Knitting Patterns Blog from SweaterBabe.com

Knitting Pattern for Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan - Great for all ages!

Joy H. from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada knit this super cool version of the #112 Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan in a yarn that made it just perfect for her teenage daughter.

"The pattern was easy to follow and knit up very quickly. It was a bonus to not have any seams to deal with when the knitting was finished.

I chose to knit this pattern for her after I saw it on “Ravelry.” I instantly fell in love with the lacy, feminine look and of course being seamless was an added bonus.

I decided to knit this cardigan in a hand painted yarn, so I chose Lucy Neatby’s 'Cat’s Pajamas' in the color Mermaid.

I felt that the color of the yarn would appeal more to my daughter as she tends to enjoy a funky, younger look.

I thoroughly enjoyed knitting this pattern and I can’t wait to make one for myself. I hope you enjoy the finished product as much as we do!

Thanks SweaterBabe for creating such a fabulous pattern" -- Joy H.

You're very welcome, Joy.  And thank you so much for sending us these great photos of it!

The hand-painted quality of the yarn and the vibrancy of the colors really transform this into a young, sophisticated, and fun cardigan for your daughter!

LOVE seeing it in such a different color story than the muted grey I used for the original sample.

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern - A finished version from France!

Isabelle B. of Saint Louis, France sent in these beautiful photos of her lovely #112 Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan (one of my MOST POPULAR knitting patterns!).

Sh used Cascade yarns Heathers Color in Rainier Heather (#9454). 

Here is what Isabelle says about her finished project:

"The first thing I liked when I saw this pattern was the little cables from the kimono sleeves. The kind of 'little detail' I really love! And I liked the lace border in these different directions too.

The pattern is really easy to follow, charts or words as we want. I specially appreciate the table, row after row, to follow the lace chart and the decreases in the same time! Very nice!

I am very happy to have it .Exactly what I need for the end of the summer time in Alsace. And I really like the way the lace is 'falling' when the cardigan is open.

Very original and very elegant!! Un très joli cardigan !" -- Isabelle B. 

Merci, beaucoup, Isabelle!

Your photos show how wonderfully this knitting project worked out for you! 

The stitch definition of the lace here is so amazing.  I LOVE the purple heather color of the yarn.  The heather quality of the yarn really compliments the "nature" of the leaf lace!  Looks like the drape of the yarn is perfect too.

Thanks so much for sharing!!

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

Stunning Nipped Waist Cardigan

OMG - These photos just prove how GREAT photography (and of course, masterful knitting) can make a cardigan look INCREDIBLY STUNNING!!

Anne T. of Wanganui, New Zealand, knit her version of the #106 Shawl-Collar, Nipped Waist Cardigan in a beautiful color.

AND in these photos, you'll see how this cardigan can be styled in many ways.  It's worn upside-down in the photo at left!

Anne used Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 10ply in Colour Lake. The grey/teal shade is unique and very sophisticated.

"I enjoyed knitting this. I found the pattern well written and easy to follow and I love the look of the lace peplum." -- Anne T.

Thanks, so much, Anne, for showing us the gorgeous ways this cardigan can be worn!

I hadn't imagined it being worn upside-down, but the fancy lace at the bottom looks so gorgeous as a collar!

That lace pattern really was intended to be the centerpiece of this cardigan, and wearing it like that truly highlights that! Here it is worn upside-down again, but with the Parasol Lace bottom draped over as a hood.  So chic!
Take a look at these other great photos.

Now are you inspired to make your own?  Check out the pattern: #106 Shawl-Collar Nipped Waist Cardigan, originally knit in Knit Picks HW Gloss yarn. 

Talia Vest and Super Cute Newsboy make a great knit combo!

Here's a great combo! The #82 Talia Vest (free pattern!) and the #113 Super Cute Newsboy Cap (which includes BABY through Adult size and only needs 1 ball of the yarn!) from Lana T. of Westminster, CA.

She used Drops Karisma superwash in light grey for the Talia Vest and Nashua Handknits creative focus superwash in grey for the Cap.

And here are her comments on both of these great projects:

"I was ecstatic when I came across your website a few months ago because I was looking for a cute pattern for a vest or cardigan to knit.

I fell in love with all your designs because of the lace and cable details. I loved the look of the Talia vest and the cute newsboy cap so I decided to try knitting it for my friend's daughter, as I only have 3 boys.

I just started knitting about 6 months ago, therefore, was very grateful to see the detailed instructions for your patterns.

The pattern kept me so intrigued that it only took me 4 days for the vest and 2 days for the cap. Needless to say, both projects came out perfectly cute and wearable without any headache on my part.

I cannot wait to dive into another one of Katherine's design. I've already got 2 lined up in my queue. Thanks again for being so creative. You are a #1 knitter/designer in my book." -- Lana T.

Well, thank you so much, Lana, for sharing your finished projects and for such nice comments! They look perfect for your friend's daughter. Super stylin'! Great work knitting them and you were SO fast!!   And you only just learned to knit 6 months ago.  WOW.  You have either a very good teacher or are just a natural for knitting or both!

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

Marisa's Gorgeous Flutter-Sleeved Cardigan!

Marisa W. of Fulton, Maryland knit her version of the #99 Flutter-Sleeved Blousy Cardigan (a top-down design!) in Elsebeth Lasvold Cool Wool in color #7 Hemp. She made a few mods.

