Anecdotes of a Cardigan: Gretl

When I returned from Germany this past spring a bag full of yarn accompanied me home. No, this was not from a shopping spree - this yarn is much more special. I inherited it from my Oma.  She had bought it to make a sweater for herself a long while ago, but alas the rheumatoid arthritis in her hands will no longer let her hold needles and pursue her most favorite craft.

The yarn is StahlSche Wolle Hochland Soft Tweed, an Aran weight yarn with a blend of mostly wool, a little alpaca and some acrylic, viscose and cotton. It is a very light grey and white blend, with flecks of colors throughout.  Sadly I have found out that this yarn has been discontinued.

So the search for the perfect pattern began. After dismissing what seemed a plethora of patterns because I did not have enough yarn, or the pattern did not suit the yarn, I settled on the "Greta Cardigan" by Kathryn Ashley-Wright. 

It took me three tries to get it started correctly. First I twisted my cables wrong, and I knew it would drive me crazy - even no one else would notice. So I ripped it all back. Then I noticed a couple of discrepancies in the pattern, however Ms. Ashley-Wright answered my questions promptly and we got it all figured out.

So - now I'm happily working away on my first cardigan and I cannot wait to wear it.