Cables, cables, cables - make up a pretty versatile and unique Poncho Sweater!
March 26, 2012
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.
Posted on March 26, 2012 at 05:01 PM in Giveaways and Contests, New Knitting Patterns | Permalink
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Comments (171)
Very nice pattern~! I love the poncho look and love that you can use this for vest, sweater, whatever. I've been looking for something just like this.... and just getting into cables, so that's a pretty big plus for me.
Posted by: Debbie Kosiarski | April 26, 2012 at 08:19 AM
This is a great design. It could be made in a cotton yarn also for warmer weather states such as Florida. Looks easy to make also.
Posted by: Linda Ancil | April 26, 2012 at 08:20 AM
This is so cute for that in-between weather that we have in New England.... Great job!
Posted by: Poohtum | April 26, 2012 at 08:24 AM
I LOVE this pattern!! It will also be useful for a cool evening, when you are enjoying a relaxing time and knitting - the gentle warmth is there, but no sleeves in the way! And if you are rushing around on a coolish day it will provide just the right amount of warmth without overheating.
What a GREAT concept!
AND POCKETS!!! And Feminine.
Well Conceived.
Posted by: Lyrel | April 26, 2012 at 08:24 AM
I really like how such simple changes turn this poncho (ugh)into such a versatile and feminine piece. I don't really care for shawls and ponchos, but this is lovely and different. I can't wait to make it.
Posted by: Irish Red | April 26, 2012 at 08:31 AM
Love this pattern. My daughter is in and out of her car all day and in our coll winters this would be great because it would be just enough over a long sleeve shirt
Posted by: Debbie | April 26, 2012 at 08:34 AM
I love this cable poncho because it is SO unique! It doesn't really look like a poncho at all...just a very textured different piece that I plan to make :0)
Posted by: Sarah Dorendorf | April 26, 2012 at 08:40 AM
love this! I pinned it already! :D and will be buying a pattern soon! <3
Posted by: dianne | April 26, 2012 at 08:43 AM
I love this pattern and it would be fun to wear. Hope I win the pattern! Jackie
Posted by: Jackie Holecek | April 26, 2012 at 08:44 AM
Absolutely perfect for our frozen north weather! I think this will be great for my elderly mom to slip on. She will love the cables! Thank you for another great pattern!
Posted by: Penny | April 26, 2012 at 08:46 AM
The perfect "winter coat" for here in San Diego. I LOVE it!
Posted by: Jan Davis | April 26, 2012 at 08:51 AM
Love the idea of a poncho, sweater, vest and with pockets!...something that will get lots of wear.
Posted by: Carolyn | April 26, 2012 at 08:52 AM
Really cute! Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Andrea | April 26, 2012 at 08:56 AM
Love the possibilites of yarn weights and colors. The design is unique, and I am looking forward to creating this.
Posted by: Kathie Mayo | April 26, 2012 at 08:57 AM
Great pattern, sure to flatter any figure!!!
Posted by: Nilda Caamano | April 26, 2012 at 08:58 AM
Always looking for layering ideas! This pattern is a great one, with lovely details and ease of movement.
Posted by: Sally | April 26, 2012 at 09:06 AM
This is such an unusual garment. Love it
Posted by: LAVINA CHAFFIN | April 26, 2012 at 09:15 AM
What a great design. It looks a perfect design to help keep you warm but not get too warm during this crazy weather we're having in Cleveland.
Posted by: Janet Morrison | April 26, 2012 at 09:24 AM
Gorgeous! Not sure if it is the color or the design that attracts me most. It would be great to add to my camping closet as one can never tell what the weather is going to be like or when it will change!
Posted by: Jacquie Hutchinson | April 26, 2012 at 09:30 AM
I love the sweater babe patterns I have made a few of them. They are easy to follow and the directions are easy also. I can't wait until this one is available.
Posted by: G.Ramsay | April 26, 2012 at 09:35 AM
This is a great piece. Looks very comfortable and I love cables!
Posted by: Claudia Louise | April 26, 2012 at 09:37 AM
This sweater would be just great over the jeans I wear all the time. It is adorable.
Posted by: Beth Sprague | April 26, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Love this cabled poncho and love the fact that it has pockets. Can't stand clothing without pockets.
Posted by: Claudia Louise | April 26, 2012 at 10:03 AM
This is such a clever, yet beautiful pattern!! The cap sleeves and pockets make it more useful to wear, and the cables make it a showpiece!! Although I know you love it in the grey, a piece such as this is just screaming for a brighter color to show off this wonderful piece of art!! Thank you for such a wonderful donation!!
