Hello Winter Pattern

It is now available. Much thanks to testers Doodle,  purlewe, piikkari, jettshin, and Handstitch of Ravelry.
You can find the pattern via Raverly.

Yarn: Quince & Co. Lark
Needles: US #7 (4.5mm) and US  #5 (3.75mm)
Sizes Available: 33, 35, 37, 39, 42, 44, 46, 49, 51, 53

Ginkgo Cardi Again and Better This Time

Yarn: Dream In Color Class, color Strange Harvest

Needles: US #6

I really liked the concept of the Ginkgo Cardi but I was rather unsatisfied with the finishing part of the first one I made.  I ended up making a second one. This time I thought about yarn choice more and decided on Dream In Color Classy.  Perfect yarn for it.  It was not too soft nor too drapey, and the color Strange Harvest was just glorious.

Although the only major construction difference was making attached I-cord at the finishing stage this time, it ended up so much more to my liking, sovled my biggest unsatisfaction with first version.

It is still top-down and no sewing at all, ok, except the buttons.

I really love this cardigan.  I'm happy with the non-stiffness of the top leaf that its drapiness feels right.

Using spit splicing joint, the cardigan is reversible.  I only sew on small buttons (7/16") onto several areas without button holes or snaps, utilizing the stretchy-ness of knit to place buttons however I wanted.

I'll try to get my acts together and finish the pattern for this one soon, then get it test knitted.
I seriously enjoy knitting more than writing patterns, but I'm determined to get it going this time.

Mon Petite Gilet Raye

Yes the post has a French title, even though I had to look up what Gilet Raye means!  Two years of French in high school only got me as far as the first half of the title.  

This was quick sweater to knit and making stripes sure was an easy way to add colors.  

The pattern is called Mon PetiteGilet Raye by Isabelle Milleret.  It comes with both French and English versions. Obvsiouly I couldn't even understand the entire French name, I followed the English instruction. It has only one size, and lucky me it's my size!  A very wonderful and easy pattern. I had a lot of fun picking yarn from stash and knitting the sweater.

The main color was Classic Elite Fresco in Cinder (a heather light grey) and the contrast color was Lorna's Lace's Shepherd Sport in Huck's Room. I used US #4 needles for the body, and US #2 for all 1x1 ribbings. 

Not having a model-like body, with longer torso where the natural waist usually set at 8" below underarm, and shorter arms due to my unimpressive 5'4" height, I made a few modification to suit my body better.  I lowered the beginning of waist shaping, shortened the sleeve length, and picked up fewer stitches for button bands.  

I simply love this sweater.  It has an easy, casual style with mellow fun colors. It also fits beautifully.