My Sister Knits has a new book that we want everyone to know about! A customer brought it in, showed it to Julie, and she ordered some. The other day, when I was in the shop, I sat down and took some time to browse through it. I was more enthusiastic about it with every turn of the page!

This is a book chock full of cardigans, written by Swedish designer Maja Karlsson. The title is, appropriately enough, Cardigans. This book has the gorgeous photos and beautifully written stories that we’ve come to expect in the books at My Sister Knits. What makes it truly stand out is the way the patterns are written, the variety of sweaters, and the Knitting School pages at the back with all of the information you need to be successful.

Each pattern has a difficulty level from 1 to 3: 1 is Easy, 2 is Medium, and 3 is Advanced.

© Knitsbymomo Prima calls for Sandnes Garn Borstet Alpakka which we carry but you can substitute CaMaRose Snefnug

Prima is a pattern for your first cardigan! There are step-by-step photos to help and the directions spell out exactly how to make it. There isn’t a button band or added collar so when you’re done with the sleeves, you can wear it. After you block it, of course!

The delicate Dahlia cardi uses 3 strands of mohair on size 6 needles. Two strands of one color and one strand of another or any combination you can come up with!

If you’re an experienced pullover sweater knitter but haven’t knit cardigans, this book is a treasure for you also. There are plain cardis, ones with a little colorwork, ones with a lot of it, ones with a bit of lace at the collar, short sleeves and long sleeves and instructions on how to turn short into long. Several different weights of yarn are used as there are patterns for all seasons. They also run the gamut from flowy and delicate to hard wearing.

© Maja Karlsson The Mirage Cardi is knit with Sport weight yarn

Some of you may have realized by now that if there is colorwork involved, you will have to …… are you ready for it ……. steek!!!! Steeking strikes fear into the hearts of many a knitter. However, I promise you that if you read Maja’s explicitly written instructions you not only will lose your fear but you will be excited to steek! In addition, we have a little something up our sleeves. Possibly a little steeking class? Or maybe a day when those of us who have a sweater that needs to be steeked can all get together and support each other as we cut? We’re exploring ideas to make this confidence-boosting and fun for you!

Several of the designs use Sport weight yarn and these are good substitutes.

Most of the yarns suggested in this book are Swedish. We have substitutes in mind for you! Pay attention to the fact that the sweaters that are steeked need to use 100% wool yarn that will stick to itself.

© marfor11 The Spring Laundry cardi has just a touch of colorwork on the sleeves. We have mini skeins to use for this!

We invite you into the shop to take some time with this book. Be sure to read about and take a look at the stunning Skathi on pages 141 and 142.

Happy knitting,

An Unexpected Find

My Sister Knits is Ready for Valentine’s Day!