This week, my mom asked me to make her a cardigan for the workplace, something to ward off the chill when the heater isn't working properly, or the AC is working a little too well. Now, I absolutely love requests. Especially with an accompanying offer of pay! But to knit something for mom presents a few unique challenges, first and most important of which is:
1. I can't use wool. From any kind of animal. This means not just regular sheep's wool, which comprises a huge chunk of the yarn market, but also alpaca, merino, cashmere, bison, vicuna, etc. Therefore, I'll have to use plant fibers, silk, synthetics, or some combination thereof. Synthetic fibers don't block AT ALL, and the majority of them feel like cheap crap against the skin. Plant fibers are generally stiff and heavy. Silk is prohibitively pricey, and not particularly warm. So the first mission is to find a vegan yarn (silk excepted) that is lightweight, springy, soft, and affordable.
Then there are the less difficult challenges:
2. Sizing. Even if she takes the time to send me all her measurements, I can't try it on her as I go, and she's a couple sizes smaller than me. I'll have to be very, very careful.
3. Color. This cardigan has to go with everything, almost literally. It will live at the office and must coordinate with anything she might choose to wear in a professional environment. This may not be a real challenge at all, actually, if she picks the color herself.
So here's what I've chosen so far:
The Brompton Cardigan: It's lovely, simple, and the waffle stitch borders will help prevent curling.
Berroco Comfort Yarn: I have one or two other yarns in mind as well, but according to Berocco, this yarn is one of their most popular, and is soft, springy, and warm. Of course, being a nylon/acrylic blend, it won't block, but hopefully those waffle stitch borders will eliminate or at least greatly reduce the need.
As soon as we figure out a color, I'll order the yarn and cast on. So excited!
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