This was the first time I used the Shibui Knits Linen, and I have mixed feelings about it. It was much easier to knit than other linens I’ve used--almost no splitting, which is probably due to the chain construction instead of twist. I got the exact open stitch effect I was going for by going up a size in needle, and the FO looked gorgeous. And then I made the mistake of wearing it. I wore it on a long day of air travel, and by the time I got to my hotel, the darn thing had stretched to my knees and looked a mess. It sprang back to almost it’s original size after reblocking. But if I have to block it every time I wear it, it will sit in my drawer a long time before I wear it again.

This pattern is very easy and a lot of fun to do, and I have another one planned for Madeline Tosh DK.

Mods

Increased co sts to 177 to add 4 sts each side to make a wider front band rib.

Made the stripes 12 rows instead of 6.

Eliminated faux side seam. The linen yarn has a very rustic look to it and the stitches aren’t always even, so I thought the faux seam might look messy.