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Trends of the moment are both cropped length and balloon sleeves, so why not combine the two?
This kind of easy shrug is worked from side to side with no increases or decreases, creating large, dramatic sleeves.
With the simple addition of drawstrings at the wrists, with i-cord to close them, it’s possible to choose how to wear the shrug: with the usual sleeves or with balloon sleeves.
The piece is worked mainly in the round with a nice wavy open “lace” made with the simplest slipped stitches.
This shrug is a very versatile piece and can be used over jeans as well as with an elegant dress.

Waves of Lightness is worked sideways, starting from the drawstring at the right wrist. After the border has been worked the shrug is continued in the round as a large tube until the shoulder, where it is worked flat, to make an opening for the body. After the shoulder, the work is divided into two parts and worked separately on the back and on the front.
After the neck, the front and the back are joined again and the piece is worked flat over the second shoulder, then joined again in the round to work the sleeve. The piece is finished with the second drawstring.
Two straps are then added in the neck opening for wearability and decoration.
This shrug is meant to be worn with a loose fit and a good amount of positive ease, that’s why only 5 sizes are proposed, each of them covering multiple sizes.

Sizes
1 (XS-S), 2(M-L), 3(XL-2XL), 4(3X-4XL), 5(5XL-6XL).

To Fit Bust: 75-85, (95-105, 115-125) [135-145, 155-165] cm/ 30-34 (38-42, 46-50) [54-58, 62-66]”.

Finished Bust circumference:
100 (120, 140) [160, 180] cm/40 (48, 56) [64, 72]”.

Ease suggestions: approx 8” / 20 cm positive ease.

Yarn
A Hundred Ravens Llyr (55% BFL, 45% Silk; 438 yds [400 m]/100 g), col. Sea Glass;
Approx. 800 (1000, 1200), [1400, 1600] m / 875 (985, 1312)[1531, 1750] yds.

Needles
US 4 / 3.5mm * minicircular needles or DPNs or circular needles with a long cable for magic loop.
Smaller additional needle for wrists/drawstrings suitable for working small circumferences.
* or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions
1 marker A.
2 markers B.
1 marker C.
1 string of waste yarn for provisional CO.
1 stitch holder or waste yarn.
Tapestry needle to weave in ends.

Gauge
19 sts x 32 rows = 4” x 4” / 10 cm x 10 cm in network stitch, measured after blocking.