Curlew

Description

Curlew was designed with the Monterey Peninsula in California in mind. It’s effortlessly chic, warm-but-not-too-warm, and with its easy fit it makes a great first sweater.

The strong vertical lines of open cardigans are flattering to most figures, and the heathered look of the combination of Shibui yarns I used makes a fabric that’s easily dressed up or down. (Also, be warned: It’s decadently soft and light.) In terms of wearability: Curlew’s open front and 3/4 sleeves are easy to layer, and the narrow neck opening helps keep everything in place as you move. 2×2 ribbing trims the cardigan fronts and sleeve cuffs, and the bottom hem is unfinished, giving an ever-so-slight roll for a super-clean look.

The fit of this cardigan is meant to be relaxed, with no waist shaping and generous armholes. The lovely motion of this sweater lies in its fabric: When worked together, the two kinds of silk in the Staccato/Pebble combination produce a soft, slightly-nubby fabric with terrific drape; the wools give it incredible lightness. I strongly recommend using the listed materials if at all possible.

Sizing

34 (36, 37 1⁄2, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 56, 60)’’ / 86.5 (91.5, 95.5, 101.5, 106.5, 112, 117, 122, 127, 132, 142, 152.5) cm

The all-in-one construction of this sweater wants to be worn slightly oversized – please choose a size with 4” (10 cm) of ease in your bust (or upper torso).

Gauge

21 sts & 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette.

Materials:

Shibui Staccato and Shibui Pebble, held together. I used the color “Ash”, and you’ll need 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10) hanks Staccato and 4 (5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9) hanks Pebble for the various sizes.

Construction:

Curlew is worked in a single piece, sideways, with minimal shaping, which makes it great for a first sweater. This construction looks somewhat strange on the needles, though, so there’s a helpful guide and clear schematic included in the pattern’s PDF.