I Love Cardigans

When I see a woman sashaying down the street wearing a beautiful jacket, I always think how elegant she looks. Why do I not look like that when I wear a jacket? I've tried wearing them, even casual, unstructured jackets, but I always feel restricted in some way. Of course, I have to wear a jacket on certain occasions but, for me, a cardigan is much more comfortable.

Here's a dress I bought in the summer (what summer?) and, because we didn't have much of a summer, I decided to make a cardigan to go with it. 

I love the little splash of coral at the back of the neck. It's on the inside so not visible when the dress is worn. It gave me an idea though! I compared the colour to yarn left over from my sister-in-law's bag and, joy abounding, it matched the deep coral perfectly.

There was about 50g of the deep coral cotton left from making the bag. I convinced myself that I was just using up some of my stash by making a cardigan but, needless to say, I had to buy another two skeins. It was worth it though!

The pattern is from Garnstudio (DROPS Design) with a few minor tweaks from me. Mine is shorter, for a start, and with only one button at the neck.

A close-up of the pattern. It was easy enough to make, starting from the top and working down.

I really enjoyed crocheting this, especially as it didn't take very long. I've worn it several times and it has been admired. In fact, one friend admired it so much that I made her one as well. For her's I used a very pale shade called white peach. Sorry, but I never thought to take a picture before I gave it to her.

You'll never guess what. Actually, you probably will guess. There's about 50g of the white peach cotton left over!

So, are you a jacket person or a cardigan person? As the title says, I love cardigans.

Crocheted Bag Finito

First of all, thanks for the great comments on the garden and the wind chimes. I passed them on to the husband and he is well chuffed!

A while ago my brother asked me to crochet a bag for my sister-in-law's birthday, just like a bag I'd crocheted for myself. The details about the yarn I used are in my post about this commission, and also on winding the yarn and progress on making the bag here and here and here.

Well, the bag is finito. You can check back to read about why I say finito.

Here it is with the edges done and the handles attached. Also a wee tab for the button.

The colours of the bag really look well against the copper beech hedge!

The lining fabric matches so well, I think.

So this is the bag before being lined.

The lining fabric was cut to the right size and I added three pockets.

The bag sits better after being lined; you can barely notice any difference but it's just more substantial looking.

A bit more refined!

Open up to show the lining; two small pockets on one side ...

... and one bigger pocket on the other side.

It was my sister-in-law's birthday yesterday. She was really delighted with her new bag and especially with the colour scheme (which was chosen by my brother, not me).

I'm well pleased! I'm pleased to have been asked to make the bag, I enjoyed the making and I'm pleased that it was well received.

What do you think of it? I'd love to hear your comments.