Cowl-neck Poncho :: ta-dah!

Do you remember when I shared the start of this poncho back in November? I've really enjoyed working this pattern (from Simply Crochet issue 25, designed by Simone Francis) and using this warm, woolly yarn (Drops Nepal, an aran weight wool/alpaca mix), it's been a great project to bridge the (cold) gap between Autumn and Winter.

I used 11 colours altogether, opting for the lovely Light Grey Green as my main colour mixed with a mostly cool palette of blues and purples. I couldn't resist adding in some heat towards the bottom edge though, I love the red/orange/bright pink punch amongst all the cool.

Exact colours as follows....

Top row left-right..

Light Grey Green : Forget-me-not : Light Pistachio : Medium BLue : Denim Blue : Royal Blue

Bottom row left-right..

Deep Red : Orange Mix : Cerise : Grey/Purple : Purple Mix

Once the cowl neck is completed, the rest of the poncho is made from rounds of "granny trebles" with an increase at the centre front and centre back. It's a breeze of a pattern to work, the familiarity of the granny trebles made it very enjoyable indeed.

Hooking up these woolly rows was very soothing and it worked up extremely quickly. Using a 6mm hook generates a pleasing speed and before long I was there at the edge, contemplating what exactly to do. The original pattern had a deep fringe edging, but I wanted something a little bit more contemporary and not too flouncy or floaty. I sampled a good number of ideas before settling on a simple pattern worked in five rounds....

 ...two rounds of double crochet followed by two rounds of chain loops, then a final round to create the pointy waves on the egde-of-the-edge.

I started by working 1 dc into each treble around the edge of the poncho using Forget-Me-Not blue, then a second round of dc's worked in my main colour (light grey green). When I did the second round of dc's, I worked 1dc into each stitch, excepting at the two very points of the poncho (front and back) -  I found I needed to increase by 2 stitches front and back (ie work 2dc's into the 2 centre stitches front and back) to keep the whole thing flat.

I stuck with the main colour for the next three rounds, as follows :

Round 1

Chain 4 (counts as 1 dc + ch-2), skip 1 st, dc in next st. Ch 2, skip 1 st, *dc in next st, ch 2, skip 1 st* 

Repeat between ** until you get back to where you started, sl st into 2nd ch of starting ch-4 to close round.

Round 2

Slip stitch in 1st chain space to begin. Chain 4 (counts as 1 dc + ch-2). *1 dc in next chain space, ch 2*

Repeat between ** until you get back to where you started, sl st into 2nd ch of starting ch-4 to close round. 

Round 3

Slip stitch into the ch-2 space to begin. Chain 2 (counts as 1 dc), then 1 dc, ch-2, 2 dc in the same chain space.

*In the next chain space work 2 dc, ch-2, 2dc*

Repeat between ** until you get back to where you started, sl st into top of starting ch-2 to close round. Fasten off.

It's an easy pattern and gives a neat finish - well I like it anyhow :)

The edging does benefit from some steam blocking to open out those chain loops a bit - there is no quick fix here I'm afraid, you have to give yourself some time and patiently pin out each wave (I use an old non-fluffy towel over a 1-inch piece of foam and pin with T-Pins). 

 

Work on short sections at a time, and use a medium hot iron to puff steam over the surface of crochet (NOTE  >> The iron DOES NOT TOUCH THE CROCHET!)

I didn't bother to steam the main body of the poncho as it didn't need it, it was enough to just concentrate on the edge. Oooo I do like a nice, neat, perky steam finish!

I'm pleased with the way my colours worked out. The original pattern had 16 rows of granny trebles, but I increased mine to 28 to make it long enough without the fringe. I made sure I used the main colour (Light Grey Green) at regular intervals to give the whole thing a bit of rhythm, the rest of the colour order is pretty random really. I have to say that I had rather a big wobble about the whole pink/orange/red idea (I very nearly pulled those colours out and played safe with blues), but I'm glad I stuck with it as I love how those three rows add such vibrancy to the overall look. 

Oh - I think at this point I might need to say..........

"Ta-dah"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One cowl-neck poncho, all done and dusted and ready to deliver some serious, snugly warmth.

I'm afraid that due to feeling a bit ropey this week I didn't have the patience to provide you with any top-notch selfies. You will have to make do with this rather poor decapitated effort. Sorry 'bout that.

And please excuse my very shabby looking appearance, my charity shop cardy and my frightfully crumpled and faded old linen tunic make me look - er - crumpled and faded. Sorry 'bout that too. But I wanted to give you an idea of poncho length and snugly cowl-neck goings on around the neckline.

Hmmm, about the neckline.....it really is lovely to wear and I think the cowl-neck design is absolute genius. I was worried that it might feel a bit tickly and woolly around my neck, but the 35% Alpaca content keeps it pretty soft.

Some poncho details for you....

Pattern  - from Simply Crochet issue 25, with edging design by me.

