Sunday, April 11, 2010

Res Originalis: Lilas Cardigan


My usual photographer was held up by homework at the time of this shoot, so please forgive the hand holding the remote sticking out of the bottom of all of these photos...

I got some of Knit Picks' new Simply Cotton Heathers a few weeks ago and immediately knew what I wanted to do with it. Last spring and summer, I absolutely lived in this little cropped cardigan thing -- it's made out of beige sweatshirt material and looks like a tiny cropped military jacket. Sounds odd, but I swear, wearing it relaxed and hanging open was both comfy and went with everything. So when I got this cotton yarn, I wanted to create something similar but different. I ended up with the Lilas Cardigan, which has the same comfy fit, neutral-ish color, and good layering ability, but a completely different style altogether.


I actually like it closed, too.

One thing I love about this yarn is its color options. I was drawn immediately to this lilac color and am still completely enamored of it. I couldn't get it out of my head when I was trying to name the sweater, so what I ended up with is French for lilac. Not too clever, I admit.



Lilas is knit from the top down with some ease, raglan sleeves, and a big, floppy collar. A pattern is forthcoming!

40 comments:

Stacey said...

Gorgeous! :)

barefootrooster said...

okay, i MUST have this. i also have a sweatshirty floppy collared cropped cardigan in a dusty purpley color that i wear all the time. (anthro?) this is adorable, can't wait for the pattern.

Estella said...

Oh, I love this! Can't wait for the pattern!

thea said...

I actually have to knit this one!! When's the pattern coming and what weight yarn? I have a trip that's begging for a simple knit in about a week.....

saraq said...

gorgeous!I love the lilas!!

Ivete said...

Very cute!!

t does wool said...

looks great...pattern you say.?...good ;)

Aline said...

No surprise that I love it too. With a French twist...perfect! A. xx

peaknits said...

Hilary - you have OUTdone yourself - I love this one (well, love them all but really this one - love)!! I like it's versatility and I think I have some yummy stash that will be just perfect!

Maryse said...

Yes, lovely pattern, lovely color and très beau nom (very nice name)!

Julie said...

gorgeous!! I love the colour, and the edging looks great- stylish but still simple. Awesome job!

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

What a gorgeous sweater and clever design! It somehow manages to both look very stylish but wonderfully comfortable too! Looking forward to the pattern - this will be the perfect Summer/Spring knit ;)

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love this sweater and look eagerly to the pattern. Thank you for the great design.

Clumsy Knitter said...

Seriously, you just keep cranking out these great sweater patterns! I want to knit everything you make and I don't think I can ever catch up (but I'll have fun trying)!!!

French Press Knits said...

Another winner- I love it!

Missy knits said...

I love, love, love this design! Can't wait for the pattern!!

swetry doroty said...

I do the knitting for 30 years. Now I knitt only on circular knitting needles. My sweaters do not have stitches.
I like your blog and invite you to my blog http://www.swetrydoroty.blogspot.com/
Best wisches
Dorota from Poland

Angela said...

So comfy yet stylish looking! Very cute!

sara said...

Oh I have never tried a sweater but this one is so beautiful it may have to be my first. Incredible!!!

Hadley Makes said...

Awesomeness! I love it!

Susan said...

I love how it looks closed, too! Great spring color choice.

Kathleen Dames said...

So pretty! I like it closed, too. Congratulations on another lovely knit. I just received the KP catalog and noticed the dyed worsted cotton - glad to hear it's a nice yarn to work with.

Philigry said...

you are amazing! I am so in love with this one. i can not decide if I should make this one or A cloudy Sunday first. Stunning! I can not wait to see the pattern! i like it closed and open!

Teresa said...

Wow, I love this shape. It's so chic and interesting! Well done :)

a friend to knit with said...

can not wait.
LOVE this!!!

Unknown said...

I LOVE this!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I love it!!!! It's perfect & I also can't wait for the pattern, great job & inspiration, thank you, Sonja
PS:made your citron and it's wonderfull............

Krystal said...

I just found your blog, and I have to say that I just love your designs. I am planning to start Citron as my next project. I am looking forward to following your blog.

knitterPat said...

I love everything about it, the pattern, it's colour and the yarn too! :)

Anonymous said...

Très joli ce petit cardigan. Very nice shape and color and so beautiful on you. Please, let us have it soon ...

Karen said...

Wonderful versatile collar! Love it!

Unknown said...

This is absolutely gorgeous!! I have to have this pattern! Can't wait.

Barbara S. said...

Great sweater...looking forward to the pattern...soonish I hope? And it looks good either open or closed.

Anonymous said...

gorgeous, I love it!

Christie said...

Love it!

TllGurl said...

OK. Not fair.
Teasing is NOT fair!!
And the pattern is coming...when?
; )

Unknown said...

LOVE this!

Connie, the daisyhead said...

Gorgeous!

I am on the pattern bandwagon. You don't need any testers, do you? :P

kj said...

Can't wait to knit this!

La Nu said...

ooohhh I sooo love this fancy little jacket!!
So simple and chic... I NEED the pattern!