Many first-time sweater knitters are advised to measure a favorite sweater and use those measurements as a guide. This is wonderful advice and a great entree into design. For the Isla Cardigan I’ve used this reverse engineering technique to replicate a cotton cardigan I found at a thrift store. I loved all the details—three-quarter length sleeves, slightly puffed sleeves, and an interesting take on an empire waistline.

I wanted to re-create the piece using warmer, more exotic materials (in this case, a possum-merino blend from New Zealand, and vintage buttons). I took some knitterly liberties, eliminating seams by using short-row shaping to create a shoulder slope, and creating a defined pleated ridge at the bustline. I can see knitting many iterations of this simple but fun knit. Shown here with the Marion Collar.

The gauge listed here is for stockinette stitch - 22 sts and 24 rows is the Twisted Rib gauge as written in the book.