Pattern Debut: Annabel Lee
I hate to play favorites, but I think this is my most-loved piece from the Charm City Knits collection. Actually, it might be my favorite thing I've ever designed. I'm so excited to share the Annabel Lee cardigan with you!
This one takes its inspiration directly from Edgar Allan Poe, who called many cities home during his lifetime, but who died and was laid to rest in Baltimore. He is buried at Westminster Hall, where a large memorial marks his grave and can be visited by the public during daylight hours year round.
Annabel Lee was the last complete poem published by Poe, and many speculate that it was inspired by his wife, Virginia Clemm, who died at just 24 years old. The cabled fronts of this cardigan take their cue from the pleats and ruffles that adorned the bodices of women's dresses during this era.
The cable motif is repeated down the back, expanding at the small of the back like a bow would accent a dress. The short sleeves have just a hint of puffiness.
Not obvious from a distance, but close up you can see that my buttons deviate from the Poe them just a smidge--I saw these crab buttons on Katrinkles' Instagram feed and knew I had to have them for this piece. I opted to sew them on with blue yarn--crabs don't turn red until they're steamed, afterall.
Annabel Lee is knit from the bottom up in one piece to the armholes, and then worked in pieces. Sleeves are knit flat separately and sewn in. The pattern includes 6 sizes, and both charts and written instructions are provided for the cables.
The sample is knit in Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio DK, a 100% superwash merino that's light and springy, perfect for a spring or fall sweater. I had a terrible time choosing a color--Karida has so many gorgeous colorways, it's almost impossible. This pale green is called Rosemont and the slight variations in tone created by kettle dyeing set off the cables nicely.
Let me tell you, I had a hard time getting this sweater back from my sister when we were done photos--and not just because it was a gray, rainy day. It's soft and comfortable, and fit her just perfectly. So I guess I'm going to have to knit another one. At least that will give me a chance to try another colorway!
You can purchase Annabel Lee as a stand alone pattern for $6.50, or as part of the Charm City Knits collection. This is the FINAL week to get CCK at the preorder price of $9.99! And don't forget, everyone who preorders will be entered to win a special Charm City Knits prize pack fullf of yarn and Baltimore-themed goodies--including 4 adorable crab buttons of your very own!
The final pattern and complete Charm City Knits ebook will be released next Monday, May 9!
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