Sometimes, I have a love/hate relationship with a design. Well, I am in love with the finished results of this one, but it was a design process for sure!
I was very much in the mood for cables (can you tell?!), but also wanted this piece to have the same uniqueness in details and feminine touches that I try to put into all of my designs.
I started with the back of this poncho sweater, and had so much fun doing all of the fancy cable work. No boredom there!
Then, I did the front (with pockets -- I just couldn't resist!), and joined them together at the shoulders.
Then, I had my "Uh oh, I'm not liking how masculine and fisherman's sweater-ish this is!" moment. Grimace and groan. What to do?
Luckily, I still had the lower edging to do and somehow came up with the idea of further accentuating the curved bottoms with a curved border (thank you, short rows!). The result is a slightly ruffled (yea - feminine detailing!), nicely shaped bottom edges (we all want that nicely shaped bottom, eh?) that are my "SweaterBabe" touches to an otherwise more traditional-looking piece. Whew!
I left the sides open for the true poncho effect AND because this is intended to be a transition piece (as we greet spring and head into summer), I didn't want to overheat when I threw this on as an extra layer.
I'm very pleased now with the result and have already worn this too many times! Plus, heathered grey is an all-time favorite color of mine - call it my "neutral" of choice - and this one is the perfect heathery wear-with-everything shade of grey!
I do think this would be so much fun in a bright spring color (light blue or a gorgeous green?). The armbands are optional as sewing the sides at the underarm or from the underarm down to the bottom would also look great.
And thanks go to Elann.com for their fabulous Highland Chunky Wool, which I used for this sample. And thanks also to my daughter, Sammi, who took these photos! Who needs a tripod if you have a willing 8-year old around ;-) LOL.
Pattern coming soon! Gotta write it up. . .
MEANWHILE, add a comment on this blog post and enter to win one of THREE copies of this PDF pattern that I will giveaway when the pattern is released!
Here's the official rules for entering this giveaway:
1) Enter your comment on this blog post anytime before 9 pm PST, April 30, 2012. Tell us what you think of this design! One comment per person, please. And please also "like" this blog post using the Facebook link below AND Pin It on pinterest.com.
2) Purchase any SweaterBabe.com knitting or crochet pattern from now until 9 pm PST, April 30, 2012. EVERY pattern purchase counts as a single entry into this giveaway. Shop all knitting patterns. Shop all crochet patterns.
3) For Ravelry.com members, please post a comment on the Giveaway post in the SweaterBabe.com Fans group in Ravelry. One comment per person, please. Comments must be received by 9 pm PST, April 30, 2012. AND please also FAVE this project here.
Thanks and good luck to all!
*** WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT AND PATTERN RELEASE ***
Congrats to the 3 randomly chosen winners of this new released #146 Cable-y Goodness Poncho Sweater PDF pattern!
-- Danielle J., who purchased a pattern on 3/31/12.
-- Sharon, who posted a comment on this blog post 3/29/12
-- bethgirl, who posted a comment on the Ravelry thread about this giveaway 3/27/12.
Thanks for all the great entries!! All the winners have been notified by email or Ravelry private message.
The #146 Cable-y Goodness Poncho Sweater pattern is now available for sale in the pattern shop.
WOW. I absolutely love it. I am a real cable fan and this is certainly filled with them. I love how you make sure all of your patterns have a feminine touch. Which is probably why I am attracted to them. I certainly could have used a poncho like this today. We went from 86 degrees and plummeted to 45 degrees, although we had gorgeous sun. It sure is hard getting used to wearing a coat again. A poncho would be just the ticket. Can't wait for the pattern. A free PDF would be just peachy!!
Posted by: Tammy Larink | March 26, 2012 at 05:56 PM
Well....darn....now I don't know if I want to make the cabled cape or this one.....maybe I'll have to plan on knitting BOTH!!!!
Posted by: KIm | March 26, 2012 at 06:16 PM
I love this...the perfect layering piece that is super stylish!!!!!
