Pattern: Honey, from the book Nectar by Kim Hargreaves

Yarn: Rowan All Seasons Cotton in Melange, 11 balls

Needles: US 3 and 4

Notes: This was one of the patterns that caused me to buy Nectar (although I’m sure I would have anyway, because I adore Kim Hargreaves’ whole aesthetic.)  I wasn’t sure, though, how the jacket style would look on me.  I kept waiting for FOs on Ravelry, but that didn’t materialize (as of right now, there are only two projects for this pattern, and one of them is mine.)

I made no modifications to this pattern.  As written it is shorter than I usually make my sweaters, but if it were any longer it would no longer button where my waist is.  This pattern is sort of similar to the Nantucket jacket, but unlike that pattern, this sweater is actually flattering.  I like the way the cables provide shaping, and the way she includes decreases in the front to shape the buttonbands even though they are knit with the fronts.

This yarn was just lovely.  I used one more ball than the pattern called for, although I can’t say whether it’s because I was using frogged yarn.  At any rate, it definitely would take the full 10 balls in the smallest size, so I would have an extra handy.  Those cables really eat up yarn, as does the textured stitch pattern.  The stitch definition is excellent.  I would use this yarn again in a heartbeat, as it is not too heavy, and it’s a great sub for those allergic to wool.

One thing which was not apparent from the pattern photos was that this pattern has puffy sleeves.  I’m not complaining – I think it really adds to the overall retro look of the jacket.  I suspect the jacket in the book was too big for the model.  I have not blocked this sweater yet  – I’m a little afraid of it growing, so it only got a blast of steam.  My swatch didn’t really grow, but who knows?

If you can’t tell, I love this sweater!  Everything about it – the color, the style, the puffy sleeves, are exactly perfect for my wardrobe.  I would really recommend this one, as the pattern was clear and error free, and even had a nice chart, unlike some rowan patterns.