Meet Luana; I'm very happy to be able to finally introduce her. This is the former 'blob' I showed earlier and is my babydoll-style swing cardigan design for HipKnits.co.uk. HipKnits specializes in handpainted luxurious yarns (cashmere sock yarn!). The pattern is now available for download here with a few updated features in addition to the origianl at HipKnits !

This piece is worked in the Aran Silk which drapes so nicely and was luscious to work with. Pairing the solid and variegated colors was fun and solved a lot of pooling issues for the yoke. Often sharp changes in stitch counts can cause the color splashing to look different than the body. The solid is then used as accents in the body and sleeve hems to pull it together. There are lots of possible color combinations as well. I'm planning on making a version for me with blues and greens.

The entire piece is bound off at the armhole point, and picked up in the solid. This forms a sturdier 'hanging place' in the fabric since the silk stretches more than a type of wool.

Sizes: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48)" bust circumference.
Yarn: HipKnits Aran Silk; main color (variegated shown in Knox) 3 (4, 4, 4, 5) skeins; contrast color (solid shown in Baby) 2 (2, 2, 2, 3) skeins
Gauge: 18 sts and 22 rows = 4" in St st. in larger needle
Needles: US Size 7 & 8
Price: $5.75
Format: PDF instant download