Here is a great new top-down design that I recently finished and will try to release in May.
The back and sleeves are worked from the top-down first, with a twisted stitch cable rib accenting the front "raglan" seams.
Of course, as with most all of my designs, the waist is shaped for a sexy fit. Increases are placed within the center of the 2 back lace panels to make it interesting.
The sleeves are finished with lace edgings and a stylish 3/4 length.
Then, the fronts are picked up and knit sideways with wide lace panels at the top and bottom. The shapes are tapered to create a very flattering V-neckline effect and nicely draped fronts when worn open.
This one is knit in Knitpicks Swish Worsted, which blocks out very well. The stitch definition and softness of the resulting fabric is perfect!
I'm just starting to write this one up and hope to have it ready in May.
The design is a bit kimono-like and can be worn in many ways with the use of a shawl pin or strategically placed snaps or buttons.
Share your comments!
** SPECIAL PATTERN GIVEAWAY **
As soon as this pattern is available, I will randomly choose 2 commenters to receive this PDF pattern for free!
Just post your comment here before 9pm PST, May 9th, 2010.
One comment per person, please.
Good luck!
** May 17th Winners Announced! **
And the winners of the free copies of this pattern are . . . commenters Charyl Biggs and sara who commented on 4/13/10!!!
Congrats! I've emailed you both the pattern pdf.
For everyone else, please find this pattern now in the pattern shop at:
http://sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/dramatic-lace-top-down-wrap-cardi.htm
It's a great top-down design to make now!
Gorgeous design!! Love Love Love!
Posted by: Janet | April 12, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Love it!!!
I'd love this pattern. I've made some of your others and they're terrific.
Posted by: Deb | April 12, 2010 at 01:24 PM
It´s sooo beautiful! I look so much forward to the pattern!
Posted by: Marika | April 12, 2010 at 01:56 PM
This is so lovely! I have just discovered you, & am enjoying looking at all of your designs!
Posted by: Jules | April 12, 2010 at 08:46 PM
This cardigan is so elegant and feminine.....you have done it again!!.....can't wait for it to be available!!
Posted by: Sandra Milton | April 13, 2010 at 03:54 AM
I just had to stop by and tell you how much I love this cardigan. It is beautiful.
I am looking for something special to make for my mother and this is it.
Posted by: Esther | April 13, 2010 at 05:56 AM
It's absolutely beautiful, can see so many ways to wear it!
Posted by: redfear | April 13, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Oh my heavens...I can see this in a pretty blue or shoul it be red? Love this new pattern!
Angie
Posted by: Angie H. | April 13, 2010 at 10:55 AM
Beautiful! I adore your patterns and the feminine details. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Jennifer | April 13, 2010 at 10:55 AM
I love this sweater.
Posted by: Nora Murphy | April 13, 2010 at 10:55 AM
Gorgeous cardigan that beautifully and uniquely incorporates the lace pattern. It would be so lovely to wear to my niece's wedding.
Posted by: Gina in the SF Bay Area | April 13, 2010 at 10:56 AM
This is just what I've been looking for - so beautiful! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: sara | April 13, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Gorgeous. Fashionable, but not so trendy that it'll go out of style any time soon. I bet all that lace makes the stockinette go faster!!
Posted by: Monkeygurl | April 13, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Really stunning. Thanks for this beautiful design.
Posted by: smw | April 13, 2010 at 10:58 AM
I love this sweater. I enjoy your emails and your designs are outstanding.
Lois
Posted by: Lois Martin | April 13, 2010 at 10:59 AM
I love the new design!
Posted by: Jodi Huerter | April 13, 2010 at 10:59 AM
It's gorgeous! I could see this done in a silk yarn -- shine and classically dressy
Posted by: AnDy Horne | April 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Love this a lot! I think your designs are stunning.
Posted by: Shauna Gray | April 13, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Perfect for my niece who's nursing twins right now, and later when not so encumbered!
