Shimmer Nights Slip Stitch Cardigan in Lion Brand Vanna's Choice and Vanna's Glamour

Shimmer Nights Slip Stitch Cardigan

Project Overview

The Shimmer Nights Slip Stitch Cardigan is an intermediate-plus knitting pattern designed by Irina Poludnenko and published by Lion Brand Yarn as Pattern Number L40263. This cardigan showcases a sophisticated slip stitch technique that creates visual texture and shimmer through the strategic combination of multiple yarn colors and finishes. The design is available in five finished sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 38 inches to 58 inches and finished lengths between 28.5 and 31 inches.

Techniques and Stitches

The primary construction technique featured in this cardigan is the slip stitch pattern, which is a foundational method in knitting that creates dimensional fabric by slipping stitches across rows while working with contrasting yarns. This technique allows knitters to introduce multiple colors and textures without the complexity of traditional colorwork methods like stranding or intarsia. The slip stitch pattern in this design is worked at a gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in the stitch pattern, requiring intermediate-plus skill level (Level 4) to execute properly.

The pattern utilizes standard knitting needles and circular needle construction for the neckband finishing, demonstrating conventional cardigan shaping and assembly methods. Knitters will use stitch holders during construction and a large-eye blunt needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Yarn Materials and Composition

This cardigan is designed to showcase the contrast between two distinct Lion Brand yarn lines, creating the shimmer effect that defines the garment:

• Lion Brand Vanna's Choice (Article #860): A 100% premium acrylic yarn available in Black for the base color. This yarn provides durability and consistent stitch definition. Approximately 2 to 4 balls are required depending on size.
• Lion Brand Vanna's Glamour: Used in multiple color options to create the slip stitch pattern and shimmer effects. Vanna's Glamour comes in several compositions:
  • Solids and Jewel colorways (Articles #400, #401, #403): 92% acrylic with 8% rayon, offered in 3.5 oz (100 g) packages containing 170 yards (156 m). Gold is specified for this pattern.
  • Prints, Tweeds, and Heathers (Article #861-149): 3 oz (85 g) packages with 145 yards (133 m), or Moonstone Twists variant at 2.5 oz (70 g) with 121 yards (111 m).
  • Metallic blend (Article #861-108): 96% acrylic combined with 4% metallic polyester, packaged at 1.75 oz (49.61 g) with 202 yards (185 m) per skein, creating the primary shimmer element.

The combination of standard acrylic yarns with metallic-blend options allows the slip stitch pattern to catch light and create the distinctive shimmer effect characteristic of the design name.

Tools and Equipment

The pattern requires Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 7 (4.5 mm) for the main fabric construction, along with a 40-inch circular needle in the same size for the neckband. Additional supplies include Lion Brand Stitch Holders for managing stitches during shaping and a Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needle Set (Set of 6) for finishing work such as seaming pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Classified as Intermediate + (Level 4), this pattern is suited for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and color techniques. The pattern is written for the smallest size with all size variations provided in parentheses throughout. Knitters are advised to circle all numbers pertaining to their chosen size before beginning to avoid confusion during construction. As of August 8, 2014, there were no corrections on record for this pattern.