Pattern description from Last Minute Knitted Gifts: “The poncho has made a comeback on the fashion scene, which is great news for gift knitters since this versatile garment fits just about everybody. This one is made with a wonderful blend of alpaca and merino wool that I find to be as luxurious as cashmere (but much less expensive). It is worked on large needles in order to create a warm, but not too dens, fabric that drapes beautifully.”

Finished Measurements: 25” (63.5 cm) wide, and 58” (147.5 cm) long, before sewing

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted (50% alpaca, 50% Merino wool; 100 yards [91 meters] / 100 grams): #2003 ecru, 7 skeins.

Needles: One 32” (80-cm) circular needle size US 17 (12 mm). Change needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, safety pins, crochet hook size P/12 (17 mm).

Helpful Hints from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts:
* “This stitch pattern may seem a bit awkward at first, but don’t worry, It becomes a lot easier as you go along. You may find it useful to hold the second stitch on the needle with your finger as you slip off the first stitch of each k2tog tbl or p2tog.”

• “Pattern Row 1 is deliberately worked through the back loops, twisting the stitches to provide stability for the fabric. Do not be tempted to re-orient the stitches as if to work an ssk.”

• “The stitch count of the pattern does not change. Check every few rows to make sure you have not accidentally lost a stitch or created an extra one.”

• “If you make a mistake, it is very simple to fix. Remove the needle from the work and slip it through the entire row of stitches below the mistake, making sure not to skip any stitches. Rip out all stitches until you come to the row that is resting on the needle, and resume knitting.”