All the designs are described as “open-front” on the Amazon.com site, though some don’t have any front fastening, so might not count as knitted cardigans by purists (heh, I’m not one of them – if I cut a knitted sweater down the front I call the result a cardi!) and some of them are “wraps”.

Twenty “jackets” to knit in one book is the most I’ve seen yet – just fabulous!

From the product description at Amazon UK:

“This collection of eighteen-plus hand knitted, modern jacket designs is inspired by textiles and cultures from around the globe. A variety of techniques and clearly written instructions gives knitters an opportunity to showcase and expand their skills. Each section focuses on a particular knitting technique, and each garment is accompanied by a beautiful photo and the history or folk lore that illuminates the culture of origin. Projects include easy step-by-step instructions and color technique illustrations. Countries represented include Austria, Germany, England, Canada, United States, China, Japan, Peru, Spain, Norway, Faroe Islands, and Ireland with several variations. Techniques include lace making, cabling, color work, and more.”

Isn’t that just fabulous?!

And from the description at Amazon.com:

“These 20 patterns, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, take knitters on a world tour of coats, jackets, and wraps. Inspired by open-front garments and textiles from around the globe [...] these figure-flattering designs bring a contemporary edge to a variety of knitting traditions. Step-by-step instructions and copious photographs illustrate how to use standard stockinette, garter, and cable stitches. More advanced techniques for fanciful lace and colorwork and the history behind beach pattern is also included.”

You can look at some pages of the book at the Amazon.com page, by clicking on the “Search inside this book” link under the picture on the Amazon.com site. But if you’re going to buy at the Amazon UK site please do remember to come back to this page and click on the Amazon UK link below – that means I get a commission if you buy, which helps me to maintain this site.

There are some super pictures in the book.

For the Amazon.com book click on the photo just below.

And for the Amazon.uk book click on the photo below.

This book would make a super gift for a cardi-loving relative or friend, or if they love to knit them.

I’m not the greatest knitter myself (though I try my best!), so if any of you or your friends or relatives create any of these brill cardigans please come back and let us know. And please do send us your pictures – I’d love to print them on this blog!

If you enjoyed this knitted cardigans page, you will please do bookmark it, won’t you, (you can use the bookmark button at the bottom of this post) and also subscribe to my feed by clicking on “RSS” 3rd line from the bottom in the left column.  That way you’ll find out when new articles are posted to this site.  Speak with you soon. Love Katy x

Technorati Tags: hand knitted cardigans, knitted cardigans

If you found this post useful please do bookmark it using the “BOOKMARK” button just below won’t you. And please do subscribe to my RSS feed (the 3rd line from the bottom in the left column) so that you’ll know when new items are posted to this knitted cardigans blog.   I look forward to being with you again soon. Love Katy  x

Technorati Tags: hand knitted cardigans, knitted cardigans, knitted cardigans tips, washing knitted garments

Please always follow any instructions on the garment or instructions that came with it. If you knitted the cardigan yourself, you’ll want to check the yarn label first for any instructions.

You shouldn’t use biological detergents on wool, angora, cashmere or any other animal fibres – they will damage the garments, which of course are made from biological products. And please don’t use detergents which have as ingredients “bleach” or “bleach activators”. And – of course – don’t use bleach!

Also, I recommend that you avoid washing your knitted cardigans too frequently if they are made of wool, angora or cashmere.

Angora cardigans: should only be hand-washed (not washed in the washing machine). Then leave them to dry on a flat surface.

Cashmere cardigans: cashmere should be kept out of extreme heat and sunlight. Some cashmere cardigans are dry-clean only – you’ll want to check the label for this.

Washing

Preferably use Woolite or a mild soap solution. You can check that any other detergent or powder is suitable for wool by reading the small print. Please don’t use biological detergents. Some detergents have a wool symbol on the package showing that they condition and protect wool garments.

Washing machine: use the wool cycle, and ensure that your washing machine is set to 40 degrees maximum. Then use a gentle spin at about 600rpm (no higher than this). You’ll need to check your washing machine’s wool program – it might require the spin speed to be controlled separately.

Hand wash: wash gently in warm or lukewarm (not hot) soapy water (for example with Woolite or with Lux flakes added). For mohair, use lukewarm (tepid) water.

When rinsing, don’t wring the garment – that would be likely to ruin it.

Rinse in cool water, and very gently squeeze much of the water out.

If you have a spin drier, you can use a gentle spin at about 600rpm (no higher), and a very short spin.

If you don’t have a spin drier, lay the cardigan in a towel, fold the towel around it, and gently press the towel to remove the water.

Drying

Don’t use high temperatures and don’t tumble dry – it could shrink or perhaps even burn a hole in the garment. Instead, after spinning, pull your cardigan gently into shape, and place it so that air can flow around the garment but make sure it is supported, so that it stays in shape. Draping it over a drying horse or laying it on a horizontal shelf made of rails (such as many airer-dryers are made of) is ideal.

If you look after your knitted cardigans carefully you’ll find that they can look wonderful for many years!

Please do bookmark this article using the Bookmark button below, won’t you. Also, you might like to see my blog post “How to wash knitted cardigans – the videos“.   If you subscribe to my RSS feed (click on the “RSS” 3rd line from the bottom in the left column) then you’ll know when new items are added to this blog .  Katy  x

Technorati Tags: cashmere cardigans, hand knitted cardigans, knitted cardigans, knitted cardigans tips, washing knitted garments