From the moment I sewed the last button onto Washington Square in October (in the car on the way to Rhinebeck) it has become part of my uniform. I think I've worn this cardigan more than any other sweater I've made. The yarn, Schaefer Miss Priss, has a combination of warmth and softness that makes it perfect from October through April here in NJ. In the photo above I'm wearing it with a short sleeved tshirt in October. There is no itchiness, I assure you. The color, Thistle, is a lovely muted violet that seems to look good with most of my wardrobe.
It's fun to see how the same sweater works on me with zero ease and on Sofie with about 5" of ease. I think it's the ribbing that makes Washington Square work for both of us. The 3x1 ribbing gives a bit of contour to the body without the addition of actual body shaping in the pattern.
Washington Square is worked flat, in one piece from the bottom up to the underarms. The sleeves are then worked in the round and joined to the body at the yoke. Simple slipped stitch ovals begin the yoke, with a ridge stitch completing the yoke. Finishing work is quick with only button bands added and small openings at the underarms that are stitched closed.
Huge thanks go out to Bich-Thu, Elizabeth and Tonia for test knitting and to Karen for editing. Thank you also to Laura Nelkin at the Schaefer Yarn Company for being so generous with yarn support.
Sizes: 30 [32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52] Shown in size 40
Finished Measurements: Bust - 30.5[32.25, 34, 36.75, 38.5, 40.25, 42, 44.75, 46.5, 48.25, 50, 52.75]”
Gauge: 18 sts & 29 rows = 4” in (k3, p1) ribbing, blocked.
Yarn: Schaefer Yarn Miss Priss, 100% Merino Wool, 280 yds per 4oz. skein, Color: Thistle, 3[4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7] Skeins
Needles: US 8/5mm 32 or 40” circular and one set US 8/5mm DPN’s or size to obtain gauge
Other Materials: 8[8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10] buttons, Place Markers (PM), ScrapYarn in two colors, Tapestry Needle
Price: $6.00 US
Beautiful! Another one to show to Hannah. How about the hat that Sofie is wearing? Is that one of your designs? (I think it is but I'm drawing a blank)
Posted by: Carole | January 09, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Yes Carole, the pattern for the slouchy hat is mine. It's Sofie's Slouch.
Posted by: Kirsten | January 09, 2011 at 09:22 AM
I adore this!
Posted by: Carla | January 09, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Oh, that's so pretty!
Posted by: torirot | January 09, 2011 at 10:34 AM
I just love it :-)
Posted by: Hege | January 09, 2011 at 10:58 AM
It's YOU in a photo. Hurray! I love your new design and the fact that it's knit in one piece makes it even better. I know, I should learn how to adapt patterns myself, but I'm a little lazy. :-)
Posted by: Suzanne | January 09, 2011 at 11:50 AM
It's a beautiful sweater! It's also nice to see you in some photos (next time smile!).
Posted by: Megan Dunn | January 09, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Another beautiful design. You are a force! It's also great/helpful to see the sweater modeled on two different bodies! Looking forward to knitting this one.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 09, 2011 at 01:56 PM
Love it Kirsten! It looks great on both of you and I adore the color!
Posted by: Allegra | January 09, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Lovely, as always, and I love the yarn choice!
Posted by: Debbie | January 09, 2011 at 05:54 PM
I had to have this. I work at LYS parttime and love Ultra Alpaca Tonal. I think this pattern will give me excuse to buy some.
Posted by: Timmie | January 09, 2011 at 06:00 PM
I really like the looks of this sweater! Think I'll have to do this one very soon :)
Posted by: yodafatkitty | January 09, 2011 at 07:47 PM
So beautiful!
Posted by: Suvi | January 10, 2011 at 12:40 AM
I'm not a sweater knitter and, as a matter of fact, I'm intimidated by them but this may make a sweater knitter out of me. It's absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by: Susie | January 10, 2011 at 08:35 AM
Yet another gorgeous pattern. How do you do it?!
Posted by: Kara | January 10, 2011 at 01:32 PM
It´s beautiful!
Posted by: Anna | January 11, 2011 at 01:44 AM
That is super gorgeous, must make that one! Thank you. x
Posted by: Linda | January 11, 2011 at 04:41 AM
OH my gosh, this is BEAUTIFUL!!! Straight the the favorite button!!!
Posted by: Jan | January 11, 2011 at 10:19 AM