Next Sweater

[elizabeth_mn]

I've been thinking about my next sweater. (I apologize for the links below; some are to Ravelry and therefore are not accessible to everyone.)

I've got 2 skeins (956 yards) of orange Cascade Eco+.



It was once destined to become a hoodless Heather Hoodie Vest, but that plan has been scrapped because I don't think the Heather vest would really flatter my figure, even if I add waist shaping.

But I still want to use this yarn next, because it is the only thing I currently own a sweater's worth of, and I am still trying to be frugal (vacation shopping aside) to save up for a new sewing machine.

Some options I've been considering include:

Star Cross'd Love is cute and cable-y.  I was a little put off by the shawl collar, but the cables won me over in the end.  Then I saw it is in only one size, a 32.5" bust.  Um, no.  I could try to size it up, but I don't really want to deal with modifying something so complex.

This Peplum Cardigan is pretty and has some interesting stitch patterns to keep me amused.  It's a free Lion brand pattern, though, which makes me a little uneasy.

Chunky Fudge might be my favorite so far.  Simple, fitted, with just a little stitch pattern.  The neckline is a bit wide for me, but that's better than fitting too closely.

There's also Cherie Amour, which has been in my queue longer than anything.  Although, I'm not sure if I was drawn to it simply because of the lovely variegated yarn, but I am also not sure about wearing a high-contrast variegated sweater.  And the Cascade Eco+ is fluffy and lofty; I am not sure if a lace pattern like this requires more drape.  Also, the pattern is very 1970s/late 60s, and my yarn is definitely 70s burnt-orange color, so I am not sure if that would be just a little too retro.  (Do people still say 'retro'?  I feel old.) 

Yesterday I swatched for Cherie Amour and got gauge on the lace pattern on sz 11 and on the rib section on sz 10 (pattern gives a 13 and a 9 for this, respectively, which seems a bit odd to me).  I am still not sure if I will cast on for this.  More mulling is required.