Posted by: Dulcy | March 27, 2012 at 10:05 AM
I think I might actually stop my other projects to make this. It is definitely a "go to" piece! The pockets are a cute addition too!!
Posted by: Abby Finer | March 27, 2012 at 10:08 AM
What a clever idea a poncho sweater. Love it!
Posted by: folksmith | March 27, 2012 at 10:09 AM
What a wonderful slate for beautiful cable work and the pockets are such a welcome addition. This would be perfect for all those chilly spring morning soccer games.
Posted by: Jynx Stevens | March 27, 2012 at 10:19 AM
what a great novel idea. the only thing missing for me is a hood. i love hoods in case it's breezy to cover my head.
Posted by: kathy | March 27, 2012 at 10:24 AM
I love cables, but they can get so bulky! The modifications you made to the traditional poncho (the short, fitted sleeves and the short rows at the bottom) really give it a swingy feel and take away the bulkiness. I like to knit special pieces, and this one is special!
Posted by: Kym | March 27, 2012 at 10:25 AM
I love this! The cabling and the color are beautiful. I can already imagine myself wearing this!
Posted by: Beth | March 27, 2012 at 10:26 AM
I think would be a fantastic addition to my wardrobe, how perfect to just throw on and run to the store when your in and out of the car and the overheated stores.
Posted by: Christina B | March 27, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Oh, boy, I am loving this! Especially since I always tend to get too hot. This sweater has vents! Love it.
Posted by: Andromeda | March 27, 2012 at 10:31 AM
Absolutely love the cables and the pockets!!! It looks so feminine too!
Posted by: Barb D | March 27, 2012 at 10:33 AM
I could really live in this sweater. Unique! L ooks fun to knit AND great to wear...
Posted by: Debra | March 27, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Love this pattern, it is so cute and versatile.
Posted by: tallulah | March 27, 2012 at 10:42 AM
I love this pattern! I love cables and this would be so fun to make! Not only that, but it's a sort of poncho you can wear that wouldn't interfere with wearing a cross-body purse like I do. Great!!!
Posted by: Wendy C. | March 27, 2012 at 10:43 AM
What an interesting design! I love the pockets and the cables look like fun!!! Wonderful!
Posted by: Willa Schrlau | March 27, 2012 at 10:47 AM
I love cables and texture and this has it in spades! What fun to make and to wear!
Posted by: Mary | March 27, 2012 at 10:50 AM
Oh WOW, Katherine!!! I just love this and Can't wait for the pattern to come out! Cables are my favorite thing to knit and this pattern has so many. You've really outdone yourself this time!
Posted by: Denise Hinckley | March 27, 2012 at 10:55 AM
This poncho sweater could really make me start to cable again. Ponchos don't suit me and sweaters are too hot. This is great, especially as it has pockets!
Posted by: myra michie | March 27, 2012 at 11:00 AM
This might be the first cabled poncho I have seen that actually works.
Posted by: Janet Venema | March 27, 2012 at 11:10 AM
I really love cables! Awesome
Posted by: Sandra Vidueira | March 27, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Love thew cables! This is the first poncho i have seen that one can't get lost in..the proportions are great!! Love it!
Posted by: Jeni Stickler | March 27, 2012 at 11:15 AM
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS DESIGN!!! Can't wait for the pattern to bne available- I already have the perfect yarn waiting! Cable work is beautiful!! I've never found a poncho pattern that suits me- this idea is perfect! Thank you!!!
Posted by: Barbara Croon | March 27, 2012 at 11:15 AM
I love this because the cables give it shape rather than the "baggy" look of a typical poncho.
Posted by: Karen | March 27, 2012 at 11:16 AM
This pattern is so beautiful, I will be taking up knitting again...
Posted by: Eileen Eisenman | March 27, 2012 at 11:19 AM
That is so cool!!! I love the opening on the sides.
