Noro Yarn Cardigan

I am taking a break from sewing and discussing one of my latest knitting projects.

Quite a few years ago, I purchased four skeins of Noro’s Kochoran. Between then and now Kochoran has been discontinued. Last January, I finally decided to make a cardigan using Noro. This presented a problem, since we all know four skeins a cardigan does not make.

So, I started hunting for compatible yarns across online stores, ETSY, and eBay. It turned out that I mainly relied on their classic, Silk Garden, which has almost the same gauge as Kochoran. The two yarns also have some close connections when it comes to fiber makeup. Silk Garden is 45% silk, 45% Kid Mohair, and 10% Lambs Wool. Kochoran is 50% Wool, 30% Angora, and 20% Silk.

I have no idea how many color-ways I ended up with. For me, that’s the beauty of Noro. Occasionally, there was part of a skein where the colors wouldn’t work. I’ll figure out how to use those parts later.

A Basket of Noro Colorways

The inspiration for this project is found in Knitting Noro by Jane Ellison. I adapted the “Cropped Coat.” Knitting Noro can still be found on Amazon. It is an older book (2008), but it has good classic designs.

I only made two changes, one design and one technique.

I didn’t want three-quarter sleeves so added a few inches for full-length. Technique wise, I did what I am starting to do on all my knitted pieces. I knit them in one piece until the armholes. Side seams are not on my agenda anymore. This means that occasionally I have to buy a long pair of circular needles.

Having Fun With Buttons

With the wide and bright variety of colors in the piece, I wanted to have buttons of different sizes and colors. I thought it carried out the theme. With Joanne’s having their going out of business sale, I picked up a few cards. Of course, I only used one button per card. Maybe someday I will find a use for all those extra buttons.

The finished edge was simple. Using circular needles, stitches were picked up and then bound off. It’s a very slick and easy finish.

Closeup of One of the Cuffs-why not?

Tying It Up

With all the black and neutrals that comprise my wardrobe, this cardi will really stand out. I’ve already worn it quite a few times, starting out last spring, when I finished it. It also went to Scotland with me, and got even more wear when Michael and I took a trip to Milwalkee, earlier this month. For me it’s a winner. Noro pieces always look spectacular.

This isn’t my last Noro post. With some yarn left over, I knitted a sleeveless pullover. This will be coming soon. OK, that’s it. Take care.

See You Later