Shenandoah

When I set out to create a capelet, I knew exactly what I wanted...

• Softness
• Simplicity
• Structure
• Style

Shenandoah--a name inspired by the currents that tease the surface of the beautiful river flowing through Virginia and West Virginia--embodies all of these elements. It's simply constructed, sensuously soft, decidedly stylish. And it's machine washable (great for new moms and moms-to-be!).

Missy Bulky is a delight to work with...plump and round, velvety and voluptuous. It shows off stitch patterns with a crisp definition, but never appears harsh. The pure Australian Merino is next-to-the-skin soft, and, because its a bulky weight, the capelet knits up quickly on large needles.

While the cable pattern may appear complicated, it's actually quite easy to work. If you've knitted cables before, you may even find that you don't need a cable needle (talk about speeding things up!). Once you get going, the repeats are easily memorized, and begin to flow from your needles like the blue waters of its namesake.

Speaking of rippling waters, I love how the cables look on the top and bottom edges, where they create a scalloped edge with plenty of texture. Shenandoah's shaping and structure are also unique. I wanted the cables to run horizontally around the capelet, but also wanted the top to pull in enough to hug the shoulders.

Unwilling to knit two long pieces and seam them together, I decided to use two different sized needles: a smaller one for the stitches at the top edge, and a larger one for the bottom portion. This gives a gentle slope to the garment, while leaving plenty of elbow room so you can actually do things while you're wearing it!

Shenandoah is seamed closed at the end, to make it easier to wear. Three cables sweep off the bound-off edge, forming i-cords which are then twisted and sewn into place to "secure" the closure. Buttons, slipped through these i-cord rings, give a polished look, as well as an opportunity to add your own personal touch to the capelet.

This pattern is available through Shalimar Yarns and Eleganza Yarns.

The vitals:
- Yarn: Shalimar Yarns "Missy Bulky," (100% Australian Merino Superwash Wool), 600 - 1500 yards, in Blueberry Stonewash
- Needles: US # 11 and 13 circular needles, cable needle
- Gauge: 16 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
- Notions: Three large-ish decorative buttons
- Sizes available: XS/S, M/L, 1X/2X, 3X/4X

Shenandoah

Hannah Six Designs Six Shalimar Yarns Exclusives

Clover Honey Shawlette by Hannah Six

Over the past couple of months, I've designed six patterns for Shalimar Yarns. It's been a whirlwind of creating, swatching, ripping out, revising, writing patterns, and having them test knitted. In other words: It's been a blast!

In total, I did six designs for Shalimar Yarns, inspired by their delicious colors, by the scrumptious base yarns, and by Kristi, who owns both Shalimar and Eleganza Yarns, a Frederick, Md.-based store (which is well worth a side trip if you're in the area!).

One of the designs, the Clover Honey Shawlette, was particularly popular, with 20 copies sold in just a few days! Clover Honey is knit from just one skein of Shalimar's Zoe Sock (each skein has an ultra-generous 450 yard put-up!) on US #5 needles.

With a bit of shaping to ensure it hugs your shoulders and a fun beaded cast off, it's both practical and unique. What an amazing (and affordable!) holiday gift this would make! If you're interested in buying the yarn and pattern, just visit the Shalimar Yarns Web site or contact Kristi at Eleganza Yarns.

Swatching for the Shenandoah Capelet

In the coming days, I will post more info about my other patterns, which include:

• The Rotunda Baby Blanket, a Rococco-inspired confection in Honey Worsted, with an intruiguing pattern ever-increasing cables...
• The Shenandoah Capelet, knit in Missy Bulky, with soft and lofty braided cables and unique twisted-I-cord button loops...
• The Freesia Socks, inspired by the glorious Iris colorway and my memories of a freesia-filled garden at my Northern California high school...

I've even created a special pattern, named Schuylkill Punch (in honor of Philadelphia's World Series Championship), for the Shalimar Yarns sock club! So stay tuned for more photos, more pattern information, and more about Shalimar's wonderful yarns and colorways...

And meanwhile? Happy Knitting (of course)!

Hannah Six Designs Six Shalimar Yarns Exclusives