To Poncho or Not To Poncho…
I’ve been thinking a lot about ponchos lately. I used to think ponchos were for the lazy knitter, they had no shape, they made a body look boxy and shapeless. Remember that big poncho crazy a few years ago, caused by, of all things, Martha Stewart in a poncho emerging from jail? Everyone was poncho-crazy and I thought that was awful.
Fast-forward to now, and I am looking with a more kindly eye upon the poncho. I’ve seen more than one pattern for very cute ponchos that look like they are wearable by grownups of a certain age. These Blue Sky Alpacas garments were a huge hit when we had their trunk show in the store this fall. The Two Harbors Poncho is knit in scrumptious Extra (used by me for a very fun cowl a few months back) and the big ribbing swatches will draw the fabric in enough to give it shape and drape that are flattering. The Bianca Wrap is simplicity personified. ONE seam. Light, warm, and comfy. Blue Sky Suri Merino is feather-light with a very nice halo that makes this garment more functional than a shawl or a scarf.
My favorite aspect of ponchos is that they are like a sweater without the sleeves–they go over your head and they stay put. I don’t like open cardigans, nor do I like futzing around with shawl pins or winding scarves so they don’t flop open at the first gust of wind. As my office-mate correctly identified it, “they’re like wearing a blanket.” And who doesn’t want that, when it’s icy outside?
What do you think about this new poncho trend? Which one will you make?
Amy G.
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Tags: Blue Sky Alpacas, knitting, knitting patterns, ponchos
January 15th, 2016 at 12:00 pm
I recently finished the Bianca Wrap. I love it.
January 15th, 2016 at 10:19 pm
I’m making both the Two Harbors and the Rosalie Ponchos right now. Two Harbors is really fun, and the Extra is AMAZING!
So many great Poncho patterns out now…
January 16th, 2016 at 10:23 am
I have also become enchanted by the latest poncho trend and these are both gorgeous.
January 16th, 2016 at 11:20 am
Yes! I love a good poncho. I have a huge fringed alpaca number and am about to cast on another less dramatic one in Cascade Eco.
January 16th, 2016 at 7:12 pm
I am loving the poncho; I designed a couple ponchos last year and didn’t realize they were a *thing.” I was unintentionally on trend! How long will they be current? I don’t know, but I’m hoping at least all the way through 2016.
What I really love about them: I don’t have to fuss with them. Once I put them on, they stay put, which is great when I’m teaching. I’m always fussing with my shawls. Which I still love!
January 16th, 2016 at 9:57 pm
I am so glad ponchos are “in”. I actually knitted a simple one in linen last summer. My plan is to wear it over sleeveless tops on those chilly evenings walking on the beach next summer vacation. I love both of these patterns. I wonder how the Two Harbors would be in linen. That may be this summer’s project.
January 16th, 2016 at 11:27 pm
I’m afraid to look at the sizing, often pattern designers forget us robust sized ladies. Both styles are attractive, though I would be tempted to make the Bianca wrap.
January 18th, 2016 at 11:53 am
I’m loving the wrap style “ponchos”, like the Bianca.
January 19th, 2016 at 7:20 pm
I would like to make the 2 harbors. I would also like a substitute of the yarn to a machine wash yarn. Thank You, Jackie
January 21st, 2016 at 9:32 am
Hi Jackie,
Two Harbors is made with a worsted weight yarn, try one of our washable options here.