I don't think its a big secret that I'm partial to the general shape of a raglan. Be it right side up or top side down there's just something about the regularity of the raglan seam that either grows to its full measure one step at a time or dwindles away little by little.
So it won't be any big surprise when you get a good look at my newest design; a cabled raglan. This one is worked in the classic bottom up method joining the in-progress sleeves and body together at the underarms. From there the raglan lines establish a central meeting place for the cable panels as they are decreased bit by bit. Here they meet, mirror images of one another, keeping that balance that so attracts me to the shape in the first place.
I've tinkered with the X's and O's that remind me of childish love notes for some time knowing they are part nostalgic and part cheesy but unable to stop myself from doodling them amongst design sketches. They finally took shape in this deeply textured raglan. My initial swatches were in a gorgeous blue wool but when it came time to gather the wool for the full project I just couldn't bring myself to use anything other than a rich red... again nostalgic with a slightly cheesy undertone as Valentine's Day was fast approaching.
If you're at all familiar with cables and traveling stitches you'll find this to be a rather straight-forward set up. Charts are full body width and include the ribbings for both body and sleeve cuffs. The chart keys are given for both traditional cable needle crossings and working the crossings without a cable needle. This is a new feature I'm trying to see what sort of feedback it might bring. I've also included individual panel measurements on the charts to make dependable swatching easier.
And yes, I know its too late for Valentine's Day but I've always believed in doing something special for someone special any day of the year rather than waiting until the calendar reminds us. I can see this design in that original deep blue, or a soft pink, or a spring green and it would still be full of hugs and kisses.
Sizes
Children’s sizes 4-6 (8-10, 12-14) years.
Finished Measurements
Chest: 29.5 (35, 39) inches.
Length: 19.5 (22.5, 24.5) inches.
Note: always choose which size is best by the measurement in inches rather than the number size.
Yarn
Green Mountain Spinnery’s
Wonderfully Wooly
100% New England Wool
4 ounces / 113 grams per skein.
250 yards / 228 meters per skein.
4 (5, 6) skeins.
Sample shown in color “Trillium”.
Needles
US #7 (4.5 mm) 24 inch circular needle
US #7 double point needles
US # 6 (4.0 mm) 24 inch circular needle
US #6 (4.0 mm) double point needles
OR the size needle you need to obtain appropriate gauge.
Extras
Stitch markers, cable needle, waste yarn or stitch holders.
Skill level
Experienced.
Skills Needed
Working from a chart, working in the round, cabling.
Gauge
17sts/25 rows = 4 inches over stockinette stitch.
*See charts for specific cable panel measurements.
Price: $6.00
Your printable pattern will be immediately downloadable in Adobe PDF (v5.0 or later) format
It's just lovely. And so are your photos. Perfect.
Posted by: elizabeth m | February 19, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Gorgeous! My grand-daughters are almost into the smallest size... yippee! I think you're doing great service for this age group of kids.
clarabellex
Posted by: clarabelle | February 19, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Very nice!! Tasteful use of bobbles!
Posted by: bezzie | February 18, 2009 at 06:57 PM
marie - that is stunning!!
Posted by: theresa | February 18, 2009 at 06:14 PM
This is gorgeous! Your size range is excellent, as one could make it in the 12-14 size for an 8-10 year old and she'd have it for a while... I need to think about this. But My Wooly Valentine is beautiful.
Posted by: Tam | February 18, 2009 at 05:19 PM
It's gorgeous! I can't wait to see the full charts.
Posted by: Dani | February 18, 2009 at 04:22 PM