Pumpkin Ale started with a list: for Rhinebeck I wanted a versatile cardigan that could be worn open or closed; worn as a jacket, possibly even layered over a thinner sweater if the weekend was cool; pockets were a must for keeping change, business cards and a map handy; and the silhouette should be one that was easy to wear for many different body shapes. Pumpkin Ale begins with a richly textured back panel that combines garter stitch and some of my favourite cable patterns. Working the panel by itself means that you can focus on the stitch pattern without worrying about shaping the rest of the sweater. Stitches are picked up down each side of the back panel and worked back and forth to create side panels that wrap around to form the front of the cardigan. The shaping within the back cable panel is combined with short rows at the sides to create a flattering flare from the waist. An edging pattern made up of only knit and purl stitches is worked simultaneously: simple but effective.
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