Web-Letter, Issue 171 – Kimberly Shrug I love handknits that fit just right. Usually this involves careful shaping and row counting—which is not particularly in harmony with my love of straightforward (and usually shapeless) knits. However, this week Gina House offers a shrug that accommodates both features—knit flat, the shrug magically takes shape with a few seams and ruffles and is easily customizable for your perfect fit.
The Story: I have a soft spot for knitted accessories — especially for items that are frilly and feminine. In all of the years that I’ve been knitting, I’ve never had any luck with knitted shrugs because of my short and curvy body. It seemed like all of the patterns for shrugs that I found were better suited to slim, young adult figures. Or, alternately, the back of the shrugs were too wide or too long on my 5’1” frame. Earlier this year, I found a pattern that looked almost flattering on me and I was ecstatic! After knitting and wearing it, I thought for a while about all of the features I liked and some of the features I’d want to change. Out of those thoughts, I came up with the Kimberly Shrug. I wanted a shrug that was feminine, comfortable, adaptable and warm. I feel that the Kimberly Shrug fulfills those qualities perfectly — the combination of the super soft and cozy Inca Alpaca and the Giselle’s delicate halo sing together in total harmony. The choice of color will greatly change the look of the shrug; you could go for something daring with dark and light contrasting colors or create a classic look with neutral, matching colors. With this pattern, you’re able to knit the back and sleeves wider or shorter to suit your particular body shape - there are so many lovely possibilities! All flattering, all interesting and all - simply practical. If you are interested in seeing more accessories of this kind, take a peek at my designs on my blog, Ravelry and in my book, “Sleepy Eyes Knits:  Dreamscape”, which you can find on my Etsy shop. designer -- Gina House The Yarns: Inca Alpaca 100% baby alpaca Inca Alpaca is soft, sturdy and very warm, even when wet. Alpaca is a smoother fiber than wool, giving it a luster that many wools lack. It’s also a dry fiber; there’s no lanolin to worry about if you’re one of the folks who reacts to lanolin in wool. The great color range in Inca Alpaca makes it great not only for Fair Isle, but also for finding that one perfect color for solid garments and accessories. Giselle 64% kid mohair, 25% wool, 11% nylon Giselle is a beautiful kid mohair and wool blend. It’s a little heavier than lace weight but plenty light and airy for floaty designs. Kid mohair is fine and lustrous and has many of the good qualities of wool. It’s soft and can absorb moisture yet still feel warm and dry. Mohair (the fiber) comes from Angora goats (the animal). Angora goats are small and friendly, and they’re shorn two times a year. Giselle has great body—it is silky smooth to touch and wear, but not so drapey that a piece would lose its shape.. When knitted on a large needle, Giselle is lightweight and airy. The lustrous mohair also takes dyes beautifully as you can see in the dreamy colors of Giselle.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Kimberly Shrug pattern. (file size: 588 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2 - page 3
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	Schooner in Inca Alpaca. Pattern available in booklet 9121 Wharf.
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