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I am really pleased to be able to let you know that my cutaway poncho crochet pattern features in Simply Crochet Magazine issue 148. I adored making the sample for this, and seeing a sneak peek on Instagram recently, so I'm excited for the public launch of this issue today, 16th April 2024. The issue includes the full pattern along with some gloriously romantic photography of the whole collection, plus a wonderful compilation of colourful projects that are well suited to the coming season. Do take a look and see if your next project might be in there!
The poncho is a fun and classically feminine addition to your summer wardrobe that will work well over those pretty summer dresses you don't want to hide, whenever you want a little more warmth or shoulder coverage. Its open, lacy arm sections add an extra layer without making you too warm. It could certainly work with jeans and a delicate camisole top too, especially if you have a knitted or crocheted one you want to show off. Simply Crochet send the samples back to the designers after photographing them and this one one I just can't wait to wear this summer. In our British climate you never know when you're going to want an extra layer and having one that doesn't completely hide your outfit is definitely a bonus for those who like to make their own clothes.
The stitch pattern, which some of you may recognise as being adapted from my Clarion Multiway Scarf design works up beautifully fast and, after setting up the first couple of rows is easy to follow without having to constantly refer back to the pattern so it's one to take to to your craft group if you hope to chat more than count stitches or work on in front of your favourite TV series. The flowers, leaves and buttons are fun to work and very portable details but maybe leave working the little shoulder caps until it can have your full focus. They aren't difficult and they don't take long to work either, you just do need to be able to count the stitches and check the instructions. Confession: I had to rip the shoulders out more than once, myself, as I got distracted by some gardening YouTube videos I was watching and seemed to lose the skills of counting and alternating!
The inspiration for this collection comes from the Coquette Core trend being explored on social media this summer, drawing on a romantically lavish Rococo frivolity and often adding a slightly distressed or tousled edge to the aesthetic. The poncho itself started off as an elegant mini-cloak/capelet strewn with flowers all over but taking note of the popularity of open sleeved garments on the catwalk recently and liking how they flow as the body moves, I decided to explore that option instead. I toned down the flowers a bit to focus on the dramatic silhouette and am really pleased with the end result. That said, it would be really easy to work it up as a capelet or full poncho if you preferred (you''l need more yarn, of course) and you can put as many flowers as you like, just wherever you want them. It's your creation! You can also adjust the length of the arm sections very easily if you wish. The pattern is for fingertip length ones on a person of about 5ft 3in-5ft 7in but an elbow length one could be fun and ankle length ones for evening or bridal wear could be stunning.
I worked up the sample in Drops Alpaca and I would absolutely recommend using it if you can. It was so lovely to work with and really perfect for this particular project where drape was my main consideration. The lightness of the Alpaca worked perfectly for this but was still sturdy enough for the shoulders to hold the weight of the garment. It will also feel lovely against the skin, which is important if you're wearing it over strappy summer tops and dresses and it's a fibre often recommended for those who don't like to wear wool.
I made a lot of this outside my children's dance classes and was always surprised how much I got done and how nicely the fluffy yarn unwound as I had wondered if it would be a bit sticky. Can you see in one of my pictures that an accident befell my poor crochet hook, though? I didn't have another one the same and had to repair it with sticky tape and hot glue to make sure I kept the same tension for finishing the project. It worked well but I was glad when my new one turned up! There isn't a lot of seaming for this project; just the centre of the shoulder caps and for attaching the flowers but I was glad to have my needles travel ready in their lovely wooden needle case . Perhaps I need to find something like that for my thinner wooden hooks too!
Seeing the finished project in the magazine was lovely. The photographs in this issue are so dreamy and the yarns for the Coquette Collection are such lovely colours. I have a little bit left. Now, what shall I make with it?
Pattern: Cutaway Poncho
Published in: Â Simply Crochet Magazine issue 148.
Yarn: Drops Alpaca in 0100 Off white; 9030 Pistachio Ice Cream; 9032 Strawberry Cream
Do let me know if you make the poncho. I'm always so excited when I see that someone has used one of my patterns! I love to get comments on my blog too, so do let me know your thoughts on the design or ask any questions you have below.