One of my most favorite patterns, and apparently others also, is our Weekender Cardigan pattern. Of course, not long after releasing the pattern the yarn I used had been discontinued. Since it was made prior to doing videos, I received quite a few questions about the sleeve because it is made from shoulder down. People think it is cuff up and get worried with the foundation chain being so short and not going around their wrist.
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Because of all of that and wearing the original so much, I decided to make another one and create a video tutorial. I also wanted to research other yarns that could be used so that people would know their options and what to expect with these other yarns.
For the original yarn I used a Buttercream Luxe Mohair Metallic that I bought at Joann’s. It is a Category 5 bulky yarn that has a WPI (wraps per inch) of 8. For a bulky yarn it is fairly thin, and the mohair gives the yarn a nice fluffy halo.
For alternatives similar in thickness I saw (in no particular order):
Buttercream Roving
Bernat Softee Chunkey
Bernat Symphony
Bernat Freesia
Lionbrand Scarfie
Lionbrand Color Made Easy
Lionbrand Homespun
Red Heart Hygge
Red Heart Gemstone
I decided to go with the Bernat Freesia since it contained wool, had a soft fuzzy appearance and not a traditional spun yarn (I wanted a softer stitch definition and the fuzzy yarn helps with that). Also, it was on sale with a great price for having wool and the yardage in the skein is pretty high.
Some of the yarns listed above do have color changes. I have not made this pattern with a multi-color yarn, so just think about how quickly and where the color changes will occur if you choose to go that route.
As with any pattern, but especially using a different yarn than what the pattern called, for I checked my gauge with the Freesia yarn. I was able to meet the original gauge with the original hook size. With this yarn being slightly thicker than the Mohair Metallic it did create a thicker fabric. However, living in Michigan and always being cold I didn’t mind it being thicker. I also thought that the thicker fabric with the design of the pattern would work well also. To note, I believe a thinner fabric would also work well.
After making this pattern for the second time, I still enjoyed making it, love the new cardigan I have, and may just have to make me another in the future! I hope you enjoy this pattern and find the video helpful in visualizing the construction of the cardigan.
As for the pattern, you can see the free pattern HERE or get an ad free pdf HERE.
Love this pattern. Feminine, dressy and casual and warm, just about all one could want. Thank you!!