As the various textures, colors and wales of yarn came together, the finished “fabric” reminded me of a beautiful open geode, with all the interesting veins of color and sparkle. I’m very pleased with the outcome of this project.

To make gauge using super bulky, FSC 75. Start with thickest yarn and work in finer rows with same hook using great slack and tall stitches. Wherever/if row does not add up to 75, begin or end row with 2 together. I used a lightweight mohair metallic along the raw sides, evening out the edges with anywhere from ss to dc. I followed the pattern and then veered off, adding some different rows (especially to had thin rows of various metallics).

3/21/16--Because I worked rows up to 18”, that actually made the neck opening smaller; I could actually do without working more on the neck area. However, I’m going to give it a go and see what happens. (One picture shows the poncho without working the neck area.)

You truly are on your own when it comes to finishing the neckline and making those decisions. For the back gusset I made a 12 chain triangle and without finishing off, continued by attaching it to the back V.Then I worked 3 rows of SC in different colors and a final row of HDC. Decreases were made in each round at the front V and the two obvious back shoulder points. Even though I didn’t need to work a neckline, I’m pleased with how it turned out. Now there’s a bit of a stand-up effect--like a demi portrait collar--and the back will be a bit warmer without dipping down.