Glentrekker Cardigan & Hats

It started with some pretty skeins that the good folks over at Bare Naked Wools allowed me to spend some quality time with. I had heard about this yarn line and how Anne Hanson and her company had sourced local fiber and had it all spun locally in various blends, but had yet to try it out. 

Once I received this generous pile of yummy, I let the yarns talk to me, and I ended up swatching specific projects with each and every skein. However, I knew the first one I had to do was a cabled cardigan. You see, I have been dreaming of designing the perfect cardigan, the one you want to pull on every day, the one you can wear almost anywhere because it fits so well and feels so comfortable. I have come close a couple of times, but somehow had not hit the mark.

I think I got closer this time.

First I rounded up three cable patterns that worked well together mathematically and visually. They all had the basic C4B or 2/2 RC cable in common. I knew it would be easy to size up by using those same little cables to fill in extra areas. 

My first incarnation of the cardigan was too complicated--I envisioned a somewhat intense modular project. I got tired just thinking about it, so I quickly changed to a simple bottom-up raglan with shawl collar. I wanted to learn how to work a good attached shawl collar.

After I had the swatch and sketch, I contacted BNW to let them know my plans. While I waited for the decision and the yarn to arrive, I made a complete other sample to test it all out. When BNW decided to provide entire yarn support for the cardigan, I was thrilled! 

Then the Breakfast Blend DK arrived and I got busy! It was such a fun knit, and the yarn so satisfying to work with. The quality is exquisite. You can't see in this picture, or any of the pictures, actually, the warm, rich depth of color and spin of it. Let's have some closeups. 

I love this yarn and I love this cardigan. The first one I made? I wear it almost every day, just like in my dreams. 

There's a complimentary Glentrekker Hats pattern too, with two different style hats for you to use to swatch for the cardigan. The hat pattern is free with purchase of the cardigan pattern, but may be purchased alone, because you can also just make them for fun. 

You know what else? We're hosting a KAL of the cardigan or the hats starting November 1 and running through February 1. It will be moderated in the Figheadh Yarnworks group and the Bare Naked Wools group on Ravelry. We'd love for you to join us!

Read more about the project over at the Bare Naked Wools blog!

Now, go grab you a Glentrekker Cardigan! You get the hat pattern free when you load both into your cart. ETA Now you DO NOT need to put both into the cart when you purchase. My brilliant husband helped me to fix that glitch and now they both come together all at once!
Have fun with that!

Pssst...it's not too late to join my newsletter list (in sidebar) and get a discount coupon code for this pattern. It's good until close of day next Thursday, October 16. I'll be sending out another mailer with the code in a couple of days. Don't miss out!