#99 Flutter-Sleeved Blousy Lace Cardigan

Lots of feminine details, a lovely cream-colored alpaca/silk blend yarn, and amazing lace stitch patterns add up to this beautiful, stunning cardigan. The blousy shape and fluttery short sleeves create a pretty and flattering effect. The moss stitch waist band softly gathers in the fullness to define a nice waist and finish off the cropped shape.

Make this your signature piece this year. And because it's top-down, you can alter the length to suit your taste.

The design begins with a open-lace, cabled neckband worked side to side. Stitches are then picked up along one edge of the neckband for the body and sleeves. The rest of the cardigan is worked top-down.

Thin button bands are picked up and knit, starting above the waist band. The inverted v-shape created by the waist band when buttoned is also a detail designed to flatter. Optional chain ties are added at the neckline to create a keyhole effect when the top buttons are left open or as a way to secure the cardigan if the buttons are all undone.

The sample was knit in Knit Picks Andean Silk (now discontinued). A substitute yarn is shown below.