Thursday, March 22, 2012

the Openwork Kimono

Finally! Do I seem to say that every other post? It feels like it! I first showed the Openwork Kimono at my Little Knittery trunk show way back in December. It took me awhile to get it together for this piece but happily here it is!

This, like the Openwork Bolero was inspired by this stitch pattern's swatch I had draped on my dress form. Also on my mind was the Misti Brioche Honeycomb Sweater. I've wanted to make that into a cardigan/kimono for some time but really wanted something new for the show.

It's a one size fits most with easy adjustments noted in the pattern for petite and large. I used #19 needles (24"-32") with 2.5(3) skeins of Magnum (123yds each) by Cascade in the main color and for the contrasting waistband @60yds or half a skein of Magnum. If making it one color 3(3.5) skeins are needed.


I would rate this as a quick and easy pattern for an intermediate knitter but more of a challenge for a beginning knitter since I've manipulated this particular openwork pattern a bit to where I think it might throw off someone not solid in their skills.

Pattern available as a PDF download. $6.50


Next I wanted to share a couple of pieces I made a few years back when I had my yarn shop in Chicago. 


These were made with Eden by Madil a beautiful bamboo yarn and #5 needles. Yes, I know hard to believe with all my chunky knits! 


I do love the way a fine gauge knit looks and I would love to be able to say I have a couple of these as my next patterns but who has the time?! Look how long it took me to get the Kimono pattern posted!



I will have a few spring/summer patterns I'll post soon (2 I'm hoping within the next month) but nothing with smaller than a #15 needle. Maybe if I start now I'll have it together by next year!

6 comments:

  1. The kimino cardigan is gorgeous! Being small-framed, I tend to feel a bit overwhelmed by chunky knits so my eye was definitely drawn to your two sleeve-less tanks. The striped one would go great in my wardrobe!

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  2. I LOVE it!!! It's gorgeous and of course I want to make it!
    But I also desperately want/need the pattern to the solid black v-neck!! :)
    Great work... Again!!!

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  3. Wow, the Kimino pattern is really beautiful. I love the look of the "openwork". Can't wait for your spring summer patterns. Amazing work, again!

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  4. How is it that your patterns inspire and motivate me so much that ALL I want to do is knit!?! I love the way your patterns grace the female figure so beautifully. Any chance the pattern for the stripped tank will make it to print? Thanks for sharing your talent!!!

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  5. The Kimono looks terrific and the tanks are a huge contrast in gauge, but work beautifully. I love a fine knit however like you I love the look and texture of a bulky knit too. Not to mention the lightning speed to knit them .)

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  6. I love the kimono. What a gorgeous piece.

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