I Love Ponchos (and I’m not Afraid to Admit it!)

Do you love ponchos? Are you terrified to admit it in knitting and crochet circles for fear of being lynched?

Let’s face it, ponchos are not PC right now. To admit that you love ponchos may be downright dangerous in some circles!

What is WRONG with the word PONCHO? I mean a few years ago everybody loved them…spent LOTS of money on yarn for them…searched patterns for them…wore them in PUBLIC and now???? Where did they go? What’s the deal?

Since the season is here, I want to show my sweet poncho-like pullover…written for six sizes from 28″ to 48″…a sassy pattern that may be used for mothers and older daughters alike.

Mine in Extra Small–held double–used up 6.6 balls (429 grams or 673 yards) of Patons Silk Bamboo and 2.6 balls (221 grams or 653 yards) of Caron Spa.

This lacy one-piece, flat-knitting project is very easy to memorize and seamless. Good for someone who has never knit a sweater as a first project. Created by talented knitwear designer Heather Dixon, Andromeda–part of the Space Cowboy winter collection–will be available from Knit Culture Studio late October and for an exclusive period. I LOVE everything about this. The drape and feel is absolutely wonderful, blocked or unblocked. My composition doesn’t do the clever, elegant design justice (and I wore mine differently.) Sorry, Heather!

Andromeda suggests freedom, liberty, and art. I love ponchos and I’m proud of it! It’s one that will pass the popularity and fashion test (shown unblocked here.)

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Silky Orchid

I love triangular shawls, but, sometimes they are difficult to keep in place without a pin.

Hana, on the other hand, in its distinguish curve makes a difference. It measures 56″ wide, 12″ center deep, and 7″ short ends.

It may simple be tied like a scarf or have longer ends that drape gracefully around the shoulders.

The gentle crescent lends itself to numerous ways of tying and draping, making it a versatile accessory to the Fall wardrobe.

The shawlette is knitted in one piece starting at the outside edge, with a very long cast on (393 stitches,), work the 12-repeat Japanese lace (instead of 14 per pattern at Kristina‘s request,) and then shape the narrow, long curved body of the shawl with an unique set of short rows.

The interesting combination of true lace and simple stockinette stitches–in DK weight Silk Bamboo and Size 5 Addi Lace circular needles–makes Hana a fun, pretty, incredibly useful, affordable–3 balls of Patons Silk Bamboo, 307 yards,–and fast 7-hour project.

I was a little apprehensive about the fake tubular bind off at first…but worked out perfectly.

I wear my shawls mostly as scarves and this one is perfect for wrapping around the neck or shoulders–it shows off the pretty edging, yet, is plenty long enough to stay put.

This one, after re-blocking to elongate the flowers to show its true beauty, will be going to my friend Lindy when we meet up on the coast next week.

Me…I will work up some handspun for another interpretation of my very own Hana. Thanks, Kristina, for a fabulous test-knit experience, and PLEASE do publish the design as I know many of my friends would love to knit one for themselves

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)