Cosy Up With the Calm Down Cardigan

Spring is here at last, but that doesn't mean we can't still indulge in cosy knitwear, especially living in the UK. A cardigan is essential to our spring and summer wardrobe, so now is a great time to think about casting on a new project.

I have just the thing for you. Today, our lovely friend and knitwear designer Lily Kate France has released a new design, the Calm Down Cardigan, and it's a beauty. You'd be mistaken to think it's a box standard stocking stitch cardigan. The Calm Down Cardigan is more complex. It has an air of Chanel sophistication; you might think this gem of a cardigan was from a fancy boutique and not a handknit. 

If you are a process knitter, you will love the overall construction of this cardigan. This project starts with the saddle shoulders as a top-down seamless knit. You work the shoulder saddles first in ribbing and go on to pick up stitches and make increases for the armholes. Clever short rows give the Calm Down Cardigan a pleasing shape. It hangs beautifully from the body and will suit many shapes and sizes. 

Every good design starts with an idea, quickly followed by finding a suitable yarn to transform an idea into reality. So when Lily visited us in December, she had a clear idea of what she was looking for in a yarn. Specifically, she wanted a DK-weight yarn that was slightly rustic yet soft, with a texture that was not too smooth and a colour that was not too flat. With this in mind, we turned to BC Garn Loch Lomond GOTS.

BC Garn Loch Lomond GOTS ticks all the boxes for Lily. It's a woollen-spun yarn DK making it lightweight, warm and soft. The colour palette consists of quiet neutrals and jewel-like colours. There are subtle flecks of tweed that bring the knitted fabric to life. Loch Lomond is also certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which ensures that the wool has been produced without harmful chemicals and in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Lily settled on the colourway Silver for the Calm Down Cardigan with the minimal tweed neps in tonal shades. 

I don't want to give too much away about the Calm Down Cardigan, only to say that Lily has exceeded all expectations in this design. It's in the little details that Lily outshines many of her peer group. She is an accomplished knitwear designer who doesn't shine away from a challenge. 

Whether you are an adventurous beginner looking for a challenge or a knitter with lots of experience, the Calm Down Cardigan is a great spring knitting project and the perfect accompaniment to your spring/summer wardrobe. Head to Lily's Ravelry store to purchase your pattern.

 
BC Garn Loch Lomond GOTS is available to order through our online shop. It comes in a wonderful array of colours, we are excited to see what colour you choose so do share your finished projects on Instagram using the hashtag #calmdowncardigan

If you are still deciding whether to cast on the Calm Down Cardigan, remember to add your favourite colour of Loch Lomond to your wishlist.