A Winter Walk with Unfinished Mittens

The name of this blog was inspired by the tremendous amount of formative knitting and sewing experiences that have occurred for me on the banks of Lake Michigan. The shores of this great lake were where I found both my craft and myself many times over. I can think of very few things I love better than looking out at the water with a cup of coffee in my hand and a project in my lap, so when Nick and I found this coop unit right on the beach in the northern part of Chicago I knew it was the place I wanted to live. 

Though the snow was coming down hard and fast last week, I was still eager to get out to the water. I grabbed my newly finished Star Mittens (though the many loose ends were still...well...loose) and our new camera and walked out the front door.

I still can't believe I get to live this close to the water! 

Sweater Patterns for Chilly Days

It feels like forever since I have had a chance to do any blogging. 

Nick and I have finally moved into our new home! After a long wait for all of the necessary pieces to fall into place we closed on our Coop unit and moved in the day after New Year's!

Although we are working to get things unpacked there is an extensive amount of painting to do and repairs to accomplish so it may be a while before I have time for needle projects again. In the meantime I have some new vintage patterns to moon over.

I found The Woman's Day Book of Knitted Sweaters at a thrift shop a few months ago. First published in 1970 and updated every year, this collection has plenty of patterns for sassy, glittering, acrylic, disco era items but there are more than a few classics and some really interesting lady-like blouse patterns that pique my attention.

This week I thought I would focus on a few of the patterns for classic cardigans in tweedy, cozy-looking wool yarns since the bitter cold of January is at full force around here. The double breasted man's cardigan is calling my name... 

This sweater is so lovely and simple. The perfect fall staple.

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I love the chunky, super warm look of this marled jacket! Knit with four strands of yarn at once, this would knit up sooo fast! I would knit this in lighter colors for those chilly, early days of Spring.

The pattern includes the vest and beret pictured on the model; in case you are into the full, three-piece matching set look!

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My favorite! I am a sucker for a double breasted cardigan and especially one as grandpa-tastic and this one! I think I would add a slim cable on the outer edges of the moss stitch panel just to bring a little more attention to the design.
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If you knit any of these awesome sweaters don't forget to snap a picture and tag @lakesideneedleworks or add #lakesideneedleworks to your post on Instagram!
Looking forward to seeing these cozy cardigans come to life!