I had a couple of false starts with this one as my 'vision' kept changing.
Finally, the sub zero temperatures and severe wind chill factor convinced me to use the yarn double but that would probably mean not having enough yarn for long sleeves.
So, a cap sleeve cardigan it was to be.
The yarn is a DK organic lambswool with alpaca from West Yeo Farm. The construction is top-down and made without a single seam - it would be a doddle to rip back should I ever be so inclined. I also removed the recycled plastic buttons from the Swing Jacket to use on this because I've just purchased some rather swish horn buttons to use on the jacket.
It worked up much bigger than I intended (should've doublechecked tension) and quite stretchy (should've used as a size smaller needles) but overall I'm not too disappointed with the result. It seems to have turned out more of a jerkin than a cardigan as it fits quite comfortably over even my thickest jumpers; great for nipping out to see to the chickens first thing on a bitterly cold January morning...
Alternatively I could try bunging it in the washing machine for a bit of intentional shrinkage, but that could be a risky strategy...
I've come to a conclusion though about top-down knitting. The amount of ease I require for a seamless garments can be reduced compared with that for a conventionally constructed, seamed garment. Seams are rigid and restrict 'stretchability' and therefore garments need a certain amount of ease to compensate. This is not the case with seamless garments which can quite easily stretch in any given direction.
I'll put this theory to the test with my next project.
I've come to a conclusion though about top-down knitting. The amount of ease I require for a seamless garments can be reduced compared with that for a conventionally constructed, seamed garment. Seams are rigid and restrict 'stretchability' and therefore garments need a certain amount of ease to compensate. This is not the case with seamless garments which can quite easily stretch in any given direction.
I'll put this theory to the test with my next project.






