Agatha cardigan and Knitting for Victory

I've become a bit obsessed by Andi Satterlund's knitting patterns.  This is my second knit from here.  The first, Hetty, is blogged here.  I like the patterns because they are fitted and quick to knit.  They are knitted in one piece, so no seaming!  You start at the shoulder, knit down the back to the end of the armholes, then pick up from the shoulder knit down to the front end of the armsholes then join it together and knit the bottom in one piece. 

 

Then you pick up the armholes and use short rows to knit the sleeves in a round.  Short rows are a bit tricky and its a good job this is a black cardie because mine aren't too neat.  The patterns are a bit complicated to follow and maybe not the best for beginners, but if you like a vintage vibe they are fantastic.  The other tricky bit is blocking a full cardigan and I haven't managed a very good job here.

The wool is worsted weight so this knitted up in a couple of weeks and it only took 4 skeins, so good value at about £22.00.  I knitted a size small, because I knit quite loosely, and wanted some negative ease.   I thought a black cardigan would be really useful and I think it will be in spring.  (Worn here with my plaid Hawthorn dress - excuse the collar standing up!)

 

Otherwise I have nearly finished a blouse, a pair of trousers, started a Chanel style jacket and made a little progress on the crotchet scarf, ready for next winter perhaps!

I also knitted a beret for the Knit for Victory knit along.  I enjoyed knitting, just enough fair-isle to be enjoyable.  I knitted it from left over bits of Debbie Bliss baby cashmero, so no cost.  Here it is before blocking, a bit floppy.

You block it around a 10" plate (I could only find a 10 1/2" one!) ....a bit odd and the cereal bowl is to hold it down.

... but it worked.  I love the colours, can you see the V in the pattern.

 

Dan thought Tess might like her own beret.

She didn't!!  I'm really enjoying my knitting and sewing at the moment, I just wish I had more time to do it!  Oh, well back to work tomorrow and I'm guessing more rain.  Roll on spring.