I don’t know what things are like in your corner of the world, but here in the UK, this week has marked a real turn in the weather. Walking to the office in the morning, there’s a chill in the air, the first crunchy leaves under foot … autumn is definitely on its way!

Like many knitters, this is one of my favourite times of year. I love getting out my knitwear and casting on for High Knitting Season. But I also often find that the arrival of cooler temperatures catches me out a bit … I always wish I’d started working on my perfect autumn sweater just that bit earlier so that I have a chance of wearing it before the last leaves fall!

So I’m particularly excited to be sharing two limited edition kits for autumn cardigans with you today. Both are patterns from the back catalogue of the ever-so-talented Kyoko Nakayoshi, who I got to know back when I worked on The Knitter magazine. These patterns tick so many boxes in terms of what I look for in my knitting projects (more on that in a second) and, since they’re knitted in deliciously plump Something to Knit With Aran, you’ll go from cast on to cosied up surprisingly fast! We’re offering both of these kits as pre-orders, shipping on 8th October … read on for details, including great news on shipping!

Temari

The Temari cardigan pairs a classic and simple shape with just the right amount of detail and interest. Knitted from the top down, it begins with a plain stocking stitch yoke that gives way to delicious honeycomb cables.

Garter edges, a swingy shape at the back, folded hem sleeve cuffs and a single button closure add to the simple elegance of this A-line beauty. With that winning combination of straightforward knitting and details to engage, that I think many of us have really been enjoying these past few months, this would be a suitable challenge for an adventurous beginner garment knitter as well as fun to knit for those with more experience.

Pre-orders for Temari Kits are now available in the online shop (full details for both kits + the shipping offer are at the end of this post). The first five Temari pre-orders will also receive a fun bird button (as shown in photograph) in their kits.

Trailing Ivy Cardigan

The Trailing Ivy Cardigan is another single button showstopper, but with a totally different look and feel! This asymmetrical cardigan, inspired by the way ivy follows light from the sun, features bold braided cables and clever shaping — perfect for keeping warm in all winter long!

Trailing Ivy begins with a chunky cable collar, shaped with short rows — a great exercise for your knitting muscles! Once complete, your exertions are rewarded with the relaxation of a top-down, stocking stitch body; the continuation of those lovely braided cables, though, will have you keep working to finish just one more repeat.

The statement cables are also echoed on the sleeve … the cables grow in scale as the sleeve narrows towards the wrist, a particularly nice feature! Instructions for the cables are charted with some accompanying written instruction. This pattern is probably most suitable for knitters who already have some familiarity with cable knitting — though once the collar is complete, everything is very straightforward!

The first three pre-orders for the Trailing Ivy Cardigan will also receive a button (as pictured) with their kit!

Pre-Order Kit Details

Something to Knit With Aran in, from left, Mist, Sky, Lawn, Ginger and Mustard.

Our Something to Knit With Aran yarn makes for wonderfully cosy versions of Temari and Trailing Ivy. The blend of 70% highland wool and 30% superfine alpaca knits up into soft garments that still have crisp stitch definition — perfect for showing off your cables! Kits are now available to pre-order in nine colour options and eleven sizes, to fit busts ranging from 81.5-147.5 cm [32-62 in]. Additional measurements and sizing details are available on each product page. Please note, we are offering these cardigans in an expanded size range from the original pattern, so depending on the size you select, your printed pattern may not include instructions for all sizes or it may have an addendum with specific instructions for your selected size.

Kits include a print pattern + project bag, along with all the Something to Knit With Aran you’ll need for your size. These kits represent substantial savings (30-40%) on buying the yarn on its own, AND we are offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on them. We hope this discount makes it a bit more affordable to add an Aran-weight cardigan to your wardrobe!

We are offering these limited-edition kits on a pre-order basis, with kits shipping on Thursday, 8th October. If you add other items to your order you will be charged for shipping of those items only, and they may be shipped separately.

Huge thanks to our wonderful sample knitters, Kim and Julie, who helped to get these cardigans knitted for us. We couldn’t have done it without you!