Posted by: bcknits on Ravelry | April 13, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Absolutely beautiful!! Love it!
Posted by: Sue | April 13, 2010 at 11:02 AM
So BEAUTIFUL! Thank You
Posted by: Irina | April 13, 2010 at 11:02 AM
So beautiful -- love this!
Posted by: Linda | April 13, 2010 at 11:02 AM
love the way it falls
Posted by: judi in kentucky | April 13, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Oh MY Gosh!! This is a must do! I love it!
Posted by: Terri | April 13, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Absolutely beautiful. Wonderful for spring if you are as coldblooded as me. I love the detail, it takes the garment to a whole new level.
Posted by: Jessica | April 13, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Me please! I love the way the wrap drapes :) Does anyone know of a shawl pin with a leaf motif?
Posted by: Jean | April 13, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Beautiful!! I can just see this being used in a wedding!! And I'd love to make it for myself for a wedding I have to attend later in the summer!!
Posted by: Judy S-G. | April 13, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Love the pattern...especially the way it drapes in front down into points. That's so flattering a shape!
Posted by: Elizabeth Delisi | April 13, 2010 at 11:04 AM
can't wait to knit this!
Posted by: Mia | April 13, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Simply stunning! Thanks for having a contest to win it :)
Posted by: knittymuggins | April 13, 2010 at 11:05 AM
Love it!!!! I can't wait to buy or 'potential' win this pattern. Must have, must have!
~W
Posted by: Wierdlings | April 13, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Perfect spring topper! I would love to win the pattern.
Posted by: Tracey | April 13, 2010 at 11:06 AM
This is a great cardi....nice for the summer in the office!
Posted by: Caty BAch | April 13, 2010 at 11:07 AM
I love this, especially in gray! It's one of my favorite colors and this is a wrap that can span every season--well done!!:)
Posted by: Julie Swaim | April 13, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Love it! Can't wait to start making one for myself!
Posted by: amyrachel | April 13, 2010 at 11:07 AM
I love this!! I must make it :) Can't wait for the pattern!
Posted by: Marisa W. | April 13, 2010 at 11:07 AM
This is a great pattern as usual you have created something beautiful.
Roz
Posted by: Roz | April 13, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Love the new cardi! What a stunner. Can't wait to get it on my needles.
Posted by: Vicki | April 13, 2010 at 11:08 AM
So very beautiful! Good job!!!
Posted by: Lydia A. | April 13, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Really wonderful! Please don´t forget to tell me if the pattern is available!
Veronika
Germany
Posted by: Veronika | April 13, 2010 at 11:11 AM
I love the versatility of this cardigan. And the lace design is elegant. Would love to have this pattern.
Posted by: Beverly B Seibenhener | April 13, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Must do! I'd love to make this pattern.
Posted by: Meredith Fuhrman | April 13, 2010 at 11:14 AM
This is a very sexy wrap sweater! It looks good all year long!
Posted by: Kelly | April 13, 2010 at 11:14 AM
The back detail on this design is exquisite. I would love to knit this for my friend Deborah.
Posted by: Daun | April 13, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Beautiful design - love the way you wear it wrapped or let it just flow - the design really sets it off.
mary ann
Posted by: mary ann | April 13, 2010 at 11:15 AM
This cardigan would suit me perfectly. *And* your deadline (9 May) is my 40th birthday.
Whether I win or not, there's karma going on here...
Posted by: Katherine | April 13, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Gorgeous! Will there be large sizes?
Posted by: Kim Q | April 13, 2010 at 11:17 AM
Absolutely stunning! Beautiful design! I especially like the back. Can't wait to knit it! :-)
Posted by: Jane | April 13, 2010 at 11:19 AM
Beautiful! I am fairly new to Sweaterbabe and love what I have seen so far!
Posted by: Michele M | April 13, 2010 at 11:19 AM
This is beautiful. How do I enter.
Posted by: Kathryn Egan | April 13, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Lovely sweater. I have been looking for a pattern for a summer sweater. I already have a cotton blend yarn. This might work.
