would be just lovely! Nothing like asking you for more work–right? That stylecraft yarn looks yummy! I am hoping to finish up my shawl that I am making with stylecraft yarn this month. I do like working with that yarn. Then it is on to finishing up my blanket that I am making with stylecraft yarn. After that, I am hoping to make myself a cardigan! First time making clothing for myself. I am a little nervous about doing that. I think I will be using universal yarn for that one! Love their yarn too!
Elizabeth McGuire says
Hahahaha! ???? Asking for a crocheted version of the pattern?! Hahaha! Xxx
The Twisted Yarn says
Well I do sometimes offer knitted and crocheted versions of the same patterns, so time permitting, I’ll have a go…
Caz says
I knit and crochet, but for this item I’d prefer a crochet version. I think it would make it even warmer 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
I’ll work up a crochet version too, but you might have to be a tiny bit patient!
Caz says
anything worth having is worth waiting for. looking forward to seeing your future projects 🙂
Gail Dixon says
Yes please, you’re so clever..it’s fab ????
The Twisted Yarn says
OK. No I’m not! Thank you. 🙂
Denise says
Yes please! I’ve already got the sea glass and I’m sure I could drill a couple of holes in it to make buttons…
Miranda Whittingham says
Hi Denise, I’m the supplier of the sea glass buttons and thought I’d mention if you want to drill into sea glass then it has to be done under cold water to prevent the glass from breaking.
Also there are safety implications using electricity and water together
so a battery craft drill on the slowest speed is the way to go. HTH ????
I’m open to any enquiries via my shop.
Miranda
The Twisted Yarn says
For anyone else who likes the buttons, I totally recommend Miranda’s shop. It’s here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/QuirkyGem?ref=l2-shopheader-name
Grandma FleaAtholie says
Please do write the pattern up! It looks so cosy. It’s been a really cold winter this year – in Australia – don’t laugh but it was 6degC at 7:am for weeks !
The Twisted Yarn says
I’m not laughing. 6 degrees is definitely well into cardigan-needing territory!
The Little Room of Rachell says
I’m not as nice as Phil; I’m definitely laughing!
thecowlady says
Lovely pattern, I rarely buy sweaters and cardigans as I always think I can make nicer ones. in reality i knit so much for other people I rarely finish more than a pair of socks or wristwarmers for myself!
The Twisted Yarn says
Sounds as though you need to get knitting for yourself for a change!
Joanne Grace Hortensius says
It’s beautiful!!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. I might be blushing very slightly…
Penny says
Yes pattern please! I am only just learning to knit but I am collecting patterns of future makes and this should be in that collection!
The Twisted Yarn says
It’s (honestly) a very simple knit. An annoying and complicated thing to design, but simple to knit.
Tina Gordon says
LOVE your newest creation and the yarn is perfect for it. Can i suggest a name for the garment? A Blankigan!
The Twisted Yarn says
Ha, YES!
Vicki says
Yes, please. It is lovely and looks so comfy and toasty warm.
The Twisted Yarn says
Right, I’d better get on with it, then.
Jane Ezell says
Yes, if the shoulders will fit, or can be constructed to fit well.
Thanks so much. Beautiful!
The Twisted Yarn says
I hope that the shoulders are adequate. They fit me, but I am not you…
The Twisted Yarn says
(That said, I don’t think that my shoulders are particularly strangely shaped!)
Emma says
Yes please!
The Twisted Yarn says
OK!
Alice says
I believe I may have spotted you “walking the twinnage to school on a crisp autumn morning wearing such a garment” this very day. And it looked STUNNING. Fabulous colours and a lovely ‘drape’.
The Twisted Yarn says
Aww, thank you, even if your comment is more charitable than I deserve.
Margaret Riley says
Oh how lovely but your chair has been on my to do list since it first saw the light of day, so this may have to wait. I would however still love a pattern please.
The Twisted Yarn says
Oh gosh, the chair. Honestly, save your sanity and don’t go there!! 🙂
Karen Stenback says
I love this – would love to try to make one for myself.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. Right, I’ll get on with it.
