Kahlua, because THIS YARN

I know.  Squishy farm yarn.  Heavy worsted, a beautiful heather, a mix of Rambouillet and Alpaca.

I bought this SQ of Hinterland Range about a year ago, just because I wanted it.  Not to design with, and not to worry about, but because I absolutely HAD to own some.  But then it stared at me from behind the glass doors of my yarn cabinet, and I was powerless.  So I cast on, telling myself this was just FOR ME.  I didn't have to worry about a deadline or any parameters or anything.  I could just knit what I felt like.  (But maybe, just to be safe, I'd take notes as I went...)

You know the rest. I finished and looked at it and said it must be published. 

And now it is - Kahlua. 

The cardigan I knit just so I could chill out and enjoy the ride.  With that in mind, it features lots of simple elements - a textured garter rib, a simple cable, and some 1x1 rib.  That's it.  But it's how these pieces transition into each other that made the project fun - and the edgings and changes in pattern make me so very happy here. 

The yarn is the star - that subtle halo, the lovely creamy heather is so distinct and crisp in these textures, and it has just the right amount of drape for a loose, boxy silhouette. 

The design is knit from the bottom up, body flat and sleeves in the round.  (I did have a little fun with the sleeve shaping and the rib design, see above ..)  Pieces are joined at the yoke and shaped seamlessly to the shoulder, where the back and sleeves are complete.  The fronts are then continued to meet at center back neck, creating this cozy and beautiful collar around the shoulders.

The pattern, all the information, and the test knits can be found on the Kahlua Ravelry page.

The yarn is available from Hinterland Farm, and since it's a farm yarn quantities are limited.  Hanahlie will be milling more in 2019 once this batch is sold, so don't fear if you miss out.

And because the color of the sweater is pretty much the same exact color as Kahlua when added to milk or cream, the name was a no-brainer!

My favorite way to enjoy Kahlua?  Either in hot chocolate/coffee or mixed with milk and ice for dessert. 

What's yours?