Yesterday, I wondered how many lace repeats to include in the Lace Tipped Cardigan by Rachel Brockman using UNIVERSAL YARN Thula. The pattern suggests two repeats, but I’m going to go with four. I’m a taller gal at almost 6 feet tall, and including more lace repeats will allow for better proportion on a taller body. I’ll also include this change in the sleeves for continuity.
Today, I have completed the bottom band and started the lace section. The seed stitch of the bottom band showcases the multi-tonal result of the Fawning in Moonstone and Penna in Clouded combination. The resulting tones in these two yarns stranded together pull out the blue nubs of Thula in Delphinium.
The seed stitch trim made with Fawning in Moonstone and Penna in Clouded together complements the blue tones in Thula in Delphinium for the Lace Tipped Cardigan pattern.
Seeing the texture of the seed pattern made with Fawning and Penna next to the lace made with Thula allows me to see how a pleat might look in the Lace Tipped Cardigan.
Customizing the Lace Tipped Cardigan: Pleats & Neckline Tweaks
When it comes to patterns, I typically see them as suggestions and use a few simple tricks to suit my body and my style. The bodice of the Lace Tipped Cardigan is straight, and I prefer more movement in the back and an A-line silhouette. If I would like to change a pattern that has a straight bodice to an A-line silhouette, I generally use the stitch count provided for one size higher at the bottom cast-on. However, if I want a pleat as well, I use the stitch count for two sizes higher. This seems like it may be too many stitches. However, when you consider that a box pleat results in a 14-stitch reduction, going up one size may not be sufficient; any remaining stitches can be reduced evenly under the arm as I work towards the bust. So going up two sizes from the bottom should give me the movement and the A-line shape I prefer. I chose to do a box pleat because the number of stitches required nicely lines up with the number of stitches in the lace pattern repeats. Each of the two back center lace repeats has 8 stitches, and the box pleat has two seven stitch folds, which are close enough to allow the lace to drape properly along the folds of the pleat.
One other change I’m considering is regarding the neck shape. My personal preference is not to have a collar that sits on or near my collarbone. Lace Tipped Cardigan has a high crew neck shape, and I think I’ll change it to a V-neck to suit me better.
Join me tomorrow to see how the back pleat turns out! I will also be creating a V-neck, and show you what it will look like using Thula in Delphinium, Fawning in Moonstone and Penna in Clouded.
