The only time I've ever been to England was on a stopover at London Heathrow Airport. However, I vividly remember that flight over southern England, through a bright June sky dotted with weightless, fluffy, splendidly white early summer clouds. Ever since, I've been musing over how to knit a cloud into a cardigan to capture the atmosphere of that day. The Cloudette Cardigan achieves just this. It feels light, airy, and carefree like an early summer afternoon in the English countryside. It combines the light fabric, soft color, and puffed sleeves so typical for Regency fashion with just a little bit of lace, clean modern lines, and a slightly lower waist to make it eminently wearable today. Wear it with jeans and a tank top or over a sundress and feel pretty and smart like Lizzy Bennet.Finished Size: 29½ (33, 37, 40½, 46)" bust circumference, tied. Cardigan shown measures 29½". Yarn: Malabrigo Lace (100% Merino; 470 yd [430 m]/50 g): #130 damask rose, 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) skeins (MC); #63 natural, 1 skein (CC). Yarn Weight: #3 - Light Needles: Body, belt, and sleeves. Size 6 (4 mm): 24" or longer circular (cir) and a set of double-pointed (dpn). Lace edging. Size 4 (3.5 mm): 24" cir and a set of dpn. Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions: Markers (m) in 3 colors (4 of mA, 8 of mB, 2 of mC); waste yarn; tapestry needle.Gauge: 26 sts and 38 rows = 4" in St st on Size 6 needles. Originally Published: Jane Austen Knits Summer 2012
