Back in April I was a little short of spring inspiration and I found a few patterns to get my knitting juices flowing. A little untypically for me, I kept my focus and cast on the Dahlia cardigan a few days later.
The way this pattern works is by starting with the back lace panel knitted in the round and working the rest of the cardigan around it in a large triangle. The lace panel was a few hours work – I loved how the pattern just grew and grew.
I chose a yarn which is gently self-striping from a spring green to a deep purple – it reminds me of crocuses. It has a nice sheen and slight fuzz and it’s soft to touch. A great combination for a spring-weight cardigan. And I had plenty of opportunity to experience it’s softness as I started on the acres of stocking stitch for the remainder of the cardigan.
It’s starting to take shape
And more stocking stitch.
Finally, a few weeks ago, a breakthrough! I finished the body and finally got to open up the armholes.
From then, I got a little side-tracked with baby-wear, to return a few weeks later to finish the sleeves. For some reason, this took me for ever. Perhaps it has something to do with changing the pattern a few times then unknitting to get back to where I started… However like everything in life, the knitting was eventually finished, and with a little bit of nail-biting, I blocked it.
And now, it’s finished! Front:
Back:
I added in some short-rows around the shoulder to help the cardigan sit a little more squarely on the shoulders. I also made one side longer and angled to allow it to get it tucked in round the neck. I have a similar designed summer cardigan and I always get frustrated when I want to clasp it closed but can’t. This way round, I have the best of both worlds – waterfall(ish) front when open and with a self-closing mechanism.
And although I’m not 100% happy with everything about this cardigan – I’d prefer more short-rows on the shoulders and for both fronts to be longer, I am most definitely liking the lace back.
And looking at the weather forecast for the next few days, although we’re now in summer, I can see that this cardigan is going to get plenty of wear.
This is beautiful, lots of hard work by the looks of it – Ooh I wish I had the patience.
Thanks! To be honest, it was all the plain knitting that made me want to put it down.
Wow, like a piece of art!
Thanks.
It’s a lovely design. I’m happy it’s finished though!
What a lovely color!! I love the lace panel, it’s like an exciting surprise when you turn around 😛
It was bright sunlight when those photos were taken so the green is closer to spring grass than emerald but nevertheless it’s a great colour.
I fell in love with the lace at the back – I now need to engineer situations where people look at my back so they notice the pattern 🙂 Vanity – thy name is a knitter!
I have had my eye on that pattern for a long time, and wow!!! You did an incredible job with it!!!! It’s simply beautiful!
Thanks!
Definitely a lovely pattern but consider making a shoulder for it and making the front your own design to suit your body shape. I monkeyed around with the lace on the sleeves and the sleeve length/type and just ended up following the pattern – more or less.
Gorgeous! I love the pattern on the back and adore the way u’ve shaped the front! Definitely worth all the hard work:)
Thank you! The best part is getting the wonderful comments from all you lovely knitters who have experience in the tears it costs to knit something.
I always love this pattern. You chose a fantastic yarn for it too!
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