The Glory of The Diminishing Rib Cardigan

I had such a great time knitting the Diminishing Rib Cardigan by Andrea Pomerantz as seen on the cover of Interweave Knits Spring 2009. The designer implemented fantastic detail on this cardigan. It is extremely unusual for me to knit without modifications but I couldn't think of a way to improve this one. I especially like the tubular cast on. Eunny Jang's video was most helpful in getting this technique under my belt. I'm fairly certain I learned it before but did not use it and it subsequently flew out of the ol' noggin.

Mountain Mom's tubular bind off tutorial was a lifesaver. The written instructions in Interweave Knits were simply not enough for me. I still had take the bottom edge out at least twice before getting it right. (Tip: bind off the arms first as practice...easier to remove if you don't get it right the first time.) The best way I can describe the tubular bind off is that you set up the last two rows on parallel needles as if you are going to weave Kitchener Stitch. (In the photo I am moving stitches from the left needle to two dpn's in my right hand for the set up. Then you work Kitchener Stitch with a blunt sewing needle to achieve the neat and tidy bottom edge for the ribbing. It is a bit labor intensive but well worth the effort. That is a pithy explanation for sure so be sure you watch the video.

Details are on my Ravelry Projects page. I know I will wear this cotton sweater a lot and plan to make another one in wool for winter.

This is as close as I can get to a pensive pose in my new sweater. ;) And by the way, hummingbirds just love that salvia plant!

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