Posted by: Sue | April 13, 2010 at 11:21 AM
I LOVE this sweater! This is going to be a must knit project for me!
Posted by: Janet | April 13, 2010 at 11:22 AM
So Beautiful, you are so talented! I am about to start the nipped-waist shawl cardigan, which is so awesome!! I absolutely love how your designs accentuate the waist and have almost a peplum design, either with gathering, or with lace (like this one) so charming & romantic. Keep it up!! :o)
Posted by: Jenny | April 13, 2010 at 11:25 AM
You have awesome patterns!!!! This is a nice, feminine take on the angular sweater. Thanks for the chance to win the pattern!
Posted by: Jeanette | April 13, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Wow, I love that it is both an easy shawl like shape & bust flattering garment all in one....graceful, playful and versatile...I imagine it would be great as a tunic style topper over pants as well...hmmmm...Wonderful design looks easily adaptable to every woman's shape...I look forward to this!
Posted by: Julie G | April 13, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Wow! I really need to win this!
Posted by: Sue | April 13, 2010 at 11:27 AM
I love this cardigan. The way it drapes is wonderful.
Posted by: Valerie Hutchinson | April 13, 2010 at 11:29 AM
This is just beautiful! I just love your patterns....
Posted by: Barbara Robertson | April 13, 2010 at 11:29 AM
This is a gorgeous sweater and so flattering! I can't wait to make one!
Posted by: Mimi Clark | April 13, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Gorgeous design! I hope I win. :)
Posted by: Marina | April 13, 2010 at 11:30 AM
This is a beautiful design. I love the use of leaves in many of your patterns. They seem very organic and appropriate for spring.
Posted by: Lucy A | April 13, 2010 at 11:30 AM
I absolutely love the cardigan!!! My friend went to NZ on her honeymoon and brought me the most gorgeous wool. I have been searching for the perfect pattern to knit and I think this is it!!!
Posted by: Katie Walsh | April 13, 2010 at 11:31 AM
It´s beautifull.
Posted by: Gladys ´Hernandez | April 13, 2010 at 11:32 AM
I love it - now to decide what color I want to knit it in.....
Posted by: Penny | April 13, 2010 at 11:32 AM
I just checked the colours available in the knitpicks swish worsted. Thank you for picking a yarn that has such a huge sellection of beautiful colours! I'll definitely be making one of these kimono sweaters in the fall!
Posted by: Mimi Clark | April 13, 2010 at 11:33 AM
I can't wait to make this. Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for having this contest.
Posted by: Yvette | April 13, 2010 at 11:34 AM
This is a fantastic looking piece !!
The mixture of stitches would make it attractive on any body shape.
Posted by: mary camp | April 13, 2010 at 11:34 AM
So pretty -- love the versatility!
Posted by: Jenn Foster | April 13, 2010 at 11:37 AM
Beautiful patter, and it's something anyone can wear! Thanks for this fashionable, lovely cardigan pattern!
Posted by: Barbara H | April 13, 2010 at 11:37 AM
That sweater is beautiful! I esp. love the lace panel in the back. It gives some shape, some curviness, to the overall design of the piece. Great job on the design!!
Posted by: Kati Armbruster | April 13, 2010 at 11:38 AM
I love the lace repeats on the back! Very sophisticated & versatile.
Posted by: Emil | April 13, 2010 at 11:38 AM
I finally have found something to knit for ME! It's beautiful and in my colours too, Anna from Eugowra NSW Australia
Posted by: Anna | April 13, 2010 at 11:39 AM
This is absolutely breathtaking. Thanks for the pleasure of previewing this.
Posted by: Deborah A Jones | April 13, 2010 at 11:41 AM
Elegant and Stunning!
Posted by: patty | April 13, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Just beautiful!!
Posted by: Suzana | April 13, 2010 at 11:45 AM
You have outdone yourself with this one. Truly a stunner so feminine and so elegant. A piece that is very versatile and stylish.
