Once again, I’m making a Featherweight Cardigan. I made one when pregnant with Zooey, and another soon after I had her. Both of those are no longer in my sweater collection. The first one was made with Classic Elite Yarns Silky Alpaca lace weight. The yarn is gorgeous gossamer flossy stuff, and well, I had an armpit felting issue with it. Warm weather + sweaty armpits = we’ve got felting. It wasn’t ruined, but I could see that if I continued wearing it, things would be heading that way swiftly. I gave that one to a friend. The next one was made from a sock yarn that should have been washable due to the 25% synthetic content, but sadly, it was not, so that version was destroyed by much more intense felting.
This time, I believe I have truly learned my lesson and I am knitting this one out of Speck 100% silk yarn by The Loom. The color is Lichen and so far I love it. Will it be an easy care item? Not exactly. But it won’t have an armpit felting issue and I know exactly what I’m getting into up front. I have never knitted with 100% silk before. This version is pretty raw and has a dry crepey feeling to it. I love the feeling of it in my hands. It’s light and feels like it will be the perfect layer for spring. 
Wow, I solute you for knitting a laceweight cardi three times, that’s incredible!
Well, this is definitely more like fingering weight. It’s a pretty small garment so that helps.
Love the color and I can imagine how great it must be working with 100% silk yarn!
It’s pretty great so far!
I have had this pattern in my queue for a few years now. Hmm, if you are working on your THIRD, then I really need to get moving on my first. Thanks for sharing your ‘armpit concerns’- I have so much to learn! I can’t wait to hear how this one holds up.
I’m really hoping this one holds or there’s no hope for my armpits in summer garments!
Very beautiful. I love the color.
Thanks! The color is almost identical to the first featherweight cardigan again I made. I’m kind of predictable that way.
It’s lovely! Beautiful colour.
Thank you! It was a mesmerising color while I worked.
I only have one featherweight, Madtosh Tosh Merino light. I wear it regularly…need to patch the armpit…bit of a hole. Shamed to say not felted because I HAVE NEVER WASHED IT. I take it off as soon as I get home from work to avoidmstickyntoddler fingers. So,far so good…. Hopefully you aren’t grossed out. Good luck w number three!
Wool really doesn’t need to be washed often, so you’re probably fine. I wear sweaters many times before they get a bath. Wool is self cleaning and resists dirt. Just make sure it gets a wash before more long term storage to protect against moths.
Wow! I bet it’s going to have an incredible drape. Hopefully this version sticks around for a while!
oooh, silk!! what a great choice, and perfect for summer.
I was just thinking of making my Featherweight out of recycled cashmere yarn. I had never considered armpit felting…may be rethinking my choices. Off to ponder! Thanks for the info!
Stunning colour and it will no doubt drape beautifully 💙