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Kim's Saknes Cardigan Has All the Fall Feels

 

Instagram Handle: @diddlysquash_
Pattern Name and Designer: Saknes by Zanete Knits for Pom Pom issue #38
Size Made: 6
Materials used (fabric, notions, kits, etc.): 8 skeins Heirloom Romney in Malt, four 22mm coffee grounds buttons
Modifications: optional waist shaping

 


I think my favorite thing to knit might just be cables, so when I saw the Saknes cardigan on the cover of Pom Pom Issue 38, I knew it needed to be my next project. Not only is it deliciously cabled, it has a great oversized fit and cropped length that I knew would be a perfect addition to my fall wardrobe.

 


It’s been a while since I have knit anything for myself in a worsted weight yarn, so picking the one I used for my cardigan was a fun challenge for me. I ended up deviating a bit from the recommended merino superwash and went with the more “rustic” Heirloom Romney. While the merino would have given more definition to the cables, I really love the soft hand and vintage texture given by the Romney. It was also my first time using it, and I must say, I’m a major fan! This stuff is incredibly lovely and soft. Plus, what a fabulous color selection! I used Malt, a great burnt golden shade that filled a need I had in my existing wardrobe. Who doesn’t need that ubiquitous autumn cardigan that just kind of goes with everything?

 


This sweater was an absolute delight to knit. Even from the get go, it was fun having so many options to get the finished item I wanted. The pattern includes tips for lengthening should you not want a cropped fit, as well as optional waist shaping, which I did. The resulting fit is comfortably oversized till the more fitted ribbing at the waist, which I am excited about for wearing over dresses and skirts. I also really liked the way the shoulders were structured; I can wear it open or buttoned up without having to adjust where it sits on my shoulders every time I move. And speaking of the buttons, how perfect are these coffee grounds buttons?! I can’t get over them, I’ve been adding buttons to anything and everything I make lately and was so excited for an excuse to use these.

 

 

There were a few bits to this pattern that were particularly fun for me, namely the cables and the use of Japanese short rows, which are now the ONLY way I intend to ever do short rows. I loved them that much! Never before have I had such seamless short rows. The cables were just plain fun, and after a few rows, very intuitive. Don’t be intimidated! It’s an easy repeat to memorize. In fact, I finished this bad boy after only two and a half weeks of knitting- my fastest sweater ever! Is it bad I kind of want to make another, maybe in a nice lavender? Maybe I should focus on any of the other lovely patterns in this particular issue of Pom Pom. The roots and branches theme really spoke to me, and there are a good number of others from it that I’m eager to knit up.

Comments on this post (2)

  • Dec 15, 2021

    Hi Kim,
    We spoke in the store today. I enjoyed reading your blog. You are an inspiration :)
    Thanks,
    Anne

    — anne schwartz

  • Dec 07, 2021

    I would never have considered a cropped cardigan for myself but you have changed my mind. I love your outfit.

    — Laura

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