Posted by: Janice Austin | March 27, 2012 at 11:20 AM
This is a gorgeous design and I have some stash yarn that would be perfect for it! ;-)
Posted by: Heather Prescott | March 27, 2012 at 11:22 AM
Love the poncho! For Texas weather this would be great. Right now we have cool mornings and evenings but hot days. I would throw this in the back seat of the car when I go out during the day so that I have a coverup for the nighttime. Beautiful feminine detail as always -- thanks Sweater Babe!
Posted by: Alice Dyer | March 27, 2012 at 11:28 AM
I just love knitting cables.
Posted by: Jennifer K | March 27, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Love the look, enjoy the cable challenge and look forward to knitting it up! Thanks for thinking of us!
Posted by: Louise | March 27, 2012 at 11:40 AM
I love this look, is it possible to also close up the sides to make an oversized T-top or tunic?
Posted by: Linda | March 27, 2012 at 11:42 AM
Cables and more cables love those. However I really like the sleeves and lack of over abundant fullness. As a semi plus sized woman cables and flair enhance my size and frankly not in a good way. this pattern gives the freedom of a poncho, the eyecatching flair of cables and fits more like a medieval tabard. I am waiting for it to be avialable
Posted by: mary devries | March 27, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Really cute! Just hope its made for plus sizes!
Posted by: Sharon | March 27, 2012 at 11:46 AM
What a great idea! This will be perfect for chilly evenings at the lake. Can't wait for the pattern!
Posted by: DeeDee | March 27, 2012 at 11:48 AM
Incredibly awesome!! I LOVE this design and would thoroughly enjoy not only creating one but wearing one would be divine :) Really hope I win a copy of this pattern, but if I don't I will be lining up to buy a copy - really looking forward to it!
Posted by: Irene Thibodeau | March 27, 2012 at 11:57 AM
I love, love, LOVE this design! The cables are beautiful, and the shaping gorgwous!! I can't wait to knit this!!
Posted by: A Facebook User | March 27, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Wow!.. this is definitely my kind of garment... a great design.
Posted by: Esther Sprinkle | March 27, 2012 at 12:09 PM
What a fantastic garment! Would also like to knit it in a lighter weight yarn. Any chance you can offer the pattern in worsted and DK weights?
Posted by: Barbara Silverman | March 27, 2012 at 12:13 PM
This a great design -- a sweater vest poncho... Love it!
Posted by: Beth Moore | March 27, 2012 at 12:24 PM
I can't wait for this pattern, I love everything about it. I will be making it in that exact same heathery grey!
Posted by: Lisa | March 27, 2012 at 12:53 PM
I love this pattern and the fact it has pockets! I have just discovered cables and how much fun the are, they're like potato chips you can't just eat (do) one. The cap sleeves make sure that the poncho doesn't shift or turn. Brilliant! It's a georgous design with fantastic funtionality
Posted by: Shannon Notestine | March 27, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Love this, because, unlike a cape, when you lean down or forward, it won't all slide forward and hang awkwardly around your neck! Very versital and can see it in so many colors.
Posted by: Jerry Cote | March 27, 2012 at 12:57 PM
love the idea of doing it in a bright green or blue..might have to sew up the sides to!
Pip
Posted by: pip | March 27, 2012 at 01:02 PM
You had me at 'pockets' or was it the grey?! Truly an easy to wear design with that 'wow' factor when people ask, ' did you made that?' I don't understand why you ever thought it was manly.
Posted by: Kathy A. | March 27, 2012 at 01:07 PM
I love all of your patterns, but this poncho is truly unique! Can't wait until you publish the pattern :-)
Posted by: Judy | March 27, 2012 at 01:09 PM
I love the style of this sweater. I have steered clear of cables, but this one is drawing me.
Posted by: Lynne in NM | March 27, 2012 at 01:32 PM
I love sweaters with cables, and I love knitting cables. This is a great looking sweater!
Posted by: Linda | March 27, 2012 at 01:36 PM
Georgeous! Very clever and innovative design. Love it!
Posted by: Ann | March 27, 2012 at 01:43 PM
Not much more to say. Wonderful pattern!
Posted by: Barb Boran | March 27, 2012 at 02:16 PM
Honestly, this is a lot more wearable than a poncho. Great pattern!
