Ponchini

 "Bellachine" Ponchini
pattern by StevenBe

This pattern was designed for Holly at the LYS Bella Filati.  I cannot find it anywhere on Ravelry, so I'm thinking it might only be available through her shop.  However, there is a pattern by StevenBe that is similar, though not the same.  I have linked it here.

Shown in Cascade Heritage Wave in "Nightshade" and Ito Sensai in "Prune."
Knit on needles sized US 5 (for eyelets) and 8 (for base pattern)

Skills Needed:  Yarn over, sl1k, k2tog, passing slipped stitch over, knitting while holding yarn double

This was a really fun project.  I knit it for my mom for her birthday.  The special part is that we were able to go to a yarn store together and she picked out the color she liked and saw a completed sample that she loved.  It made me feel more confident that this was something she would like once I had finished knitting it.  (I know people tend to appreciate receiving hand knit items and usually "love" them because you made it, but it is always nice to know when someone aesthetically likes what it is you've created.)

I had never heard of a ponchini prior to this pattern- and honestly I think they might be a wonderful original from StevenBe.  However, if you, too, had never heard of this little beastie, I will try to describe what the garment is.  Like a poncho, it can be worn draped over the shoulder with your arms still underneath (as shown on the dress form).  However, it is not as large as a traditional poncho and it is shaped somewhere between a poncho and an infinity scarf.  It is knit as though it is a scarf or wrap, but then the top end is seamed to the side of the bottom, creating a sort of triangular loop.  Perhaps I have confused the matter more for you, and for that, I apologize.  It is a unique garment that has a lot of flexibility in fit and is very flattering to a range of figures.

We chose a lovely purple color palette with the recommended yarn, going with the "Nightshade" gradient yarn from Cascade and the "Prune" mohair/silk from Ito Sensai.  Both yarns are beautiful by themselves, but together the change is astounding.  The drape and feel of the combination is really wonderful.  The ponchini is so soft and touchable.  

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The ponchini is worked in sections, so once you learn what the repeats are, the knitting is pretty meditative.  None of the stitches are too fussy or complicated and there are enough rows in each section that you can lose yourself (in a good way) as you work.  Holding the two yarns together is easy to manage, especially because the mohair is so thin and clingy, it really feels like you are working with just one yarn.  The only part of the entire project that feels a little like work is the blocking.

Now, I am a girl who loves to block.  It's like magic to me- especially when I'm blocking lace or eyelets and you really get to see the "bloom."  This project really came to life after the blocking, but it had to be steam blocked and pinned opposed to a traditional soak.  Not a huge hassle really, but you do have to have an iron with a steam setting or a garment steamer handy.  So when I say it felt like work, I just mean it was a little out of the normal way for me.  But it was not difficult and the instructions in the pattern were very detailed for this important step.  (The instructions for blocking were just about as long as the pattern instructions.)  

Summary:  This was a relatively quick, fairly easy knit that had beautiful results.  The unique shape of the finished garment is charming and it really fits well while being adjustable to a range of sizes.  The pattern is labeled for the adventurous beginner, but is still satisfying for a more seasoned knitter.  The pattern itself was a little expensive at $7.00, but it is well-written and complete, so the price is fair.