The hoodie is worked in pieces; the cardigan is worked in the round, then the center front and armholes are cut open after the knitting is completed. Although the sweaters are not beginner projects, Annie thoughtfully works the cable pattern to coincide with the two-stitch twist pattern, and once one repeat of the color pattern is worked, the knitter can refer to previous rows (instead of a chart) to complete the pattern. To make these pieces easy for little hands to fasten, the cardigan closes with decorative hooks and eyes, and the cord on the front of the hoodie laces through metal eyes.
Finished Size: Hoodie: 20 (24, 27 1/2, 32, 35 1/2)" (51 [61, 70, 81.5, 90] cm) chest circumference. Hoodie shown measures 32" (81.5 cm). Cardigan: 19 (24 1/4, 27, 29 1/2, 32 1/2)" (48.5 [61.5, 68.5, 75, 82.5] cm). Cardigan shown measures 27" (68.5 cm). To fit about sizes 2/3 (4/5, 6/7, 8/10, 12/14) years.
Yarn: Garnstudio Karisma (100% superwash wool; 120 yd [110 m]/50 g): Hoodie: #55 natural sheep's gray, 5 (6, 8, 9, 11) skeins; #14 cool red and #38 purple, 1 (1, 2, 2, 3) skein(s) each; #30 light blue, #52 golden mustard, and #45 medium green, 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) skein(s) each. Cardigan: #55 natural sheep's gray, 3 (4, 4, 5, 6) skeins; #14 cool red and #38 purple, 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) skeins each; #52 golden mustard and #45 medium green, 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) skeins each; #30 light blue, 1 skein (all sizes). Yarn distributed by Aurora Yarns.
Yarn weight: #3 - Light
Gauge: 24 sts and 26 rows = 4" (10 cm) in St st color work patt from chart using larger needles; 32 sts (1 patt rep) and 32 rows (2 patt reps) = 5 1/4" (13.5 cm) wide and 4 1/4" (11 cm) tall in cable patt from chart using larger needles.
Needles: Hoodie ribbing—Size 6 (4 mm): straight. Hoodie body and sleeves—Size 7 (4.5 mm): straight and 24" (60-cm) circular (cir). Cardigan ribbing—Size 6 (4 mm): 24" (60-cm) cir. Cardigan body and sleeves—Size 7 (4.5 mm): 24" (60-cm) cir. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Stitch holders; eight 1/2" (1.3-cm) metal dressmaker's eyes for hoodie; five sets of decorative pewter clasps for cardigan; sharp-point sewing needle and matching thread for attaching hooks or clasps; marker (m); tapestry needle; sewing machine for securing cardigan steeks.
Originally Published: Interweave Knits, Fall 2005