These are two patterns that I recently finished. You can see more pictures of the finished versions on the projects page on Ravelry:
I’m currently knitting my second Orli poncho by Patricia Liefeld (Orli Ravelry Page). Apparently, one Orli simply wasn’t enough!
This is such a lovely piece to toss over your shoulders on warmer days when a cool evening, or an overly enthusiastic air conditioner, brings an unexpected chill. For this version, I’m using Expression Fiber Arts Alpaca DK in the beautiful Arctic colorway. The yarn is wonderfully soft, light, and billowy against the skin.
My first Orli was knit in the same yarn in the Blush colorway, and I enjoyed the combination so much that I couldn’t resist making another. The pattern is engaging without being demanding, and after working through several repeats, I found the eight-row sequence easy to memorize. Soon, I was knitting along without needing to check the chart.
Orli also includes an optional collar. I skipped it on my first poncho, but this time I plan to add it for a slightly different look, and a little extra coziness.
I highly recommend this pattern for knitters who enjoy projects that keep their hands interested without requiring their full attention. It’s especially well suited to someone who already knows, or would like to learn, how to knit cables. Familiarity with yarn overs is also helpful, as the shell-lace sections on either side of the center cables include yarn overs and purl-three-together stitches.
Once you settle into the rhythm, Orli is pure knitting pleasure: beautiful texture, just enough challenge, and a wonderfully wearable result.
Click on the link above for my introduction to Orli on my Youtube channel
Overview of Orli pattern and knitting one of the pattern rows.
Also sharing space in my knitting basket is Tallulah by Julie Weisenberger (Tallulah Ravelry Page). Julie’s Cocoknits Method of sweater construction is truly ingenious (Cocoknits Sweater Workshop). Since Tallulah doesn’t have sleeves, however, there’s no need to use the Sweater Workshop worksheet. Tallulah has such an interesting construction, it’s almost like knitting a wrap with armholes! I’m making mine with BC Garn Hamelton Tweed in the Navy 01 colorway on size 11 needles, so it’s knitting up surprisingly quickly.
I’m hoping to have it finished by August, when we’ll be traveling. With its large needles and growing expanse of fabric, Tallulah is definitely not the most compact project to take on the road. Consider that my deadline—and a little extra motivation to keep those needles clicking!
Between Orli’s rhythmic cables and lace and Tallulah’s clever construction, I have the perfect mix of familiar comfort and something new to keep my knitting interesting.Now, back to my needles! 🧶