Beau Cardigan can be found in Taproot Magazine, Issue 41::EXTEND.

Beau is a long cardigan with set-in pockets and sleeves and a shawl collar. Intended to be worn as a jacket with useful pockets, its design arose from a visit to Wing & A Prayer Farm in Shaftsbury, Vermont, owned by Tammy White. Her long workday showed me that garments there need to be hardwearing and versatile, and I was inspired by Tammy’s love for all animals to create a snuggle/coat as cozy and inviting as the warm and accepting atmosphere I felt on her farm.

Beau’s colorwork was inspired by a study of indigenous African fabrics and textiles. In Sudanese geometric patterns, the triangle represents man, and the diamond represents woman. A double triangle forming an hourglass indicates a married man, and a double diamond, a married woman. With this traditional symbolism as a jumping-off point, I incorporated these shapes into a more modern design. To complement the colorwork in my version, I was fortunate to find gorgeous buttons by indie glass blower Caitlin Burch Glassworks.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest circumference: 36½ (41, 45, 48, 52, 56½, 60½, 64½, 68½)” / 92.5 (104, 114.5, 122, 132, 143.5, 153.5, 164, 174) cm

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

To be worn with 6” to 8” 15–20.5 cm positive ease (sample shown in size 3)

YARN

Main color (MC): Hey, Sugar! by Wing and a Prayer Farm (100% Shetland; 210 yards 192 meters / 100 grams):

6 (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) skeins in Moorit Brown

OR approximately 1122 (1195, 1302, 1460, 1687, 1945, 2157, 2422, 2468) yards / 1026 (1093, 1191, 1335, 1543, 1779, 1972, 2215, 2257) meters of another natural-colored, 3-ply, Aran-weight yarn of your choice

Contrast colors (CCs): Peter Pan and Fam by Wing and a Prayer Farm (100% Cormo wool; 300 yards 275 meters / 100 grams):

CC1: 1 skein in September Crop Madder Root

CC2: 1 skein in September Crop Coreopsis

CC3: 1 skein in September Crop Indigo

CC4: 1 skein in September Crop Rhubarb and Oak Leaves

OR a total of approximately 225 (240, 255, 300, 360, 390, 450, 495, 510) yards / 206 (220, 234, 275, 330, 357, 412, 454, 468) meters of other naturally dyed, 2-ply, DK-weight yarns of your choice

NEEDLES

32” 80 cm circular needle in size US 9 5.5 mm

32” 80 cm circular needle in size US 8 5 mm

60” 150 cm circular needle in size US 8 5 mm

OR size needed to obtain gauge, and corresponding smaller size

GAUGE

15½ stitches and 24 rows = 4” 10 cm in stockinette stitch with larger needles, after blocking