Posted by: Peggy R | April 26, 2012 at 10:13 AM
Oh yeah! I have to have this one! It`s just the pattern I`ve been looking for to get me from one season to another ... and will be very popular 2x each year to come! I love the grey, the seed stitch and above all those luscious cables!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Alli Barrett | April 26, 2012 at 10:14 AM
This is one of my favorite designs of yours.
Posted by: Katherine Hegg | April 26, 2012 at 10:29 AM
Oh, this is just darling. I don't do ponchos but I have to make this. The cables, sleeves and open sides are perfect!
Posted by: Crissie | April 26, 2012 at 10:29 AM
Fabulous! I would love to knit this for myself and for friends! What a great gift! It looks so classy and also fun to knit! I sure hope I win!!!
Posted by: Dorothy Johnson | April 26, 2012 at 10:38 AM
I absolutely love this poncho!!! I have been looking for a nice pattern and am so excited that you have created this lovely design!!!! Looking forward to getting this pattern and would be even more excited if I were to win the free PDF one!!!
Posted by: Elaine Smith | April 26, 2012 at 10:43 AM
Nice twist on a poncho & one I'd actually wear :)
Posted by: Carol C Godwin | April 26, 2012 at 10:50 AM
Lovely design, and practical, too! I would even add buttons on the sides for the chillier, windy days.
Posted by: Belinda | April 26, 2012 at 10:52 AM
I really like this pattern, especially the fact that there a sleeves in this pattern! I'm also a big fan of cables!
Posted by: Cathryn Wagner | April 26, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Beautiful and perfect for Pacific Northwest weather. You never know what season you'll wake up to!
Posted by: Shelly D. | April 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Very becoming! I am anxious to get it on needles!
Posted by: dawn | April 26, 2012 at 11:06 AM
I love the way this looks!
Posted by: Cindy S | April 26, 2012 at 11:11 AM
What a talking-piece this would make; I would feel great walking out in this garment. And enjoy knitting it up too.
Posted by: Lorna | April 26, 2012 at 12:55 PM
This caught my eye!! It has a feminine look with cables, utilitarian with pockets and yet rugged I can see this as my go cover up when there's chill in the air. Love it!!!
Posted by: Juanita Williams | April 26, 2012 at 01:15 PM
I love cables but rarely knit a sweater for myself as the Phoenix temperatures are too warm for one. Now I can have one that doesn't cause me to over overheat. I can't wait for the pattern!!!
Posted by: A Facebook User | April 26, 2012 at 01:21 PM
Incredible pattern! I love this sweater and can hardly wait for the pattern release (or hopefully to be a lucky winner of the pattern). Style and comfort beautifully combined - suitable for all ages!
Posted by: Irene Thibodeau | April 26, 2012 at 01:24 PM
I will make this for next fall. I love the way it can be worn over a lighter top, either a t-shirt or a light weight sweater.
Posted by: Mary Enck | April 26, 2012 at 01:27 PM
I absolutely love this pattern. It's a great transitional piece, but I would probably do it in oatmeal, or some other non-season-specific colour so I could wear it i (and show it off) in fall, too!
Posted by: Carol Cripps | April 26, 2012 at 02:24 PM
Though I'd already left a comment here, but can't find it. I would LOVE this pattern! I love cables & this would be great to wear at work - cold half the time & hot the rest. It would be easy to slip on & off as needed!
Posted by: Cynthia Wilbanks | April 26, 2012 at 02:28 PM
perfect for long walks.
this pattern is just what I need to keep my hands working...
Posted by: Pascale Perron | April 26, 2012 at 02:44 PM
I have a friend that is a house mom to about 4 young men with autisim and she has asked me to make her something like a sweater she can wear during the day while caring for these young men. This would be perfect-pockets to keep her things in and not really any sleeves to get in the way when washing dishes etc.
Posted by: Miriam Olsen | April 26, 2012 at 03:18 PM
This is a beautiful, versatile piece to wear, especially in the spring and fall with the many changes in weather! Love it!
Posted by: Suzette Hungerford | April 26, 2012 at 03:24 PM
LOVE LOVE LOVE it. How can I purchase the pattern. I never win anything so getting the free PDF is questionable........would like to purchase it Thank you Edna Benoit
Posted by: Edna Benoit | April 26, 2012 at 03:34 PM
The Sleeves add such cuteness and femininity to otherwise a chunky cable. I do love a chunky cable anyway, but this is super cute.