Sharon says
Pattern? Yes please. As you so rightly note, the ‘Blanket Wrapping Season’ is upon us and that looks just the job. Specially in those colours. It’s beautiful, Phil.
Off to the beach to search for some sea glass. Then I suppose I’d better check out a yarn shop. Hmmm, there’s one I haven’t been to yet. Now I could have a Reason, besides ‘Yarn shop!’
The Twisted Yarn says
Sounds like a plan! Enjoy both the beach and the yarn shop. 🙂
vanisleknitter says
Beautiful design! I would love to knit this pattern…I am going to look for the yarn now!
The Twisted Yarn says
Yikes, I’d better get on with writing up the pattern, then! 🙂
Annie says
I don’t usually go for these trendy things but I have to say yours looks fabulous. You should definitely write up the pattern.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you.
dragontearsoflove says
It’s a lovely pattern. I love this idea. I think I would like the pattern (though I’m no where near the same size as you). I just don’t know when I’ll get to knit it up, but to have it waiting in the wings would be great. And I understand about going your own path with designs…we need one of those magic books that fills in ideas and patterns and mild cuss words of those who have gone before us and tried this…I want to call it: “I’ve dreamed this up, now what,” or “Me and my BIG ideas: What did I get myself into?” Perhaps I need to back to working on this…but mine would be for quilting;-)
The Twisted Yarn says
Yup, I LIKE your thinking here. And I’m sure that the roadblocks that you hit in quilting are just as frustrating as the roadblocks I hit in knitting.
Rachel Eggleston says
Just beautiful! Would love a pattern.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. I’ll write up the pattern. It might take a bit of time, but I’ll do it.
Bennie-Ruth Dean says
Yes, Please write it up! I love the blanket fashions and this the first one I have seen that won’t make me look like a teepee in motion (being not so young & svelte as I once was, eons ago). Thanks!
The Twisted Yarn says
Sigh: NONE of us are as young or svelte as we once were. I will write this beast up.
Julia Dain says
Yes please I’d love the pattern. Beautiful work!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you.
Stephanie V. Ramsbottom says
Yes please I would love this pattern . I will send photos when I have finished.
The Twisted Yarn says
I will write it up as soon as I can. (And yes, I’d be honoured and grateful and fascinated to see photos.)
curvywitch says
Well of course we do! Ps how do we send you photos? Thanks
The Twisted Yarn says
Email probably best for photos. thetwistedyarn [at] outlook [dot] com
Lisa Sumner says
Yes please. It’s looks amazing. Normal cardigans aren’t that flattering. Love how the yarn has knitted up too.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you 🙂
Toni says
Hello, from across the pond. I think you’ve got a winner on your hands. My non-conforming hippie side loves the fringe, and who wouldn’t love those crossover front lines. It’s gorgeous. I say call it the Blanket Thriller.
You’re welcome. 😉
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. 🙂
Ann P Wilson says
WOW – you never cease to amaze! I would love the pattern if it comes with a year or so of The Time Needed to Work It Up. Thanks – I’m already in my 80’s and quite possibly haven’t time enough left to complete it – but I love it…and you. Don’t stop.
The Twisted Yarn says
No, don’t talk like that! Seriously. It’s a quick and simple knit. But I do need to get on with writing it up. And thank you – as always – for your very generous words.
jengolightly says
That’s lovely! Well done! And I adore the buttons.
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. (And yes, the buttons are rather gorgeous.)
Liz says
I would love that pattern. But then who do I make one for first – me, just because? Or “daughter-at-uni” who loves all things cosy and warm?
The Twisted Yarn says
You, of course! (And then daughter-at-uni.)
Alexandra Smith says
Yes please, though stylecraft yarn isn’t readily available in Canada. I love the colours of Seagreen.
The Twisted Yarn says
If it’s any help, lots of UK online suppliers such as Deramores ship to North America. (I promise I have no financial relationship with them as I say that.)
Debbi says
I would absolutely love this pattern. It is in that glorious space in between “why didn’t you just get it at the mall and save yourself a lot of work? and “it’s kind of weird, mom” so I would love to knit one for myself!
