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December 1, 2006

Urban Aran Cardigan

The Urban Aran Cardigan is complete.

Specs:
Pattern: Urban Aran from Patons Street Smart
Yarn: Gjestal Naturegarn from elann (not currently sold). Its a thick single similar to Lamb's Pride Chunky
Needles/Gauge: size 10 for the ribbing, and 10.5 everywhere else

Cardiganization: To turn this pullover into a cardigan, I copied jared and added 3 knit stitches to each side of the front opening and slipped the first and last stitch on the WS rows. This worked really well, the slipped stitch wrapped around to the back for a clean edge.

Zipper Installation: I referenced Bonnie Marie's zipper tutorial. I found the most important part (in addition to basting) was to place the zipper teeth just inside the edge of the knitted fabric. This way, there is no gap between the knitted edges and the zipper is not visible.

Size: Even though I dropped 4 stitches from the sleeves, they are still on the big side. Might try re-blocking. Overall, this is loose sweater. It very warm though!

Comments (53)

Looks great!

jody:

it's fabulous! the yarn looks almost like felt -- in a really cozy way. and once the weather around here dips below 60 you might actually be able to wear it!

It's great! It's much better as a cardi.

Looks super warm and comfy! Great job!

Amazing. Love it. making one!!!

so comfy and pretty. it fits so well! great job!!

It looks great. Its a great pattern, I never tire of seeing them. And yours is of topquality. I like that grey too.

Thanks for sharing!

mari:

It looks fantastic! I've had this in my UFO pile for so long... after seeing yours, I should pick it up again! Great job!

it looks just fabulous! so warm and comfortable as a winter sweater. i have a couple questions about your zipper... as i'm planning to make a zipped cardi: did you sew the zipper with sewing machine? or handsewn? and, did you baste anything on the wrong side of the zipper? it looks like the edge of zipper is i-corded, is it? (sorry for my incorherent questions.. zipper installment is still a mystery to me!)

jess:

I love it! I really want to make this as a cardigan, like you and Jared. It looks great!

It looks amazing! What a great pattern & perfect execution!

Jen:

This is fantastic, I love it! Your zipper job is impressive! That grey looks great with jeans too.

Sara:

What a professional-looking garment - congratulations on finishing. How do you think it would work with an aran weight yarn?

It looks fantastic!! Such a great job on the zipper (brr, I hate installing zippers on sewed stuff, can't even fathom doing it on a knit!)

looks sweeet! I still need to cast on for this one, I think the stand up collar us my favorite part!

It's fabulous on you. It looks to be a great fit.
Thanks for the zipper hints...I'm almost there.

looks fabulous! perfectly warm and comfy for the undoubtedly cold winter ahead! :)

What a great sweater! I love the style and the color...it doesn't look that loose in the picture. Great job!

How adventurous! And it looks so cozy and warm.

A fabulous job! It looks beautiful! The zipper looks perfect!

I love the architectural design details of the sweater. You should enjoy this one for years to come and get many compliments.

SQ:

ooooh its way better than mine!!!

That's lovely! So cosy and warm looking.

I feel warmer just looking at it!

It looks so incredibly cozy! I'm thinking I'm going to need to make myself one, now that everyone looks so warm in theirs!

it looks fantastic diana! so comfy and like you can snuggle right into it!

caitlyn:

Wow! It looks amazing on you, Diana!

I don't think it looks too big! In fact, it looks very cozy...

Stephanie:

Gorgeous Diana. I really like how it turned out. It looks like it would be the perfect sweater for a winter day.

it looks wonderful, good looking, fits well and cozy!
the zipper looks great. thanks for the link. I now have to tackle my cardi's zipper.

Girl, you're quick. I've seen this all over blogland, but this is the first one that's inspired me to make one of my one.

And I love your jeans!

Beautiful knitting and it looks great on you!

Great job! I love making the zipper teeth disappear behind the knits. Makes it look more professional!

nat:

Very cool.

I think this is my favorite Urban Aran yet. It fits you so well... not too loose at all. Love that collar.

I love that sweater! How many skeins of Naturegarn did you use? I bought some about a year ago and have lots left over just waiting for something to be.

Job Well Done. Totally love the Cardi idea. I haven't made any sweaters yet; actually I am a little frightened to do one. But seeing this makes me want to give it a try!

Marly

Gorgeous, it really epitomizes handmade perfection! Can't wait to see what you're working on next.

It's beautiful, and I really dig the collar!

It's gorgeous. Makes me want to go out right now and knit one.

very nice, i love it! it's good the weather finally got colder for you to wear it!

nikki:

I like it! I wish I had a sweater like that to wear today. Brrr!

Your Urban Aran Cardigan looks wonderful! Well done. It will certainly keep you warm this winter.

Lori:

I just love that pattern, even more so as a cardigan. You did a great job!

It looks fantastic! The things you knit always look so professional. I also love the coat and can't believe you're a beginner sewer. I'm a beginner as well & still haven't figured out how to operate my sewing machine. Good to have you back, by the way!

Sue:

The cardigan looks fantastic. How clever to convert it from a jumper pattern.

i sent the link to a friend that wants to make this sweater ... your finishing is perfect! especially the zipper ... i'm not a big fan of zips in knits, but i like how the zipper is invisible :)

This is so beautiful! I love it, and I loved Jared's too. Maybe I need to just go for it and knit one....
You did an excellent job with that zipper, I'm so impressed!

Cute mitts and jacket!

Jo:

Wow! This looks fabulous on you! The sweater definitely looks like a keeper.

That's fantastic!

Beautiful sweater. I'm making one right now (cardigan style), I have a couple questions for you. Did you make the body smaller? I think I need to, but messing with the diagonals chart and possibly armhole shaping seems daunting. I also really like how you knit front and back as one piece. I don't know why patterns don't call for that more often. I made the sleeves smaller as well, thanks for any advice you could give me.
Cheers
Summer

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diana AT streetsandyos DOT com

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