Inspiration
Every day I go for a walk on the berm and the little trails along the river near my house. I enjoy the gorgeous surrounding and feel inspired by its beauty. One day, thinking about how lovely it would be to have a garment devoted to this, the river became lace, the stones became purl bumps and the trails became rows of stockinette stitch. That was the beginning of Ripples and Stones, a versatile garment that can be worn as a poncho, shawl or scarf.

Overview of design and construction
Ripples and Stones is, as a poncho, shawl and scarf, a nice staple for your wardrobe; it is wearable in all seasons and suitable for a lot of occasions.
The garment has an interesting construction. A split is constructed in the upper border of the poncho to make a nice ‘fold over’ that breaks the lines and adds interest.
The pattern combines some more advanced skills like provisional cast on and lace knitting with plain and simple knitting and purling. The lace pattern is a traditional pattern with an easy to remember repeat. There are written instructions for the lace pattern as well as a chart.
The garment is worked in 4 sections and there is no seaming involved. The lace section is knitted first. Next, stitches are picked up down each long side of the lace panel to knit the upper and lower border. The upper border is done in two sections to create the split. Finally, an I-cord bind-off is worked to finish.

Skills required/techniques used
-Knitting & purling
-Increasing, decreasing
-Picking up stitches
-Provisional cast on
-Working lace
-Making buttonholes
-Working an I-cord
-I-cord bind off

Don’t worry if you have never done a provisional cast on, an I-cord bind off or made a buttonhole, links to tutorials are provided. You will find them under references and techniques.

Materials
Yarn
Country Gables ltd, alpaca farm ‘2ply alpaca yarn’ (100% alpaca, approx. 300 yards per 100 g skein; 4 skeins for the larger size; sample shows color cream.
Or
Mirasol Sulka Legato (60% merino, 20% alpaca, 20% silk, 274 yards per 50 g skein; 4 skeins for the smaller size; sample shows color shade 22.
Substitutions:
For the best result look for a heavy fingering-weight 2ply yarn or light sport weight yarn that shows the lace pattern well and gives a nice drape when knitted to 20 stitches in 4 inches.
Needles
Recommended needle sizes:
3.75mm/US #5 needles for working flat: straight OR circular as you prefer.
AND
3.75mm/US #5 40 inch (100 cm) circular OR 60 inch (150 cm)
Other
-Optional: crochet hook for provisional cast on
-Stitch marker
-Optional: 14 Stitch markers (to place between each lace pattern repeat)
-Length of contrasting color waste yarn for holding stitches and for provisional CO.
-Tapestry needle
-6 buttons