THROUGH FOUR ROADS #3 - MICHELE WANG'S STONECUTTER

The time has come to think about preparing for the third sweater in the Par Quatre Chemins series, which began this winter with Pernille Larsen's Karl Johan, which was followed by Andrea Mowry's Pink Fizz. For this third project, we will knit Michele Wang's Stonecutter together, a superb cable knit that we hope you will like as much as we do!

For the choice of wool (Worsted gauge):

	Gilliat (De Rerum Natura) / 100g = 250 meters ($$$)	Heavy Merino (Knitting For Olive) / 50g = 125 yards ($$$)	Cascade Heathers or Cascade 220 / 100g = 201 meters ($)	CASA ( by weight ) / 1g = 2 meters ($$)
Size 1 (1276 meters)	5 balls	11 balls	7 balls	638 grams
Size 2 (1400 meters)	6 balls	12 balls	7 balls	700 grams
Size 3 (1527 meters)	7 balls	13 balls	8 balls	764 grams
Size 4 (1632 meters)	7 balls	14 balls	9 balls	816 grams
Size 5 (1780 meters)	8 balls	15 balls	9 balls	890 grams
Size 6 (1906 meters)	8 balls	16 balls	10 balls	953 grams
Size 7 (2048 meters)	9 balls	17 balls	11 balls	1024 grams

$ ~ Low budget
$$ ~ Mid budget
$$$ ~ Big budget

 

Does it sting?

The softest option among these four fibers is Knitting For Olive's Heavy Merino , a soft and delicate yarn that is renowned for its delicacy and fineness. The colors of Heavy Merino are saturated and characterized by a “ dusty ” aspect. La Gilliat , one of the most popular sons of the French company De Rerum Natura, is a little rougher, without however being rustic. This is the beauty of this yarn, which is recognizable among a thousand – especially for its original, rich and complex colours. The colors of the Gilliat are not saturated: one always distinguishes in the strand a chamoired aspect which gives a real depth to the knitted garments. This is the thread that Céline will use for her Stonecutter! As for the Cascade , it's a lower-priced option that offers an equally attractive color palette. The difference between the 220 and the Heathers is in the color treatment. The colors in the 220 range are saturated, while the colors in the Heathers range are – like the Gilliat – buff. You will find vast choices in both cases. The Cascade is neither particularly sweet nor particularly hot. Finally, it is our CASA yarn that we recommend. Made from 100% Peruvian wool, our dear CASA needs no introduction! Its range of colors, developed by Céline, offers a selection that will please all tastes. Softened in the wash, the CASA is a perfect choice if you want a sweater that will stand the test of time and be a joy to knit! Plus, it's a fiber that we sell by weight, so you can buy exactly the amount you need.

For size selection:

	Bust measurements (after washing and blocking the sweater) 36 1/4 inches 38 1/2 inches 41 1/2 inches 43 ¾ inches 47 inches 49 inches 52 1/4 inches
Size 1
Size 2
Size 3
Size 4
Size 5
Size 6
Size 7

RECOMMENDED EASE : between 3 ½ inches and 5 ½ inches.

How do I find my size?

1. Measure the bust circumference or the strongest place of our torso.
2. Add the desired ease to this measurement.
3. Consult the size chart to see which one comes closest to the measurement obtained in step 2.

EXAMPLE : A person has a bust size of 37½ inches. She wants her Stonecutter sweater to be loose to get a “cottage” look. She therefore chooses the largest ease recommended by the designer, ie 5 and a half inches.

Implementation of the steps :

1. The person measures themselves: their bust is 37 and a half inches.
2. She adds 5 ½ inches of ease, which gives 43 inches.
3. She consults the size chart: none are 43 inches. The person therefore chooses to make size 4 since, basically, his goal is to have a looser sweater and that the ¾ inch more does not bother him! Choose the size closest to the measurement obtained in step 2, leaning towards the larger or smaller if neither fits that number exactly.

Other tools needed:

1. Three sizes of needles are listed in the pattern.

“A” needles : these will be used for the body of the sweater, the sleeves and all the large sections. To obtain her sample, the designer worked on 5mm (US 8).

+ You will need a 24 inch, 32 inch or 40 inch cable depending on your preference, in order to work these sections.

“B” needles: these will be used for the ribs and the neckline. To obtain her sample, the designer worked on 4mm (US 6).

+ You will need a 16 inch cable for the neckline and 24, 32 or 40 inch for the larger sections, depending on your preference.

“C” needles (optional) : these smaller needles are only necessary if you want to use the Tubular Cast On technique when casting on your stitches.

~ Watch out! If you use needles other than 5mm for your sweater, remember to use a size two points smaller for your ribbing. For example, if I used 5.5mm needles to get the sample, I will need to use 4.5mm needles for my neckline and ribbing. This ensures a consistent structure to the sweater.

2. A cable needle will also be required. Make sure yours is the right size so you're comfortable doing your twists.

3. A yarn needle .

4. You must also buy the sweater pattern on Ravelry!