Kelly's Cestari Moonstone

As the days get warmer here in Colorado, we naturally gravitate towards finding new knitting projects that will not only be pleasurable to work on (a lap full of wool gets really hot, really fast!) but also cool to wear. Fancy Tiger got its stock of Old Dominion Cotton just in time! Grown and milled by Cestari in Virginia, Old Dominion is a sturdy, 3-ply DK weight 100% cotton yarn that comes in the most cheerful unique colors. Each shade has just a hint of color variance to keep your project exciting and one-of-a-kind, and best of all it is machine washable!

Pattern: Moonstone by Jen Geigley from Everyday: A casual, modern hand-knit collection
Materials: Old Dominion Cotton by Cestari, in color Blue Ridge Haze
Needles: US 8 (5mm) and US 7 (4.5mm) 24" needles
Size Made: Medium (finished bust 44 inches)
Modifications: The pattern calls for knitting the front and back as two separate pieces. I chose to modify by knitting the sweater in the round, then separating to front and back when I approached the armholes. I also decided to make the arm holes slightly smaller, and the neckline larger by adding one extra row of decreasing to shape the neck, and started the decreasing sooner so the neckline would be lower.

I never considered knitting a chunky sweater for summer, but Moonstone is designed to be super soft and airy, with short sleeves and a casual drape that lends itself to a breezy summer’s day out. Knitting with cotton does take a bit of getting used to as there is very little give or “spring” to the yarn, but it really is delightful! If you are a tight knitter it may feel a little rough at first-- but have no fear, your hands will adjust and the outcome is well worth it!

I love how Moonstone comes across as a simple classic design, then surprises you with a purposeful slit right across the hip. I really enjoy finding new patterns that take timeless designs and add new flair to make them more modern and inspiring.

This sweater’s slouchy design pairs so beautifully with slim pants, and I feel like its best friends would be some white jeans and strappy sandals! Maybe even some cutoffs, you really can’t go wrong!

I’m so glad I found a chunky knit to greet the summer season here in Colorado, cheers to year-round knitting!