I don't usually knit cables very much, let alone use them in designs, I'm not sure why, I think I might carry this impression from my beginner-knitter days that they are an expert skill (like fair-isle, steeking etc).
But I do love the look of cables, especially when they don't overwhelm a garment (well, sometime, cablepaloozas are fun!). I'm particularly fond of garter stitch and cables together, which you don't see much of for some reason. I think there is a nice contrast between the squishy garter stitch and the disciplined cables imbedded in it, particularly for children's clothing.
The cable here is very simple and repeated everywhere, so the charts/written instructions aren't really needed after the first repeat (I really dislike having to constantly refer to a chart, it takes me out of my knitting groove!). I also wanted to do a variation on the raglan yoke, something that looked a bit like a saddle shoulder, featuring that pretty, tight cable. I also used this same cable along the button band and used its natural properties to my advantage: since it pulls the fabric a bit, it naturally lowered the front neckline, meaning no shaping was needed. It stiffness also made the front bands lay very nice and flat.
Finally, I wanted to pay extra attention to the finishing details, including some more intermediate techniques that I haven't used very much in my patterns: I-cord edgings, I-cord bind-off, grafting (a tiny amount of that only, I promise!!). The cardigan is worked from the bottom up, completely seamlessly, which I also don't tend to do, but it was the best option for this design.
So here's the result, which I am so proud and happy with. This is another one where my tech-editor and amazing test-knitters were beyond helpful. It's also one of the handmade things that my daughter has worn the most. For those who are curious, I'm working now on a matching bonnet as well as a beanie. Coming very soon, stay tuned!
Silverfox calls for dk weight yarn and comes in sizes 6 months to 6 years. You can find it in my Ravelry, Craftsy, and Etsy stores.
