I really enjoy spinning Bluefaced Leicester for close-to-the-skin garments. Even though this poncho may not be worn next to the skin, there are elements that will be close, and I think it’s important to consider wearability. A few years back I came across this 70/30 blend of white and black BFL, which gives a marled look when spun. I spun the singles semi-woolen. Because I wanted to add cables and seed stitch to this design, I decided to spin a three-ply so that the texture of the piece would be the main focal point.

Designer Melanie Smith

Fiber 18½ oz 70% white/30% black Bluefaced Leicester
top.

Yarn 3-ply; 900 yd; 700 ypp; 11 wpi; worsted weight.

Needles U.S. size 10 (6 mm): 16” and 24” circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Gauge 13 sts and 23 rows = 4” in seed st.

Notions Cable needle (cn); stitch holders; six 11⁄8” buttons; tapestry needle.

Finished Size 25” wide and 23” tall.

Notes This poncho fits most at a generous 48” around and 23” long. To make it a bit smaller, cast on 12 fewer stitches and work the first and last seed stitch charts over 4 stitches instead of 10 stitches. To make it larger, cast on 12 more stitches and work the first and last seed stitch charts over 16 stitches instead of 10 stitches. Adjust the width of the shoulders accordingly.