Every Day Cardigan

I mentioned last week that I’ve had a real craving to make something that’s not on my make-nine-2021 plan - and it’s a throw on over anything/throw in the wash kinda cardie!

I’ve always enjoyed regular walks, but I know I’m not the only one who’s found walking absolutely essential over the last 16 months. And it’s made me realise that most of my cardigans are just too nice for stomping around in! I’m scared of snagging them on rose bushes or branches… and I don’t want to have to wash them too regularly.

I have a couple of old cardigans that almost fit the bill. My Softyak Frankie cardigan (below - from Breeze by Kim Hargreaves) is a bit tired and faded now so I’m happy to throw that on for a walk - but I would like something similar with full length sleeves for when it’s cooler.

We recently re-watched all of Line of Duty and I became a little bit obsessed with Thandiwe Newton’s character’s throw on over anything (even a sling) cardie. It’s exactly the shape and length I want and it has pockets! It’s pretty similar to my Esme cardigan… but I want something in a nice hardy superwash rather than the delicate fluff of Kidsilk Haze and Fine Lace.

I couldn’t find a picture of Thandiwe Newton in the cardie so apologies for the blurry screenshot!

I’ve looked through my Kim Hargreaves book archive and I think that Leaf from Scarlet would be nice - maybe a bit longer and, of course, with added pockets.

It’s knitted in DK and (in the interests of being able to just throw it in the wash) I was thinking about using either Patons Diploma Gold DK or King Cole Luxury Merino DK.

I bought some of the Luxury Merino last year for mittens and it’s washed and worn well so I think it would suit a throw on cardie.

Then the next question is… what colour?! I suspect I might already have enough teal cardigans (is it possible to have too many teal cardigans?!).

Navy to go with everything? I’d love a dark bottle green but that’s not available in the yarns I’m looking at.

If you’ve seen any patterns that you think would fit the bill or have found a great hardwearing/throw in the wash DK let me know!