Shades of Sandy is a modern take on the traditional poncho, simple and elegantly-shaped with a fitted bodice and cowl neckline. It’s surprisingly functional -- it’s reversible, short enough for easy movement, a cozy coverup in a chilly room, and the perfect extra layer over a sweater when running to the store or walking the dogs.

Shades of Sandy is knit in “shadow check”* pattern with 3 strands of Shibui yarn (baby alpaca DK, staccato and cima) held together, which results in a novel textured fabric. With a fun embossed check pattern on one side and a deep series of horizontal ridges on the other, it is interesting to knit and intriguing to watch unfold. And the mix of Shibui yarns is simply magnificent to work with and wear.

This poncho is a good project for a new knitter ready to move from simple knit and purl stitches to a slightly greater challenge. Skills needed include: knit and purl stitches, decreasing by knitting 2 together, slipping sts, yarn overs and working in the round.

SIZES XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X) to fit 30 (34, 38, 42, 48, 50)”/ 76 (87, 97, 107, 117, 127)cm bust

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Hem (circ): 40 (44, 48, 53, 58 ½, 63 ½)”/ 101.5 (112, 122, 134.5, 148.5, 161.5)cm
Length: 17.5 (18 ½, 19 ¼, 19 ½, 20 ¼, 21)”/ 44.5 (47, 49, 49.5, 51.5, 53.5)cm

MATERIALS
3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins Shibui Baby Alpaca shown in ivory, 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) skeins Shibui Staccato shown in dijon and 2 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins Shibui Cima shown in mineral or approx 625 (725, 825, 900, 1025, 1125) yards/ 575 (675, 750, 825, 925, 1025) meters of a fingering, a sock and a DK weight yarn.
Size 9 US/ 5.5mm needles, or size to obtain gauge
Markers or waste yarn

GAUGE
17 sts and 25 rows= 4”/ 10cm in Stockinette st
16 sts and 46 rows = 4”/ 10cm in Shadow Check
Take time to check gauge.

CONSTRUCTION
Knit in the round from the bottom-up.