Pattern: Lion Neck Cardigan, from Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard

Yarn: RYC Soft Tweed in Mist, 7.5 balls

Needles: US 10.5

Notes: I didn’t really blog this sweater, but it was a really quick knit.  It’s knit in one piece from the top down, with the ruffle picked up and added on at the end.  This is the first sweater I’ve ever knit with bulky yarn, and I didn’t think the needle size was too bad.

What I didn’t enjoy: the yarn.  Seriously, I know why this stuff was discontinued.  I saw a comment on Ravelry that it’s like knitting with polar fleece, and I think that’s pretty accurate.  It’s firm and unyielding, with no real bounce.  It grows like mad in length after blocking.  It isn’t tweedy, no matter what the label says.  But I used up stash yarn, so in spite of the unpleasant knitting experience, it can’t be all bad!

Sizing for this pattern is strange.  It isn’t meant to close in the front, so the finished sizes are really tiny looking.  I knit the medium at a tighter gauge and probably got a size close to the small.  It is about 2 inches smaller than my bust size without the ruffles.   The sleeves are short, which surprised me – I’m usually fine with sleeves as written, but these could be a good 5 inches longer.    They are also tight,  and I have small arms, so keep that in small. The crocheted ties could be more sturdy, and I’m thinking of replacing them with icord.

Having said all that, for a bulky sweater this thing is really flattering.  My husband really loves the neck, and I agree – it is such a nice feature, though it was a pain to knit.  I would recommend this pattern, keeping in mind the problems that I have mentioned.  I am happy with mine, and will wear it often!

The antidote to all this bulk yarn?

A nice hat knit in fingering weight (gloss by knitpicks.)  Ah, tiny needles… how I love you!