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. 2x2 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.