The Twisted Yarn says
🙂
Sandra G. says
Yes I would simply love this pattern bonus would be getting new yarn and using a few odds and end to create a couple of sweaters in a perfect design. It would be perfect for our little fall and winter here in South Texas.
The Twisted Yarn says
I’m on it!
Caz says
Looks really lovely and cosy, plus looks so easy to wear. This would be ideal for someone I have in mind who has arthritis and can’t do up cardi buttons. Looking forward to the pattern very much, (hopefully in a large size too for myself) ????
The Twisted Yarn says
Yes, it would be perfect for someone who struggles with fiddly buttons. Right, that really is an incentive to get on with the pattern-writing.
Ann-Marie says
This looks so toasty warm – I would just love this pattern x
The Twisted Yarn says
I’ve been extensively road-testing it, and I can say with hand on heart that it is cosy/warm.
Jo-anne says
Love a copy of the pattern it’s a lovely pattern knits up so well your work is beautiful ????
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. I’ll get on to it.
captelaine says
It’s gorgeous, hate to admit your cowl pattern is still in my to knit pile… along with a sweater I’ve been working on for 2 years… so I’ll pass for now. You are very clever and trendy to come up with such a design.
The Twisted Yarn says
Wa-hey! This may be the first time in my life that I’ve been called ‘trendy’! Thank you!
narf7 says
After wading through the fortyleven comments (you are getting popular Ms T) to get down to where I can make a comment I am just about to type “Yes please” for the pattern. Most people wouldn’t think twice about someone saying “Yes please” to a delicious knitting pattern but for me this is a triumph. I actually think I might be able to tackle this! I think I can knit! This design is effortlessly gorgeous, casually striking and perfect for being “la-de-da” at the school pick up. I have nowhere to be “la-de-da” and if I went to the school I would be leaving empty handed however this cardi is calling to me and telling me that its time to make a sweater and that I have “X” amount of months to make it before winter comes back AND by the time it does we Aussies will have just about caught up with the U.K. Trends so I might, actually be on point with fashion out in the garden digging around with leaves in my hair. I look forward to that most joyfully <3 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
Aww thank you as ever, m’dear. You’re effortlessly stylish anyway, but I’ll try and get on with writing up the pattern, just so that you can rock the knitted look early next year. Feel free to do the school run for my children: they continue to LOVE the toys that you crocheted for them, especially the orange one.
vaidehee says
You are truly aaaah-mazing!! Would love the pattern. I cannot imagine what neural pathways are aglow in your brain while you are working!!!!
The Twisted Yarn says
Very few, trust me! My brain is an ill-lit thing. But thank you anyway.
Deborah Garretty says
Such a fabulous pattern, I would love you to make the pattern available. So it’s a big “yes please” from me.
The Twisted Yarn says
OK, I’d better get on with it then. Might take a wee while…
Samantha Oh says
Yes please to the pattern. Love your site and designs
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you!
Carol Worthington says
Yes please, I’d love to knit this.
The Twisted Yarn says
Right, I’d better get on with it then…
The Little Room of Rachell says
That looks so warm and cosy Phil. Mission accomplished!
The Twisted Yarn says
It is indeed rather cosy. 🙂
Periscopes says
Would love the pattern, it’s frankly amazing and should cause the fashionista’s to shriek in despair when they can’t just pop to the shop to get one. ????
May even have to make some diddy ones for the mini fashionista’s too. Now that would make eyes whirl. ????
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. And I LIKE the idea of a mini version, too.
Joy Sharp says
It’s gorgeous! I would love to make/have/wear this.
The Twisted Yarn says
Sounds like I need to hurry up with the pattern-writing, then…
Delane says
Yes please! What a cute sweater!
Carol says
OMG, I love it, what a fun design. and Yes Please a pattern would be awesome.
Alissa Head says
That is gorgeous!
Lyn Ratcliff says
I would love this pattern too. I am already effortlessly stylish of course, and this would add to that endless list of items which prove it.