"I fell in love with the design because of the cabled neckline, sleeve shape and beautiful lace panels, but I didn't know if the blousy middle was the best for my figure.

I just had to knit this, though, so I decided to make it non-blousy. All I did was add a little waist shaping and eliminate the decreases before the waistband.

This sweater was such a pleasure to knit, and the pattern was very well-written and easy to follow. I love the way the flutter sleeves came out - just the right amount of flutter! I used a 50% wool, 50% cotton yarn so I could wear it throughout all of the seasons.

 Thanks for another great pattern!" -- Marisa W.

And thank you, Marisa, for sharing your mods and comments on this pattern!  It's been a great-selling pattern and because of it's top-down design, has been easy to adjust!

Here's what my sample version looked like (see blow). See how different it is witb the alpaca blend and the blousy body shape gathered at the waist with a slightly cropped length?

Really shows you how a few adjustments to a great baseline pattern can make it perfect for you!

Looks great buttoned at the top and in the middle and you chose a very versatile color.

Thanks again!

A finished Talia Vest from a new knitter!

Here's another great finished #82 Talia Shaped Vest from Penny S. of Cocoa, FL.  She's a farily new knitter, so tackling this intermediate level project was a nice challenge for her that she conquered with great success!

Here are her comments on this knitting project:

"I have only been knitting for a little over a year. . . have only knitted basic scarves, hats, and a couple stockinette sweaters, but nothing intricate or with a lace pattern.

When I came across your site and saw the unbleievable patterns you create I was completely taken in. I saw the Talia Vest pattern was a free download and wondered if I could even do it. But there were so many confidence builders (especially on Ralvery.com!!!) that I thought maybe, just maybe I could do it.

So, I decided to give it a try. The pattern was beautifully written and easy for me to understand. It was very easy to follow. I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing.

I have to say it is my favorite knitted piece that I have done. It kept me so motivated with the changing of the stitches that I was able to complete it in just over two weeks, which surprised me. I am so pleased with how nice the vest turned out that I have already started another one, I love it that much!!

Thank you for offering the free pattern, it has absolutely opened a new world for me and I am so excited! Sincerely, Penny S. Cocoa, Florida"

Penny used Caron Simply Soft in color Grey Heather #9742.

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

Kathy's Lush and Lacy Cardigan

Here's another version of the really popular #70 Lush and Lace Cardigan, which I published in 2007!  It's been a consistent bestseller ever since.

"Dear SweaterBabe, I'd been searching for months for a lightweight but lovely sweater when I came across SweaterBabe.com.

I fell in love with this design [#70 Lush and Lacy Cardigan], and for the first time ordered an online item.

I loved the pattern the moment I saw it. The directions were easy to follow and interesting enough to keep me hooked. I lengthened it a bit to fit me and added one more set of buttons.

I've received many compliments on the finished project, and I can't wait to start another." -- Kathy F., Coldstream, BC.

Kathy used Bernat Satin in a color called Silk.

Thanks, Kathy for sharing your finished project!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

A Berry Nice Cardigan!

Here's another Lush and Lacy Cardigan to inspire!  The rich berry color makes for a really striking cardigan!

"Good morning from a warm and sunny South Africa... I bought the lush and lacy cardigan pattern from your website and since my mother in law, Betsie, is a much more experience knitter I convinced her to knit it for me as a birthday gift!

As we live in South Africa we had to guess at the type of wool as our brands differ from yours.

We settled on this wool - it is thicker than a double knitting wool and my mother in law adjusted the pattern a little bit by leaving off the pockets and we decided to make loops for the buttons.

I absolutely love the cardigan and wear it winter (as you see here with a polo neck underneath!), autumn, spring and every other opportunity I get!" -- Christina H. from Johannesburg, South Africa.

The yarn used was Stylecraft Life Chunky in Cranberry 2319.

Love your color choice!  That would brighten up any day, regardless of the weather!  Thanks, Christina and thank you to your MIL, Betsie, for such a lovely job knitting it!

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

Rosi's Vine Lace Cardigan

Here's a fresh version of the ever-popular #77 Vine Lace Top-Down Cardigan from Rosi G. of Staten Island, NY.

The gorgeous shade of blue is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky in Seafoam #23.

Here is what Rosi has to say about this project:

"When in need of a stylish cardigan quickly, this is a great pattern to knit. The pattern is very well written with detailed instructions for each and every size.

I've worn the sweater constantly all winter. The thick collar feels soft and warm under my wool coat. The pockets are a cute detail and quite useful, particularly at the office, to hold lip balm, tissue and my ID card."

Wonderful color choice, Rosi!  So bright and cheerful.  And I can just imagine how soft and cozy the Cashmerino must be.  Such a luxury!

Thanks for sharing!

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

Morgan's Cabled Long Vest

Morgan E., a college student in Ithaca, New York knit her #71 Intricately Cabled Long Vest in Cascade Ecological Wool in Taupe.

"The [Intricately Cabled Long Vest] pattern went up really quickly due to the bulky yarn, and it was really fun to see the cables come alive as I went! It was easy to follow and well-written. Overall, a very pleasurable and gratifying knit." -- Morgan E.

Thanks, Morgan!  I love the color you chose - I can see that being worn with so many outfits!  You are quite an accomplished young knitter!  I knit a lot when I was in college too ;-)