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Dirty Martini
$9.60
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Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran
Light Grey (20)
Out of stock — not added to kit
× $6.69
Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran
Grey (93)
Out of stock — not added to kit
× $6.69
3 Accessories
Product Description
Dirty Martini is a modern take on the lace cardigan - delicate, but not too girly. It began as my nod to the classic Chanel jacket but changed a little along the way. Cozy borders in a darker color add weight to the lighter, open body, and accentuate the difference between lace and ribbing. A Peter Pan collar gets a makeover with a deep rounded back and tabs shaped to appear only at front and then disappear. It's extra cozy in soft, round Primo Aran. The fabric is substantial and warm with deep, ribbed cuffs and a hem knit on bigger needles to really accentuate the cozy feel.
It's designed to be worn open and loose, so choose the size that gives you 2-3" of positive ease based on your actual bust size. If you're between sizes I suggest choosing the smaller. It can be worn with a more fitted silhouette, and the lace could grow a bit with wear. I don't suggest negative ease, as the lace will stretch when worn. Sample is in Plucky Primo Aran. Other listed yarns are suggested substitutues
Dirty Martini Cardigan by BabyCocktails
Project Overview
Dirty Martini is a modern knitted cardigan that reimagines the classic lace cardigan silhouette with contemporary styling. Designed by Thea Colman of BabyCocktails, this intermediate-level knitting project combines delicate lace elements with substantial structure, creating a garment that is elegant without being overly feminine. The cardigan is designed to be worn open and loose for a casual, relaxed aesthetic rather than a formal appearance.
Design Features
The Dirty Martini cardigan draws inspiration from the iconic Chanel jacket but evolves into its own distinctive design. Key design elements include:
- Contrast Borders: Cozy borders in a darker contrast color add visual weight and definition to the lighter, open lace body of the sweater, creating striking contrast between the lace and ribbed sections
- Peter Pan Collar Variation: A reimagined Peter Pan collar features a deep rounded back with tabs that appear only at the front before disappearing, adding a playful modern twist to a classic collar style
- Ribbed Cuffs and Hem: Deep ribbed cuffs provide structure at the wrists, while the hem is knit on larger needles to emphasize the cozy, substantial feel of the finished garment
Knitting Techniques and Stitches
This intermediate-level cardigan employs several essential knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated appearance:
- Lace Knitting: The main body features open lace stitchwork that creates an airy, delicate fabric contrasting with the structured elements
- Ribbing: Ribbed sections are used throughout, including the cuffs, hem, and borders, providing elasticity and definition while adding visual interest
- Needle Gauge Changes: The pattern employs different needle sizes strategically—US#8/5mm needles for ribbing create tighter, more defined edges, while larger needles are used for the hem to accentuate the cozy aesthetic
Yarn and Materials
The Dirty Martini cardigan is designed to be knit in Plucky Knitter Primo Aran, a soft, round yarn in the aran weight category. This yarn choice contributes significantly to the garment's substantial, warm fabric despite the open lace sections.
Yardage Requirements: The pattern is available in multiple sizes with the following yardage specifications:
- Main Color: 750, 800, 900, 950, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1350, 1400, or 1500 yards depending on size
- Contrast Color: 250, 250, 250, 250, 275, 275, 275, 275, 300, or 300 yards depending on size
- Sample shown in Main Color Gris with Contrast Color Medieval
Needles: US#8/5mm needles are used for ribbing sections, with US#7/4mm needles for additional shaping (pattern continues with additional needle specifications in the full PDF).
Skill Level and Craftsmanship
Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Dirty Martini cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace work and garment construction. The combination of lace knitting, ribbed detailing, and strategic needle gauge changes requires attention to pattern reading and stitch management, making it an engaging project for developing knitters.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Featured Products: | Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran |
| Pages: | 5 |
| Designer: | BabyCocktails/Thea Colman |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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