Emma Welford likes to think she has an open mind and a broad palate when it comes to design. She likes cables, lace, colorwork, negative ease, positive ease, accessories, garments and almost every color there is. In other words, she doesn’t often get stuck in a rut.
Her new design, Cables ‘N’ Cats, is a flattering pullover with a lot of personality. Knit in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light, the sweater is worked in the round from the bottom up, featuring two large cables on either side of the front and back. There is also a wide panel of texture up the front center. The back neck and sleeve cuffs are closed with novelty cat buttons – a fun way to customize your knit.
How did you come up with this design?
Half the time I design based on specific inspiration and the other half is more free form. In this case, I was playing with different cable and texture patterns after getting a new stitch dictionary. This combination really stuck with me. I wanted to place the design elements in a flattering way that would amplify the waist shaping. The button details add a fun touch. I have a weakness for buttons!
How did you decide on the yarn?
I had it in my stash! But of course, it was in my stash to begin with because I liked it. I love the heathers in the Ultra Alpaca line and I wanted some halo to soften the textures in this sweater so they weren’t super defined.
What’s your favorite project you’ve ever made?
My favorite item is my Loire Cardigan, designed by the very talented Kirsten Hipsky, who I work with at Webs. It’s just perfect – a super wearable and flattering, basic bulky cardigan with the right touch of lace.
If you could knit something for anyone in the world it would be…?
A hat or some socks for Anthony Bourdain, but I don’t know if he’s the knitting type. He might just scoff at them!
Do you have a cool design you want to share? Or did you recently finish a project with Berroco yarn? You can email Ashley: apalumbo@berroco.com or post it to the Berroco Lovers forum in Ravelry.
(photos courtesy of Lindsey Topham)
Flattering lines with the cable and insert pattern. Love the cuff and back neckline details using buttons.
Of course, the model is gorgeous. ; )