Knit Kit - Santa Fe Cardigan

I haven't finished it, but the yarn is thick and it progresses very fast, the instructions are clear

I love how this is knitting up. Yes, it was confusing at the beginning until I figured out what the designer did in writing the pattern. At first, just after knitting the yoke setup, she lists all the different kinds of rows you will encounter in the yoke. Each starts with a C + B or whatever. You DO NOT KNIT THEM in order they are listed. It's an FYI block.

I wrote each of those rows down on an index card, and when I got to that type of row in the pattern, I flipped to that card and knitted that kind of row.

You start with the numbered rows. One suggestion there, instead of referring to some random row number which repeats another of these row types (which I had on an index card by now), So row 38 might say "repeat row 21" which might say "repeat row 3." This is confusing and disorganized. There are only like 7 types of rows. They should have been enumerated or whatever, and each new row should refer directly back to the type of row that you need to knit next. That would have drastically simplified this pattern. I had to frog a few times before I figured this out.

A note above the block of "row types" should have occurred, saying " this section is directions for the 5 or 6 types of row types you will encounter, entitled A - F. (and clearly labelled each one). This block should have been more standout so you know you don't start knitting here, but go to "Row 1, etc."

Yes, it does get heavy, I expected that and just hold the whole thing in a bath towel, and pick it up when I need to move. There are many good videos on you tube for intarsia if you need them.

I may do a short color design (with 2 colors) on the bottoms of the sleeves. I have the yarn. It will add balance. So why not.

I found buttonhole placing a bit baffling, so I figured it out mathematically, and will use 6 or 7 buttons more evenly placed. The pattern has them weirdly unevenly placed.

The yarn is soft and squishy, and will feel wonderful when worn. It does, however, tend to shed and halo when handled. And it does get handled.

I do believe this is a beautiful pattern, and I'm getting a perfect fit so far at size 2x. I was surprised there were no short rows on the back, but it doesn't seem to have hurt it. I might amend this when I'm finished and wearing it.

The colors of the yarn also do not match the colors in the images, but when knitted in, they work. And it's not so much of a variation to ruin the intent. But the yarn makers should be cognizant of the variations in color in production, so they do not ruin the outcome of this design.

I do hope these comments help other knitters. I hope the designer will take some of these suggestions to heart and make her pattern a bit more readable and less confusing which will make for a more enjoyable knitting experience.

The yoke instructions for this pattern have tried my patience! Does Lion Brand have a vetted group of knitters who test the instructions for their patterns? This is the second pattern for which I have experienced difficulty with instructions and have found changes were made by Lion Brand. PLEASE text the patterns before sending them out!

This is a beautiful kit and a complete waste for me. I have been knitting over 20 years and cannot understand this pattern. If there was a video or customer help it would have saved me a lot of time and money. Thank you anyway

This pattern looks so nice. It can be a bit confusing to hop from page to page. The model is small wearing an oversized sweater. Knitting this in a larger size with the proper ease makes for a heavy garment. The intarsia can be a bit tangly with four heavy balls of yarn. I found my hands getting tired. I’d love to make a flowy sweater like this in a lighter weight yarn.

I haven't had a chance to actually knit this yet, but looking over the instructions they seem extremely clear and I have no qualms about my attempting the project in due time. I love, absolutely love, the scenery on the back of this cardigan