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to w r a p, d r a p e , a n d t i e
A knitting wrapsody
includes
instructional
DVD
kristin omdahl
sand dollar
belted lace cape
Inspired by the geometric pattern of sand dollars along the beach,
I set out to create an overlapped fabric that incorporated slits for arm-
holes or belt loops. The result is this cape, which is shaped as a large
circle with a front opening. The yoke is a beautiful, easy-to-memorize
flower-petal lace pattern that is worked from the neck down. To form
the slits, the yoke is divided into strips that are knitted individually, then
overlapped and joined in a garter-stitch band at the bottom. A simple
picot bind-off adds a delicate look to the hem. Wear this piece as a tra-
ditional cape or use the slits as armholes or belt loops to create wide
flowing sleeves.
notes materials
• W
hen blocking the cape into a large flat yarn notions
circle, utilize the picot hem for accurate DK weight (#3 Light). Markers (m); stitch holders; tapestry
pinning. needle.
shown here: Green Mountain Spinnery
• T
o make working this pattern easier, place Comfort Cotton (20% organic cotton,
markers after each repeat on the first row, 80% fine wool; 180 yd [164 m]/2 oz): gauge
then slip markers every row as you come #6714 maize, 10 skeins. 21 stitches and 20 rows = 4" (10 cm)
to them. in lace pattern, blocked.
• S
ee the accompanying DVD for a demon- needles
stration on working the overlapped panels Size U.S. 7 (4.5 mm): 16" and 32" finished size
and picot bind-off. (40 and 80 cm) circular (cir). Adjust About 50" (127 cm) in diameter and
needle size if necessary to obtain the 22" (56 cm) long.
correct gauge.
a knitting Wrapsody 3
tree of life
embroidered ruana
This ruana pays fiber homage to Tim Parish’s painting Tree of Life, and
I learned to knit intarsia specifically to create the contrasting trunk.
The free-form swirling tree branches are added with chain-stitch em-
broidery after the piece is knitted. The body of this ruana is knitted in
a reversible non-curling texture stitch, but the tree trunk is knitted in
stockinette stitch to blend with the embroidery and to contrast against
the textured background. Box pleats in the yoke and a self-tie belt pro-
vide shaping and design details on the front. The yarn, a merino roving
wool that is airy and soft, provides plenty of texture for hiding the loose
ends woven in the wrong side.
notes materials
• S
ee the accompanying DVD for yarn notions
a demonstration on working the Worsted weight (#4 Medium). Tapestry needle.
pleats.
shown here: The Fibre Company
Road to China (65% baby alpaca, gauge
15% silk, 10% camel, 10% cashmere; About 11 stitches and 18 rows = 4"
69 yd [63 m]/50 g): jade, 4 skeins. (10 cm) in bias-stitch pattern.
a knitting Wrapsody 5
contents
Introduction
Scarves
i do Diamond Lace Scarf
melange Crochet-Look Scarf
lucky clover Reversible Scarf with
Four-Petal Cutouts
Wraps
anouk Leather-Laced Raglan Cape
sand dollar Belted Lace Cape
I Do: Diamond Lace Scarf infinity Cardi-Wrap with Sleeves Summit: American Yak Wrap
tree of life Embroidered Ruana
rings of cables Oval Shrug
summit American Yak Wrap
Warrior Wings: Cinched-Edge Shawl Anouk: Leather-Laced Raglan Cape Infinity: Cardi-wrap with Sleeves
Serpentine: Serpentine-Edged Reversible Shawlette
Skirts
flamenco Ruffled Drawstring Skirt
arcelia Gypsy Wrap Skirt
Glossary
Sources
Bibliography
Index
kristin omdahl designs knit and crochet garments and patterns under her
label KRISTIN and distributes her own line of patterns and knits from her website,
styledbykristin.com, and to yarn stores. She designs for several knit and crochet
magazines and book publishers and teaches knit and crochet techniques for private
lessons and workshops. Kristin creates designs for a variety of yarn companies,
including Plymouth Yarn, Cherry Tree Hill, and Tilli Tomas, and has published
designs in Interweave Crochet, Interweave Knits, Knitscene, Crochet Today, and
Crochet!. She is the author of Wrapped in Crochet and Crochet So Fine.