Monday, July 19, 2010

Crochet: Lavender Cap-Sleeved Cardi


I've been a bit crochet-crazy of late, I think because it produces a lot of finished projects quickly, which is good for my nesting state of mind, and this is the beginning...

Purple has been Audrey's favorite color since she learned about colors and I think this particular shade of lavender is gorgeous. In fact, lavender and white were my favorite combination when I was a child, and the colors of my room then, but I haven't done much with it lately. So I was excited about a few lavender and white projects for Audrey this summer.


This cardigan is actually an upsized version of one I made for Scarlett while I was expecting her. I have had pretty good luck with what is a pretty lazy approach to upsizing. I simply used a worsted instead of DK yarn and a size J hook and this went from 3 month size to size 4! (I had similar success with another crochet cardigan--took it from newborn to Audrey-sized. Seems it's easier to find baby patterns I love as I prefer a vintage or classic look to something more funky.) Wish I could say I had a method for forecasting how it would turn out, but I just dove in figuring that with soon-to-be three girls in our family it would fit one of them at some point! Luckily it is perfect for Audrey now and so all three will get the chance to wear it.


Those two sweaters together make a gorgeous color combination! Hmmm...

When I was making the original version of this sweater I thought it would be cute cap-sleeved. The pattern is a fun one because increases create the shoulders and one crochets the entire sweater, then adds the length to the sleeves at the end.  So it was easy to skip the extra length on the sleeves and end up with cap sleeves instead. I just added the edging for a consistent finish.

The other little modification I made was to skip all the stops and starts and avoid more weaving in at the end, which I find super tedious. So I didn't fasten off but instead kept working with one continuous yarn to do the button bands and trim. Works for me!


The pattern is the first pattern ("Baby Layette") in Moda Dea Babies and Kids Collection 1. I used Lily Sugar&Cream yarn in "Hot Purple," which is softer in color than it sounds, and a size J hook. I love the square buttons (Streamline K1234) I found to finish it off--it was a good button day at the store today as I bought a few great ones just to add to the stash. That's a first!


I'm excited to see Audrey wear this little cardi. I have plans for a crochet skirt to go with it and am thinking of it as a good transitional outfit for late summer/early Fall, but it would be darling tossed over a white dress tomorrow!

15 comments:

  1. So pretty and soft. Great job!
    Im having a giveaway for a wonderful book on C.I. if you can get by... XO

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  2. That is absolutely the most darling thing I have ever seen! Oh, you inspire me to better my crocheting skills:). Audrey will look so sweet in it!

    ~Julia

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  3. Anneliese,Okey....really....you are amazing! I am not that good at keeping in touch with blogs. I have to admit it has been awhile since I have looked at yours. Oh my!!....could you be any more talented!?!?!?! Way to go! Love ya :)

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  4. This is gorgeous! Love the design and the colour! (BTW - Found you thru Tea rose)

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  5. Yay, so happy to see you on Luvinthemommyhood! I love Shannon - she and I are blog email buddies :-)

    Anyway, this is my question for you. I crochet (a little), but really just have done blankets and scarves and don't know what anything I'm doing is called (stitches, ect) since I was taught by a friend.

    Would you consider doing a post on the basic crochet stitches? Or recommend a good book for learning? I really don't need one more craft obssession :-), but I really think this is something I could get into.

    Have a great day!
    Lindsay

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  6. Oh my gosh!!! I'm totally in love with your sweaters. Where can I get the pattern? I would love to make them for my granddaughters. Your children are very lucky to have such BEAUTIFUL clothes,

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  7. Judy, so happy you love the sweater! Ithink it's a darling pattern. I've linked to the Moda Dea booklet in the post above--you can order it online. Thanks for the nice comment!

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  8. I really need to learn how to crochet. You make such wonderful and beautiful garments. This one is lovely too, and I think it will be great on a white dress!

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  9. Thank You for your response. I checked out the site and they don't have the pattern. Then, not to give up, I emailed them and they responded that they don't have the pattern. I guess two "NOs" means NO!!! I LOVE, LOVE your site and all your work. It inspires me to get back to crocheting.

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  10. Judy, oh bummer, I didn't realize this booklet was out of print. I got it years ago. I just did another Google search to see if I could find it for sale somewhere and no luck... If you want to provide me your email I'll contact you with another idea.

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  11. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  12. I have been looking for a cap-sleeved pattern and thought this was it until I clicked on the link and found that it was no longer available. Do you know of another similar pattern? Thanks!

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  13. I can't seem to find this pattern anywhere. Would it be possible to get a copy from you? Thanks!
    - Bonny

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  14. @Bonnhy: please give me your email address (you can email me via my Contact page if you'd like) and I'll see if I can help.

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  15. Very beautiful cardigan! The color and the model are fantastic!
    Congratulations for your blog, I love it!

    Sandra
    Québec city

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