Posted by: Candy Wheatcroft | April 26, 2012 at 04:25 PM
I *love* this poncho!
Posted by: Susan M | April 26, 2012 at 05:06 PM
Hummmm? Very interesting! I'd like to give it a try, both knitting and wearing. Who knows, I might be a poncho convert!
Posted by: Trailer Trash | April 26, 2012 at 05:10 PM
Would love to knit this for our New Zealand winters. It is sooooooo feminine but cosy.
Posted by: Yvonne Crighton | April 26, 2012 at 05:35 PM
I would love to give this a try. So far, I have never knit any cables, but this could be be my first. Pick me, pick me, pick me!
Posted by: Jean Florian | April 26, 2012 at 05:49 PM
Love, Love, Love the cables! Such a pretty design! Being half irish I think that it might have something to do with my genes! Great accessory for a chilly day!
Posted by: Carole N. | April 26, 2012 at 07:19 PM
Great transitional piece. Open side look like they would keep this from being too warm. Love the cables.
Posted by: Beth Rudo | April 26, 2012 at 08:11 PM
Definitely think this would be a great and comfortable sweater to teach in! love the cable pattern/chunkiness of it and the front pockets are a winner! :)
Posted by: Angie | April 26, 2012 at 08:29 PM
I love this poncho its inspirational like always great idea to add sleeves or not lol it is very stylish and femine you trully are one amazing designer thanks for the chance.
Posted by: nicole j bideau | April 27, 2012 at 12:02 AM
I just love cables, not that I have ever knit them before :) This is a wonderful way to allow me to try and master the stitches.
The structuring is divine!
Posted by: Shellee2010 | April 27, 2012 at 03:37 AM
Magical and mysterious - no other words could describe such a gorgeous creation.
Posted by: Naomi Bloch | April 27, 2012 at 04:51 AM
I have been looking for a poncho-type garment with sleeves. This is perfect. Your stitch choices are pretty bold. Great looking garment. I can't wait to try it out.
Posted by: Lynn | April 27, 2012 at 06:55 AM
Living in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this would be a great accessory! I can't wait to make it for friends/family.
Posted by: Dorothy | April 27, 2012 at 05:18 PM
I also have never made a poncho but it is so beautiful that I dream about those gorgeous cables!!
Posted by: Lisa McMeekin | April 27, 2012 at 06:10 PM
Yummmmyyy. I can't wait!
Posted by: Lisa McMeekin | April 27, 2012 at 06:21 PM
I love the beautiful cables and the sleeves.
Posted by: Tonya Froemel | April 28, 2012 at 09:19 AM
beautiful cables! Hope I win this pattern. thanks!
Posted by: geri actor | April 29, 2012 at 08:26 PM
Looks great and fun to knit as well!
Posted by: Susie | April 30, 2012 at 04:30 AM
FGABULOUS GARMENT I love ponchos with "sleeves" and the cables add so much interest,no way would you get bored knitting this!
Posted by: Liesl Williamson | April 30, 2012 at 07:23 AM
All of your designs are not only classy, but they are unique and absolutely beautiful. I am really impressed with your work......keep up the good work...must be a great sense of satisfaction to create these beauties....
Posted by: Martha OHarra | April 30, 2012 at 09:12 AM
Thanks for all the wonderful comments! Comment entries for the PDF giveaway are now closed. I'll announce the 3 winners soon!
Posted by: Katherine | May 01, 2012 at 11:28 AM
When oh when will this be available?? I want to make it for a present - I LOVE IT!!!!
Posted by: BARBARA CROON | May 04, 2012 at 12:06 PM
These cable designs are great. I see folks are still looking for the pattern as of May Fourth. Is it really available now? Am giving up waiting for the baby blanket version and I might buy this pattern and use it for a baby blanket. It should be an easy adjustment. Do you supply Charts or only written instructions with your patterns. It will be a first Sweaterbabe pattern for me. Will it be a matching "Mommy Poncho / Baby blankie"? Maybe?
Posted by: Jim D | May 22, 2012 at 11:35 AM
Hi Jim D. - this pattern is available for purchase at: http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knittingpatterns.htm. Or, it is a pattern download for May if you join the Knitting Club. Thanks!
Posted by: Katherine | May 23, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Anyone who are interested in make me cowl poncho and I'm willing to pay you please contact me bronxie209@icloud.com
Thanks so much
Posted by: Jaswattie | January 16, 2015 at 06:41 PM