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Sunday, September 10, 2017

The Roger Cardigan!


Hi, Knitters,
I finished a new cardigan and I am so excited about it. The designer is NellKnits or Nell. The cardigan is named Roger after Mr. Rogers, which I love. Did you know that Fred Rogers' mother knit all of his cardigans that he would put on at the beginning of each of his PBS children's episodes? Quite a few years ago I visited the Smithsonian and had the chance to see one of Fred Rogers' cardigans in person (and Julia Child's kitchen!). It was a real highlight. 

The Roger cardigan is comfy and cozy and it makes you feel good which is why the name dedication to Mr. Rogers is really quite perfect. Nell has done a fantastic job with her design. 

Over at Barrett Wool Co. we have worked together with NellKnits to develop the new Roger Cardigan Kits. And they have just become available for purchase if you are interested. The cardigan is knit in our Home Worsted Weight yarn. 

Click here to find out more or to purchase a Roger Cardigan Kit! I also share details about the construction of the cardigan here. 





I always enjoy a couple of in-progress shots. I really love that moment when you can try on a top-down cardigan to see how it is fitting. At this point in the process I was certain that Roger would become a new favorite for me. 


I love how Nell rounded out the top edge of the button bands. This is such a sweet detail. I also love the set-in pockets. Nell has instructions for both a fabric lined pocket and a knitted pocket lining. 


I think this photo shows how cozy and sweet this cardigan is, the wool looks so squishy. The slight A-line shape is created by going up a needle size on the lower part of the body.


We are working to get custom wood buttons made right now. These are not available yet but with the Roger Cardigan Kit we are including a 20% coupon to be used when we get the buttons in stock. The buttons on my cardigan are Yew wood and they are handmade from Wooly Moss Roots. 


I love the longer length of the cardigan and the drape of the textured fabric. The texture pattern is a simple broken rib. One row is knit only, and then the next row is k2, p2. The smooth stockinette stitch on the sleeves is really flattering. 


I made my pocket linings with stripes. The kit includes a few mini-skeins of Home Worsted Weight yarn with plenty to knit your pocket linings if you so choose. 

Photo from NellKnits

Nell knit her Roger cardigan in Home Worsted Weight in the Field colorway. I think this color is spectacular. Her cardigan has fabric lined pockets and she has a tutorial on how to do this right here!

Photo provided by NellKnits

The collar is picked up and and knit on. I love the details Nell included, how she lined up the rib and the short rows to raise the back of the neck. It is elegant and lovely. 


Anyway, I am excited about my new handmade wardrobe addition. I will be wearing Roger day and day out this coming fall and winter. It is my new favorite. I know you will love to knit and to wear the Roger cardigan. Congratulations to Nell for a beautiful design and pattern!

And as Mr. Rogers always sang, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. 

Click here to find out more about the Roger Cardigan Kit! There are lots of colors available. I think I'd like one in Bear next!

Have a super Sunday, friends. I hope you are all off to a good start in this fall season.
xo ~ susan