A newly released pattern, knit in Knit Picks' brand-spankin'-new Capra yarn...
Mirabor - $4 on Knit Picks or Ravelry (no account required)
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Finished Measurements: 28.5 (32.5, 36.5, 40.5, 44.5, 48.5, 52.5)” bust
Yarn Requirements: Knit Picks Capra (85% Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere, 123 yds per 50g skein): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11) skeins of Fairy Tale; or 730 (830, 930, 1035, 1135, 1240, 1340) yards/ 670 (760, 850, 945, 1040, 1135, 1225) meters
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles; 16-20” (40-50 cm) for the sleeves, 29-60” (75-150 cm) for the body
Gauge: 20 stitches x 27 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch
Let me tell you, it was very difficult knitting this sweater and not saying anything about it. I don't mean to sound like an advertisement, but this new Capra stuff is absolutely divine to knit with and is so soft!! When I tried on the finished cardi, I honestly didn't want to take it off. And sending it to Knit Picks, knowing we'd be parted for a few weeks, was agony.
Because I noticed the hold-against-the-skin-at-all-times properties of the Capra right away, I wanted to design something that one wouldn't have to take off, if one didn't want to. In addition to jeans (as shown), I believe Mirabor would work well with a pencil skirt and nice top or even a dress. I'm a fan right now of kimono-y shapes, drapiness, and lots of ease in the sleeves, so Mirabor is fitted through the hips and waist then has a relaxed style from there on up, with long armholes.
Mirabor is knit from the bottom up in one piece (no seaming!) with a raglan yoke. There's a little bit of lace at the collar (Feather and Fan) and the hems (a modified version of Porcupine Stitch). I like that this gives the impression of a ruffle, but not too much. I did some tricks with i-cord to finish the non-lace portion of the cardigan opening and continued that i-cord to create the buttonhole. So it may look like a simple Stockinette sweater with few embellishments, but there are some fun techniques in there, too.
The name Mirabor was inspired by the name of the yarn's colorway and is a nod to two of my geeky loves (one academic, which is pretty easy to guess, and one pop culture). I would love to know who out there gets it, so I think a little contest is in order. Whoever can most accurately tell me the two sources of the name Mirabor by noon, PDT, next Wednesday (11 August) gets a free copy of the pattern.
P.S. Thea, do you recognize the button?
21 comments:
just grabbed the pattern
Oh Hilary, what a beautiful pattern! "I will admire the work of nature," as Ausonius said. I have no idea about the pop culture bit, as I apparently live in a (Latin) cave.
This sounds like a great yarn, too. Go Knit Picks!
oh, i love it! another pattern to the queue . . .
Ha! I didn't but now I do.
Love the pattern - especially the fluttery sleeves - looks like another winner :-)
Really gorgeous. And I can't wait to get my hands on that yarn!
You are really growing in your design talents. Another fabulous project.
Love the colorway!
It's just gorgeous Hilary ~ and looks stunning on you!!!
I can see that this is an extremely versatile sweater with beautiful finishing touches. Knit Picks is lucky to have this design :)
Mirabor. Hum..... obviously that's in reference to a Queen in ancient Greece (picked because I know you love Greece).
I think I heard that name before...in a song? anywho- great cardi! I am so impressed with your productivity.
Another beautiful design! Bravo!
Another great pattern to add to my queue! I have a few of yours all lined up, ready to go, as soon as I finish a few wips. Is the name from the Scottish football league? Since you like sports...
I love this pattern! It's really feminine.
I don't know the answer, too bad. Just wanted to say hello :-)
Lovely. I like the fitting at the waist.
Gorgeous design, and I haven't even heard of the new Capra yarn- sounds amazing!! Looking forward to ordering some soon.... I love the colour you chose, by the way- it's gorgeous!
Beautiful, wearable and awesome - as always! You are very controlled to have not blogged about this lovely pattern :)
Such a pretty pattern, Hillary. Congratulations, you busy knitter, you! I'm happy to see a sweater that buttons at the waist (rather than bust/neckline) - we need more of those (or I do after having two babies).
What a beautiful cardigan! I have gone and bought the pattern already and can't wait to get some lovely wool :) I just started following your blog and am really enjoying it!
Wow, Hilary, another knockout! I'm fascinated by this new yarn too...
hilary! you are a creative genus. this is gorgeous!
as for mirabor. hmmm. in the mirror? it's you i adore?
ha. i guess i have no idea. but it was worth a try. :)
Beautiful cardi, just like all your designs.
I've beent trying to understand the name of the design. The color way you used is Fairy Tale and has to do with Latin and perhaps Star Trek's character (??).
I love this sweater! I can't wait to knit it for myself and almost every other woman in my family. This is super flattering and I'm dying to try the new yarn.
The Latin root Mira means wonderful or astonishing... my Latin is really rusty after 11 years.
Pop-culture wise... is it anyway related to soccer? The Uzbeki football federation president is named Mirabor, but that's really obscure.
Those are my guesses, bad as they may be.
Thanks for the contest!
Could it be a combination of "Maroula" and a song performed by Taylor Swift?
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