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
Can anyone help me get the pattern please? A friend went to UK and thought she had bought for me but was the wrong issue, I ordered it online and they sent issue 26 not 25 a cross about that so £15 later I still don't have the pattern. A photo'do and emailed version would suit me fine and I can work from my iPad. Thank you everyone
Posted by: Pauline | January 02, 2015 at 11:13 AM
I love this poncho. When I finish my cosy Blanket I'm gonna try this one. Thanks a lot and have a Happy New Year!!!
Posted by: Teresa | January 01, 2015 at 09:45 PM
I really like how this fits you. The one on the model looks too big for her. Your cowl is not to big and the sides fit your arms perfectly. I'm sure you are going to get many compliments on it.
Posted by: Lynn Dee Butler | December 31, 2014 at 06:09 AM
defo wanna try out this poncho, I have to say im totally loving your blog. if you ever have spare time. ive recently started a blog on crafts, arts ect. id love any feedback youd have :) www.lbotatb.blogspot.co.uk
Posted by: LBOTAT | December 27, 2014 at 10:29 PM
Hello, I read regularly your blog and I would kike to realise Cowl-neck Poncho but I don't know Where I can buy the Simply Crochet issue 25 (november 2014).
Please could you tell me how many stitches I have to rise to begin ?
Posted by: Christine | December 27, 2014 at 06:16 PM
Dear Lucy,
when I saw your poncho I had to order the wool exactly in the colours you did your Poncho. Now I am trying to get the magazine, but I don't know, how I get it her in Germany. Maybe I can crochet it my own way.
Thank you for all your lovely Pictures, you are amazing.
Posted by: Meta | December 25, 2014 at 04:13 PM
I would like to obtain pattern for cowl neck poncho from issue 25 simply crochet. Cannot find path to buy that magazine. Help.
Posted by: emily buckley | December 25, 2014 at 03:46 AM
Absolutely gorgeous. The colours work really well.
Posted by: Gillian | December 22, 2014 at 03:27 PM
I adore your poncho! It has turned out really well!! :) The poncho is on my list for 2015... I am thinking about making it in red and cream. :)
Take care
Anne
http://crochetbetweentwoworlds.blogspot.de
Posted by: Anne | December 22, 2014 at 10:14 AM
Looks fabulous.
Carol xx
Posted by: Carol aka Dansnan | December 21, 2014 at 10:54 PM
I really love this poncho, and it will be so warm in the yarn you've used.
Why on earth are you apologising for your appearance? You look great and I particularly love your charity shop cardi and crinkled linen tunic (as you say) as I love wearing charity shop clothing, it's so exciting not knowing what you will find, and I love linen tunics too, one of which expensive and a couple of charity shop ones.
I really see the need to make one of these myself!!!
Posted by: Anne Marie | December 21, 2014 at 08:50 PM
Wow! This is beautiful - you did a great job - thanks for sharing pictures!
Posted by: Vickie | December 20, 2014 at 02:19 PM
Well done Lucy as usual and yes it is very much better than the one published in the magazine. I have been following your colorful blog waaay from Istanbul for sometime now. Thanks alot for all your heartwarming and inspiring posts and kind generosity for sharing the valuable tutorials as well. I am an old knitter (since age8) but I started crocheting just five years ago which I am truly addicted to, especially crocheting blankets, believing and practicing its tranquilizing affect. I will certainly try this lovely poncho as I did many of your other lovely patterns. Wishing you and all your loved ones merry Christmas and a very happy and fruitful new year. XXX Arzu
Posted by: Arzu | December 20, 2014 at 11:27 AM
I love your shappy style by the way ! - you are so good in creating beautiful modern looking designs - and warmheardet surroundings - Thank your for the almost daily dose of inspiration you provide. This poncho looks absolute fab! --- love Sonja
Posted by: Sonja | December 20, 2014 at 10:19 AM
Feeling inspired! Ordered the Drops Nepal (first time using this yarn), sorted the hooks and getting ready to hook my first full sized garment. Feeling ridiculously excited!
Posted by: Lily Davies | December 20, 2014 at 06:32 AM
Love it so much <3
Posted by: lucylaine | December 19, 2014 at 11:06 PM
Just finished a baby blanket in your Granny Stripe style. Don't know now to contact you other than through your blog. So if you would like to see my blanket please look at my blog: linda-koshka2quilts.blogspot.com
I'm thrilled with it and have a lady started another in"boy" colours.hank you for the inspiration.
Posted by: Linda | December 19, 2014 at 10:34 PM
Beautifully made Lucy, but I'm not keen on the colours or the neck I must admit!!! I love your more vibrant 'makes' and feel the roll-neck overwhelms the poncho a bit. Much prefer your gorgeous colourful poncho you made before.
Posted by: Anne | December 19, 2014 at 08:57 PM
Il est vraiment magnifique !
Un grand bravo !!!
Posted by: Mon jardin en couleurs | December 19, 2014 at 07:43 PM
Thank you very much for taking the time to write all of this up, it looks stunning and I'm looking forward to making one too. Hope you feel better soon. Love Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | December 19, 2014 at 05:10 PM
Bravo à vous, votre poncho est magnifique et vous tiendra chaud fer hiver, les coloris sont beaux. Bon week end à vous et votre famille.
Posted by: Nadine G | December 19, 2014 at 01:44 PM
Wow, lovely colours, I'd like to make a blanket using this colour scheme and yarn......a new year project, I think :) Your poncho has turned out so lovely. I'm thinking I could use a poncho for myself!
Posted by: Kate Beverley | December 19, 2014 at 10:14 AM
Your poncho looks gorgeous! I really like the red/pink/orange combo with the cooler colours and the trim is perfect. I think you look v pretty in your pics, isn't it funny how we can perceive ourselves? I do the same thing! I've wanted to make a poncho since you created your "indoor" one last year, so I can't wait to get my hooks into this pattern. I'm going to use the left over stylecraft chunky from my jolly chunky bag as I have zero tolerance to tickly wool :-( it's a great idea to make some wristwarmers. I recently made a Winter shawl using some stunning hand dyed yarn I bought at Yarndale, and I plan to make some warmers for my arms too with the left over yarn. Do you have a pattern in mind or will you pull a design out of your creative mind? :-) I really hope you feel better soon, lots of love, Jo xxx
Posted by: Jo Navin | December 19, 2014 at 10:09 AM
Dear Lucy,
Your poncho looks super! I want to crochet it as well, but with less colours. Can you tell me the weight of it? So that I can calculate how many balls of yarn I need.
Like to wish you and your familly a relaxed Christmas and a very happy 2015.
Xxx Astrid
Posted by: Astrid | December 19, 2014 at 09:39 AM
I think this is quite possible the prettiest thing you have ever made. The colors are wonderful and I love how it looks being worn. Gosh, I wish I could crochet. I really need to learn.
Posted by: Kate | December 19, 2014 at 06:29 AM