Dear Mom,
As you know, I made a concerted effort to knit the Lush Swingy Cardigan. It is a beautiful pattern, but something about the combination of factors of the yarn substitution or doing the math calculations just really set things off on the wrong foot. Two attempts, and row gauge remained a problem, and I began to worry about a nice fit, and about the quantity of yarn.
Mom and Lolly ~1981
…and I am a true believer that when making something for someone else, only good thoughts and love go in to it… and all the math and mix-ups were not making for good thoughts, unfortunately.
The last thing I want to do is make something for you just to churn it out and finish… but for it to sit in your closet because you didn’t feel good in it or because it does not fit properly!
From all of your years of sewing and general creative expressions, you realize what goes into making a gift for someone. You want it to be special and for it to meet the needs of the recipient. You made us so many beautiful clothes when we were children – and they always fit so perfectly! You took the time to make it so! …and now I want to return that gesture, in a small part, in the form of this cardigan.
Armed with many ideas for an alternative pattern, I was very happy to hear that you did not mind changing the original pattern – for I knew it was truly the yarn and the yarn color that you were most excited about! Your new choice of the Sienna Cardigan (from Interweave Knits, Fall 2006) is a perfect choice!
Plus, I think it will be rather effortless to make the few modifications that you asked for – no ribbing at the bottom in favor of a more “swingy” look, and a lighter feel to the overall fabric. The pattern has your favorite feature in the shawl collar neckline, and also mixes in the little lace faggoting detail on the placard as well as the small picots: small things that make a beautiful finished piece (I hope!) Plus, it has simple and pretty lines – not too much going on since all of the details are balanced with smooth stockinette.
The Classic Elite Classic Silk is a wonderful yarn, and I think it will wear very 
well for many years. It has a beautiful drape to it and will lay nicely however you decide to wear it. …and you chose the color, and I am so glad you did. It is so beautiful to look at while I am knitting! The color reminds me of the hydrangea bushes at your house – the little tips of them turn that deep periwinkle with flashes of violet. It’s perfect!
Too late for both your birthday and for Mother’s Day… but I hope this new pattern provides me with the inspiration to get this garment to you very soon – early summer cardigan! …now I just need to find the perfect buttons!
I hope you love it! (and now I will love making it for you!)
Love,
Lolly
Awwwww, it’s baby Lolly! Happy knitting on the new pattern – I love that yarn color!
Sounds like a good solution all around. Love the picture. How adorable.
What a sweet picture! Love the sweaters!
Sweet letter, Lolly! I actually made the Sienna Cardigan. (This may be one of the few sweaters I knit that was not inspired by your blog!) It was a great, fast project with a nice result. You may be done quicker than you think.
Sounds like a good plan! I’m eager to see how your modified Sienna Cardigan turns out.
Your family is so lucky to have such a talented and caring daughter/sister/granddaughter/wife/friend! I’ve only made socks (and one shawl) for my family.
That yarn and pattern together will certainly make for a lovely cardigan. I hope you’ll enjoy knitting it, and your Mom will enjoy wearing it!
Oh, don’t I know that feeling. It is very wise of you to change to a different pattern.
I am currently on the finishing stretch of a cardigan/jacket for B. (it’s his birthday tomorrow, so I am weaving in ends like a madwoman). It took me two years to swatch, knit, reknit etc. on a pattern full of mistakes and then I changed to another pattern about a month ago and voila. Good luck and I’m sure you will get it right.
I knit this two winters ago and it was such a fast and satisfying knit and is one of the things in my knitting wardrobe that fits me best. I’m sure you will craft a lovely sweater for your mom.
(Another) sweet post!
I’m so in love with that hydrangea blue!
That Lush cardigan is beautiful, but Sienna grabbed me the minute I first saw the pattern in Interweave, and I’ve loved it ever since… and what makes me giggle is that from that first second, I thought, “OMG, this is the perfect cardigan for Mom!” Great minds think alike? Great Moms share great taste? Heh. Anyway, it will be incredible in that yarn, and I can’t wait to see how it looks with your modifications… I was planning on reducing the amount of ribbing at the hem, but maybe I’ll like it even better skipped entirely. Happy knitting!
You know I understand about the sweater. I’ll cherish whatever you make for me. I will love wearing it because you made it for me. xxoo
Aw, a simple idea stated with so much love and caring. I’m so glad for the both of you that you are doing something more to your liking with this yarn. No need to struggle unnecessarily – make something filled with love!
what a nice picture and letter , i loved to read it … the cardigan looks realy nice i hope you `ll have lot`s of fun knitting it.
greatings from holland
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