This is my newest cardigan, and I love it!
Pattern: Whisper Cardigan by Hannah Fettig, from Interweave Knits 2009
Yarn: Newton's Yarn Country Cashmere
Needles: US 7, US 4, and US 2
Time to Knit: April 20 (ish?) - May 5
Modifications: Um, none. That's kind of weird for me.
A few years ago, I accidentally won a blog contest and acquired a cone of hot pink laceweight yarn. It's cashmere and soft, but I wasn't sure what to do with it. I'm not very into lace or shawls, and I didn't think that if I did want to knit a lace shawl, I would want it to be hot pink! I'm happy to see that there are a lot of laceweight sweater patterns now available, because laceweight sweaters are so very nice.
The pattern is mainly knit on size US 7 needles. The US 4's are used for ribbing, and the US 2's are used for only 3 rows to create a gather across the back. I think some people are intimidated by this pattern because they see laceweight and they assume it's mostly on size 2s. It's not, and the knitting is airy and quick!
You can read a little more about the construction of the sweater here. One thing I didn't realize before I knit the sweater was the bottom front kind of wings out with increases every other row. I wasn't a big fan of this detail before the sweater was blocked, but now I kind of like how the sweater curls up at the sides. I wonder if the front was knit straight (without the increases) if the sweater would curl up towards the back instead of having a small curl right at the side.
I wore this sweater today with a skirt in 70-degree weather, and it wasn't too hot. I love how lightweight it is, and the drape makes it feel pretty and fancy.
I love this sweater! If you've thought about making one, I hope this post pushes you over the edge.
Consider me pushed. I had definitely considered making this but was also thinking of doing Featherweight. Yours makes me want to make Whisper! SO lovely. You did a fantastic job and it looks beautiful on you.
Posted by: earthchick | May 13, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Your Whisper is beautiful! I love the color. It must be so soft in cashmere!
Posted by: Kirsten | May 13, 2009 at 08:42 PM
The sweater is gorgeous! It looks really good on you, I do like the curling at the sides, it adds a bit of elegance I feel. GReat job!
Posted by: Katie | May 13, 2009 at 09:08 PM
It's gorgeous! I actually prefer the curling.
Posted by: K. Purl | May 13, 2009 at 09:18 PM
That is such a funny coincidence, that you would give a push towards knitting Whisper. My coworkers are about to start a KAL for the Featherweight cardigan, but I've been having this inkling to do Whisper instead. In fact, I was looking at Whisper on Rav this very night... still on the fence though. ;-)
Posted by: Emily | May 13, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Another super cute sweater by you. It look great! :)
Posted by: Clumsy Knitter | May 13, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Beautiful! What a bright, happy color!
Posted by: Emilee | May 13, 2009 at 11:20 PM
ZOMG! Super cute!
Posted by: Liz K | May 13, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Turned out great! I love the color on you.
Posted by: monica | May 13, 2009 at 11:51 PM
It is lovely! That color is yummy--it really makes the pattern shine.
Posted by: Deb | May 13, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Sooo cute, and you know I love the color. BTW I heard the bay to breakers is next weekend. Ha Ha guess I know where David will be.
Posted by: Nikki D. | May 14, 2009 at 01:27 AM
Cute! That bright pink looks great on you.
Posted by: whitney | May 14, 2009 at 11:46 AM
I think I've been pushed. I totally want to make that now!
Yours looks great!
Posted by: Christy | May 14, 2009 at 01:01 PM
I've already made one, but you've just pushed me over the edge to make another!
Posted by: Nora | May 14, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Very lovely, it looks wonderful on your!
Posted by: Walden | May 15, 2009 at 12:07 AM
It looks great! Very chic!
Posted by: Oiyi | May 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Lovely! From the stores I mainly purchase thin, drapey sweaters, so why not a handknit one? Whisper is great and looks wonderful on you.
Posted by: grumperina | May 15, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Very pretty! Do you think 1100 yds is enough for a mediumish sized version?
Posted by: Brenda | May 15, 2009 at 07:42 PM
ooooh, it is lovely. I have to tell you, I am not sure I'll get to this, but your post actually has me considering this cardi after just swearing it off when I realized it was sooo much laceweight. Yours is gorgeous, and gorgeous on! If I get pushed over the edge, I'll let you know:)
Posted by: stacey | May 15, 2009 at 10:43 PM
oh that is awesome!
Posted by: Milly | May 15, 2009 at 11:10 PM
I am so excited to begin this...I have the laceweight cashmere at the ready...yes I fear it but what's the worst that can happen?
Don't answer that!!
Posted by: M. Schultz, Oakland, CA | May 18, 2009 at 03:45 PM