The First Frost Cardigan came about because of our little Crab-apple tree which is always the first to turn its leaves to rusty red and signal autumn is coming. It is not long after this, usually we have our first frost of the season and it is for this moment, that first heralds of winter coming, this little cardigan is inspired by. This is the perfect laying piece, which is ideal for the changeable weather this time of year.

First Frost is cast on along the back and short rows shape the shoulders and neck, before knitting down to the armhole with shaping. The lace pattern is worked into the centre back. The fronts are picked up along the back shoulders, and have short row shaping and increases to shape the neckline. The lace pattern is worked down each front edge to the underarm, with shaping for the armholes. The back and fronts are joined so the body is knit down in one piece, working flat and with the lace pattern continuing. The body then has a garter and eyelet section worked in and then the wide lace border. The sleeves are picked up around the armhole and a short row sleeve cap is worked. There are no decreases in the sleeves until just short of the bracelet length (easily made to desired length), when a decrease round is worked before a small twisted rib cuff finishes them. The neckband is picked up around the neckline and a garter stitch band is worked. The button bands are also picked up and worked in garter stitch. Finally, buttons are sown on.

Finished Sizes
The First Frost Cardigan is intended to be worn with 2 - 4” / 5 - 10 cm of positive ease in the bust. Choose a size to knit that is between 2 - 4” / 5 - 10 cm larger than your actual bust size. The sizes 1 – 9 have a finished garment bust circumference: 33 ¾ (38, 41 ¾, 46, 49 ¾) 54, 57 ¾, 62, 65 ¾” / 85.5 (96.5, 106, 117, 126) 137, 146.5, 157.5, 167 cm

Needles and Notions
US 6 / 4 mm circular needle 32” / 80 cm long and for small circumference knitting or to gauge for stockinette in the round and flat.
US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needles 32” / 80 cm long and for small circumference knitting.
Stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle, 7 x buttons ½” / 1 cm in diameter.

Yarn – please note these yarn amounts are estimates
Sample knit in Wild Earth Yarns Ashley 8 ply (100% non-super-wash New Zealand Merino 105m / 50gm ball) in the colour Lupin.
You will need approximately: 1195 (1305, 1405, 1530, 1630) 1725, 1845, 1980, 2150 yards / 1095 (1195, 1285, 1400, 1495) 1580, 1690, 1815, 1965 metres

Gauge
22 stitches / 30 rows per 4” / 10cm using US 6 / 4 mm needle on stockinette and the lace pattern in the round and flat after blocking