Posted by: Jen | March 27, 2012 at 02:26 PM
Love all the different cables, grey looks great...but want to make it in green!
Can't wait for the pattern to come out, since we go into New Zealand winter it would be a perfect layering piece.
Posted by: Tina | March 27, 2012 at 02:50 PM
Love, love, love it!
Posted by: Cathy | March 27, 2012 at 02:51 PM
Love it! Another to add to the list!
Posted by: Kami | March 27, 2012 at 02:53 PM
Gorgeous, textured yet feminine
Posted by: Kathleen | March 27, 2012 at 03:06 PM
Youare incredibly talented and innovative! Fashion Star!! I love this
Posted by: JoAnne | March 27, 2012 at 03:20 PM
Very cool pattern. Love the cables and pockets!
Posted by: A Facebook User | March 27, 2012 at 03:30 PM
Oh my, yet another gorgeous design! This a completely unique design, I've never seen anything like this, and you just know it will be a dream to knit, like all the sweaterbabe patterns....
Posted by: Siamesegirl | March 27, 2012 at 04:25 PM
Please write the pattern soon!! Love it, and it is perfect for our antipodean autumn into winter season. Can't wait to knit it and wear it
Posted by: Leith Davis | March 27, 2012 at 04:50 PM
Love the design, can't wait until the pattern comes out.
Posted by: Carol Zid | March 27, 2012 at 05:21 PM
Love, love, love it!!! Can't wait to get the pattern... You always have the most beautiful patterns!
Posted by: Nina G | March 27, 2012 at 05:34 PM
wil love to rry all those cables!
Posted by: mary knapp-samet | March 27, 2012 at 05:37 PM
I love the creativity of this design. My daughter in law has been asking me for a poncho/cape design. She lives in Colorado and always has to layer. When will the pattern be available. I do agree an optional hood would be nice.
Posted by: Vivian | March 27, 2012 at 06:29 PM
Perfect little piece - looks like it will be super flattering on many body shapes.
Thanks for sharing your talents!
Posted by: jj | March 27, 2012 at 06:50 PM
Nice! Loos ver comfy
Posted by: Diane Rhodes | March 27, 2012 at 06:57 PM
Really like all the cables and other features, but I'm thinking I might sew up the side seams so it's more like a vest.
Posted by: Jenni Noble | March 27, 2012 at 07:32 PM
I love the cables, and that the sides are open so the wearer will not be so likely to overheat while wearing it.
Posted by: Beth Rudo | March 27, 2012 at 08:00 PM
Lovely pattern, i like the idea of making it into a short poncho!
Posted by: Lorraine T | March 28, 2012 at 12:08 AM
I love this! Stylish and practical - especially for our UK autumns!
Posted by: Stella Jennison | March 28, 2012 at 12:21 AM
Gorgeous cables - enough to make me want another poncho - always said never again after I knit one in the 70s!
Posted by: Linda Rumsey | March 28, 2012 at 02:43 AM
This would look so good on me! I have never knit cables, but I would love to try them on this pattern. My office is always cold in the winter, and this looks like it would be just the ticket to wear over another top. With the short sleeves, my messy desktop would not be scattered all over the place while I work.
Posted by: Jean Florian | March 28, 2012 at 03:47 AM
I do love working on intricate cably patterns! I recently dug out a poncho I knit in the 70's and had been wearing it on cool morning walks with the dog and had been enjoying the ease of it, the poncho like aspect of this is intriging. Would love to win the PDF!
Posted by: Vivette Ashen-Brenner | March 28, 2012 at 03:57 AM
I love this one! It will be great for season changes plus those really cold mornings when I don't want to turn up the heat.
Posted by: Joanne Rushton | March 28, 2012 at 06:11 AM
Great design! I love it and it will be perfect for our weather here on the coast of Nova Scotia. When will the pattern be available?
Posted by: Louise Lindsay | March 28, 2012 at 06:22 AM
This is beautiful! I want to make one for myself, and I know of at least 3 people who will want it too after I wear it for the first time! (may tell them to make it themselves, depending on how long those cables take me :) Can't wait til the pattern comes out.
