Floribunda

Floribunda is from my new book, Evolution, a collection of 12 designs inspired by The Vintage Shetland Project.

About Floribunda:

Floribunda was inspired by the Rose Cardigan from The Vintage Shetland Project which featured a rose motif similar to that used in Floribunda. I have simplified the motif, ensuring that only two colours are ever worked on any one round and used a DK weight yarn, making this a highly enjoyable, interesting and speedy knit.

The cardigan is worked in the round from the bottom up with a 'steek' worked at the centre front of the cardigan throughout, meaning every round is worked on the right side of the knitting - every round knit. An attractive twisted rib stitch is worked for the welt, cuffs and bands giving a real sharpness to these sections of the cardigan.

Once the lower body is completed, the sleeves are knit and then the three pieces are joined together and the upper body worked in one piece. Decreases are worked at the armhole to remove excess fabric and adding a pleasing 'fully fashioned' detail. Short rows are worked next to ensure the front neckline sits lower than the front.

The stunning yoke is worked next with decreases worked between the patterns drawing the yoke in to the neckline.

The body is unshaped, its finished length designed to sit at the top of the thigh; however it can simply be knitted shorter or longer depending on the finished length preferred. To shorten the upper body, fewer rounds can be worked before commencing the yoke, avoiding any complicated changes.

Floribunda is knitted in Barn DK, an incredibly soft 100% wool, using British fleeces spun locally in nearby Yorkshire. The natural soft grey tones have then been hand dyed by myself in three 'Rose' shades; Rose Hip, Cottage Rose and Folius.

In the photos I am wearing the fourth size (to accommodate my tummy girth and upper arm circumference) with 19cm (7.5in) of positive ease across the chest. I've designed Floribunda to be worn with 13-19cm (5.25-7.5in) of positive ease but you can go down a size if you prefer a neater fit.

Please note the patterns from the collection are not available to purchase separately.