Yarn - Drops Nepal in eleven colours.

I used 8 x 50g balls of Light Grey Green, 2 x 50g balls of Forget-me-not and 1 ball each of the other 9 colours. I have a fair bit of yarn left over (the top picture shows what's left) so think I'm going to make some wrist warmers to match.

Hooks - I used a 6.5mm (for the cowl rib) and a 6mm hook (for the body and edging).

♥ Poncho-tastic! ♥

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

♥...more little snippets from the Attic...♥

Cowl-neck Poncho

Seasonal

A Gathered Wreath

Comments

[MICHELANGELO]

By any chance you sold it too?

[Danielle Belle]

This pattern is exactly what I've been looking for except I'm after a baby size for my 7mo. can anyone (author or readers) give me some guidance on jigging the pattern a little to make it for a 6-12 mo size?? I'd be ever so grateful. I've scoured the internet for a proper baby pattern and keep coming up short. Appreciate any help. the Poncho is gorgeous and I'd love do use the pattern! :)

[Patricia Wooden]

Ethereal in UK can I find this pattern. New to crochet only one blanket ,two cushion covers down Just can't wait to start the poncho. Wish me luck,

[Dawn Rae]

Gorgeous!! I love the project and the photos! I left a longer comment in your part I post.

[brenda griffis]

This beautiful pattern is available to purchase from Revelry from the creator,Simone Francis . I purchased it and made a few in different colors and with and without the color. My first is Deep Gray with burgundy strips for a friend that loves it,,,the next was just mixed colors.

[alice juarez]

that is amazing

[Marie-Dentelle]

Superbe, merci pour les photos, il à l'air d'être super chaud et douillet. <3

[wendy]

Would love to have this s pattern every site States its not available in us only UK please help [email protected]

[Deanna]

Hi I think your poncho looks fab and I'll definitely be copying your edging as I've had reservations about that fringe.
One issue I have is that I'm very tall and wanted the sides to be longer down my arms. I'm typing this at work and don't have the actual poncho with me but I must be at about 30 rows by now. However the whole thing is looking very voluminous. I'd like it to be longer but not keep getting wider. Any thoughts?

[Patty Cerda]

Hi Lucy!
great job. The colors you've choosed are gorgeous.Greetings fom Germany.

[Maria Cruz]

I have that magazine, however in the German version of it only the red scarf in Tunisian crochet is in it and not the poncho. Does anyone want to share the pattern for the neckline/ collar please?

[Arlene]

Hi, I am in Canada and just received all the yarn in the mail from UK to make this lovely poncho for cool days at the cottage. Nepal Drops was a great recommendation. Beautiful colors and so soft. So excited to get started.

Just finishing up your Cozy Blanket first.

Love and good vibes from across the pond.

~ Arlene

[Judy]

i love your poncho and would like to make one. Please tell me where I can purchase the pattern.
Thanks a bunch, your work is beautiful,
Judy

[Donna]

I've started mine, but I'm more of a knitter than crochet, I can crochet but not read a pattern, so wish me luck x

[Elke Burden]

Its stunning Lucy. I am off to get the pattern and make one for myself. You are an inspiration to me and I have tried a few of your projects. Thank you so much. Elke XX

[maria teresa arciga bermudez]

Ahora lo estoy viendo y es Enero del 2015 y esta hermoso gracias

[KayEleC]

Yours is lovely!

I'm a bit slower than you....here's progress!

http://noraathome.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/yarn-treat.html

Love the progress on your Winter Wreath too... xx

[pat fannin]

How do you clean this. Since the yarn is part wool you can't put it in the washer and dryer right?

[Sarah]

You inspired me, so I bought a back copy and started it tonight...but it's curving!!! Any ideas ....I've undone it twice and counted every stitch... What's going on!!!
Sarah x

[lena]

This is really pretty. I looked at the pattern and it's more of a cowl than yours. I really like yours better. How did you accomplish that?

[CRISTINA ARBIOL PUEYO]

Hola, deseaba saludarte y darte las gracias por tu precioso blog,estoy todavía aprendiendo ha hacer crochet y me encanta como explicas los trabajos, las fotos me han ayudado mucho, para entender lo que se debe hacer. Gracias por compartir todo lo que sabes. Deseo que tengas tú y tu familia un fabuloso año 2015
Cristina

[Jane]

Loved your poncho, bought mag and made one too. Am new to crochet and struggle with colour ways , so always happy to get inspiration from your blog. Loved the edging you gave the poncho and will use it again on other projects.

Going to attempt your coastal ripple once my current work in progress is finished.

[Diane]

What a beautiful poncho. In fact I love all of your projects. I plan on making this poncho as well for myself in 2015. Thank you for the inspiration.

[Doreen Hill]

Luv this poncho.....any chance of getting the pattern ?? I am in South Africa.. Doreen Hill (Turnley) on facebook .. [email protected]

[kim]

Oh, I wish you'd make up a kit for this!!