the blue blog archives: poncho-a-go-go

The ponch-o-along is going strong! Two finished ponchos already: Sharlyn's and Stephanie's! If you're looking for inspiration to join or get started, be sure to check them out. Gorgeous!

I had planned to start mine later, but I got so excited watching everyone else start that I went searching through the stash to see if there was anything there that I could start with. And I found three skeins of Manos with nothing to do.

Two were in the turquoise color I used for the button bands of the ribby cardie and the third was in a pretty green. I picked up a few more skeins in the same colors at my LYS and set about making the poncho from Sally Melville's The Knit Stitch. But, as some of you warned, I did not like the garter stitch. I'm not a huge fan of the look of garter stitch, but the pictures in the book made me think I could handle it. Nope. Not in the thick/thin Manos yarn. So I decided to structure the poncho the same way, but use stockinette stitch instead. And since I have two colors, I thought I could try adding the stripe detail from the poncho design in the new Knitty. Here's my progress from the weekend.

Although I did do quite a bit, there was one moment there where the fledgling project was in peril. After I'd knit a few inches, I started to be less sure about the color combo. I like the two colors and I like them together, but then I had the rather paranoid thought that maybe I'm the only one. Perhaps no one else would ever put these colors together and everyone will think I look like some color blind freak in my huge green-turquoise poncho. And then "While You Were Out" came on and Theresa was wearing this. I felt MUCH better. There's a sign for you!

So as predicted last week, I'll be sticking with the chunky gauge for a while. Yeah, with five feet of poncho to knit, this is going to take a while.

posted by alison at 7:56 am | in ponch-o-long

Comments

If it makes you feel any better, I wore a poncho (knit by a family friend) in junior high in those exact colors. :) (Honest!)

Posted by: Kerstin at September 22, 2003 7:11 AM

Of course I haven't even started mine, I am still ribbing!! I will just wait until everyone is finished and be a Johnny Come Lately!

Posted by: Chris at September 22, 2003 7:40 AM

Well, for my tiny version, I've knit both pieces and embellished one, and cut a lot of fringe. My only concern is that the hole for her head could be too tiny! So I'll just baste it and try it on her before seaming -- there may be enough give to get the wee noggin through. You'll have to wait till I get my power back to see any pix though.

Posted by: Maggi at September 22, 2003 10:33 AM

I am inspired! I've had 9 skeins of Tahki Donegal Tweed for years. I didn't know when I bought it that it would become a poncho. When I found out I still didn't do anything about it. I think it's time has arrived. Here's hoping that the moths didn't beat me to it.

Posted by: Larry at September 22, 2003 10:38 AM

I like those two colours together. Good combo.
Uli

Posted by: Uli at September 22, 2003 1:54 PM

It does help, Kerstin. That is, as long as you liked it and don't look back on having worn it as some big embarrassing moment in your life. ;0) Thanks Uli for your support!

Hey Larry, are you going to join us? I'll have to stop refering to us as poncho gals! Any other poncho pals are still welcome.

Oooh, Maggi, I'm so excited about seeing the wee little poncho. But what's that you say: you still don't have power??!! My goodness! I hope they get everything back up and running soon.

Posted by: alison at September 22, 2003 5:24 PM

Okay.

Poncho Pattern from Phildar Spring 2003. Check.
17 [gulp] skeins of Phil Ruban. Check.
Addi turbos, 32 whoppin' inches in length. Check.
Swatch, washed and blocked. Check.
Kir royal. Or two. Check, and check.

Ready, set, PONCHO!

[Hee hee!]

Posted by: Becky at September 23, 2003 11:57 AM

Becky's ready, how exciting! I hope you post a pattern pic on your site sometime. I don't think I've seen that pattern.

Posted by: alison at September 23, 2003 12:26 PM

How do I join this poncho along? I stumbled onto this blog looking for poncho patterns and would love to get in on the knit along. How does it work?
Thanks,
Loren

Posted by: loren at September 23, 2003 9:59 PM

Hi, does anyone have a simple poncho pattern? Thanks

Posted by: swim at December 22, 2003 11:45 PM

I've been looking for the yarn that's called for in this poncho everywhere, but couldn't find it. Could you share where you got yours - hopefully with a link please? Thanx :)

Posted by: iwalani at January 11, 2004 3:30 PM