Posted by: wibbef | March 28, 2012 at 07:40 AM
Great design....looking forward to seeing the pattern. Perfect transition piece!
Posted by: Susan wilson | March 28, 2012 at 07:48 AM
Wonderful pattern - a three season piece of clothing. What more could you ask for!
Posted by: Rachel Wilson | March 28, 2012 at 09:04 AM
would like to make this
Posted by: Audrey Druzynski | March 28, 2012 at 11:34 AM
I love this idea!!!I'm looking forward to making this, hope I win! =)
Posted by: Anne | March 28, 2012 at 01:26 PM
Wow, and did I see pockets?
Posted by: Karen Netzband | March 28, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Love it! I am a huge fan of ponchos and this is a wonderful variation.
Posted by: Cynthia Hoskey | March 29, 2012 at 07:32 AM
That is a stunning and useful pattern for sure
Posted by: A Facebook User | March 29, 2012 at 07:48 AM
I like it!
Posted by: Kenyetta | March 29, 2012 at 09:03 AM
never seen anything quite like this before - love it - want it - need it!
Posted by: JP | March 29, 2012 at 09:14 AM
I love the look of this and can't wait for the pattern, looks like loads of fun to knit.
Posted by: Sharon | March 29, 2012 at 06:37 PM
Classic with a twist! Oh so chic. Fun to knit with all the cables and elegant to wear. Modern and sophisticated garment; better than a sweater, poncho or vest. Destined to be a favorite for years!
Posted by: Beth | March 30, 2012 at 03:37 AM
I love this. If I made it it is likely that I would never take it off! Please let me win a copy of the pattern!
Posted by: Wendy Ritchie | March 31, 2012 at 12:13 AM
I love this! I've been wanting a poncho since the day I picked up the needles, but haven't found one that has to cool ease of a poncho with a feminine shape. can't wait for this pattern release!
Posted by: kim | April 01, 2012 at 08:17 PM
This pattern rocks!! I love that it is so textured and cabley, and yet loose at the sides and easy to wear. If I dont win this pattern I will buy it!!! hope to win tho...such a great design!
Posted by: Anna Fuhrmann | April 04, 2012 at 09:06 PM
Great new idea. For someone who is warm most of the time it is just the correct amount of coverage for this time of year.
Posted by: myra | April 18, 2012 at 04:33 PM
The look of a cabled sweater without the bulk because of the open sides. I love it. Definitely an item to throw on to chase the chill.
Posted by: A Facebook User | April 19, 2012 at 08:30 AM
I likey!
Posted by: Carol | April 26, 2012 at 07:45 AM
I love this pattern and am looking forward to starting it as soon as it's available. I've never seen anything else like it.
Posted by: Gayle | April 26, 2012 at 07:57 AM
i love this
Posted by: Barb Boran | April 26, 2012 at 07:57 AM
I love the look of this poncho. Thank you for your beautiful designs.
Posted by: Debby H | April 26, 2012 at 08:00 AM
i love it an interesting mix of stitches so practical and modern :)
Posted by: A Facebook User | April 26, 2012 at 08:01 AM
Those cables are beautiful. They look good enough to eat.
Posted by: Emily | April 26, 2012 at 08:01 AM
Am really looking forward to making this garment. Hope to be wearing it by autumn.
Posted by: ginas23 | April 26, 2012 at 08:01 AM
Not to get too personal but this may be the perfect garment for women "of a certain age". Just flip it off when the internal combustion unit kicks in! Lovely design!
Posted by: Julie Witt | April 26, 2012 at 08:03 AM
Wow!!!! Just what I have been looking for, for my long country walks, the design reminds me of branches overlapping one another - a nice country feel to it.
Posted by: tina | April 26, 2012 at 08:04 AM
I am usually not a poncho fan but the sleeves just make this look so classy. Love it!
Posted by: Megan Hall | April 26, 2012 at 08:12 AM