Posted by: Marsha | April 13, 2010 at 11:47 AM
This is simply gorgeous as well as being flattering for a variety of shapes and sizes! I'd love to win a free pattern, but will probably buy it eventually even if I don't. I admire your design skills.
Posted by: Christine Tochihara | April 13, 2010 at 11:48 AM
A lovely design, simple and classy. I look forward to knitting this!
Posted by: Anne Lokken | April 13, 2010 at 11:50 AM
This looks very intriguing , I am currently knitting Lush and Lacy cardigan and love it.
Posted by: lois jones | April 13, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Great details! I hope I win!
Posted by: Jenny | April 13, 2010 at 11:54 AM
This is a stunning pattern. I eagerly await every newsletter from you,as you always have beautiful patterns and great information. Thank you. Linda
Posted by: Linda Minor | April 13, 2010 at 11:54 AM
gorgeous!
Posted by: Temple | April 13, 2010 at 11:55 AM
I love the back! Not so fond of how the front might emphasize the hips, however. I'd simply skip the lace there.
Posted by: Margo Lynn | April 13, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Just bought two of your other cardigan patterns. Your designs are beautiful.
Posted by: Elba Kunsman | April 13, 2010 at 12:01 PM
I am not a "girlie girl", but love these designs of yours. I feel more feminine just looking at them!
Posted by: Rose Davila | April 13, 2010 at 12:02 PM
In a word"FABULOUS"!
Posted by: Linda | April 13, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Cute Cardigan. Like the unique shape and pretty lace pattern! :o)
Hope I win!!
Posted by: Loide Wasmund | April 13, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Best on yet. Love your patterns
Posted by: Mary Holtz | April 13, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Simply gorgeous!
Posted by: Chantel Black | April 13, 2010 at 12:06 PM
I love the versatility of the design that you created. I would love the opportunity to make it once it is available. I hope that there is large sizes and what yarn did you use?
Posted by: Jennifer | April 13, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Another gorgeous design, would love to win it!!
Posted by: Tina | April 13, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Lovely pattern. Lace on the back is a wonderful interest point. I always wonder why people make sweaters/jumpers with plain backs! This looks terrific.
Posted by: Susan (sjanova) | April 13, 2010 at 12:08 PM
I love your designs and am always so inspired to see your newest even if it isn't something I always plan to knit right away. This however, is one that I want to knit right away! Can't wait for the pattern!
Posted by: Paloma | April 13, 2010 at 12:09 PM
This is truly a lovely and versatile cardigan. However, I do have a question; why do the lace panels not go all the way up the back and if they did would it affect the way the garment hangs? Thanks for all your beautiful designs!
Posted by: Stephanie Magee | April 13, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Wow! This is really beautiful. I'm petit and I think this design will elongate. Most wraps look too large and overly drappy. As always, I look for knittable patterns that will keep my interest. I think this will do it. I look forward to knitting it.
Posted by: Mai Lee Martin | April 13, 2010 at 12:13 PM
what impresses me the most is how your talent is evolving and becoming more honed in style. this pattern is the first that i have seen anywhere that would make me drop my hook and pick up sticks again. the pattern is a remarkable tribute to your understanding the craft. kudos to you.
Posted by: debbee oyer | April 13, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Love Love Love! I can't wait to knit this sweater!
Posted by: Shelley | April 13, 2010 at 12:16 PM
What a beautiful design!
Posted by: Sue | April 13, 2010 at 12:17 PM
I am a knitting newby, but have conquered cables! I would love to challenge myself with this lovely pattern. Please pick me!
Tamia
Posted by: tamia clyne | April 13, 2010 at 12:19 PM
You have done it again! There are no patterns like yours here in England,I will be the envy of every one here if I was fortunate to win this pattern. Fingers crossed.
Barbs Adams
Posted by: Barbara Adams | April 13, 2010 at 12:19 PM