Web-Letter, Issue 140 – Solstice Double Tie Cardigan How we show a sweater in our pattern books is not always the only way it can be worn. The Solstice Double Tie Cardigan, from the Farmer's Market booklet, is a good example of a sweater with options. This sweater is a good silhouette for many body types and can be worn with varying amounts of ease. And Solstice, a blend of organic cotton and merino wool, is a great trans-seasonal yarn. Imagine the possibilities! Creative Director
The Story: While doing the technical editing for the Spring 2010 designs, I noticed something about the way the back of the Solstice Double Tie Cardigan was tied—it was elegant and beautifully functional—I loved it. However as I read through the instructions I realized that what had been written, and also what was photographed, was something somewhat different—something more simple. Although it was still functional, I found it to be less visually appealing than what I was seeing on the sweater. Every once in a while, after the initial styling and photography, something about a garment can change. We very often strive to match the photography with the pattern, and with the garment that is out in trunk shows. But occasionally, after photography, something small might be a little different. To match the photography, I kept the instructions in the pattern simple, however I decided that we had to share with you how to create the elegant zig-zag lace-up that was, and still is on the sweater. See a photo of the new laced-up version, and read The Stitches below to find out how to lace it up like we did. The Yarn: Solstice 70% organic cotton, 30% merino wool Solstice, a yarn in our eco-friendly Verde Collection, is a blend of organically-grown cotton and soft merino wool. Combining these two fibers allows Solstice to make use of the best qualities of each. The cotton component keeps the stitches crisp and clear, provides structure, and allows the finished garment to breathe. Super soft merino wool adds warmth, drape, and helps the knitted piece to hold its shape.  The Stitches: As you read above, the back of the Double Tie Cardigan is laced up and tied. Learn more about how to lace up the back. The upper bodice of the Double Tie Cardigan is worked in Seed Stitch. The first row of Seed Stitch is established by alternating knit and purl stitches, then each following row is worked by knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches as they face you.	more photos The Pattern: Solstice Double Tie Cardigan pattern is available for purchase in the Farmer's Market booklet. Find a local yarn store.
Find this design on Ravelry. If you do not yet have access to Ravelry, it's easy to join.
If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Solstice Dias de Betty. Pattern available in Web-Letter Issue #104.
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