Product Description
The Alexandra Capelet was first designed many years ago as a Birthday present for my younger sister. She loved it so much she begged me to make her another one in a different colour palette! It is based on a traditional Shetland lace and rib pattern and is worked entirely in the round from the bottom up. Designed in a simple 8 colour stripe sequence, this pattern makes use of all the odds and ends you may have. It is very versatile and you could use as many or as few colours as you wish making it a great stash buster! It takes approximately 60-65g of the main shade and around 120-140 of the contrasts. Many thanks to my test knitters Coryna, Laura, Linda, Marci and Jennifer for their advice and support.
Alexandra Capelet by Olach Designs
Project Overview
The Alexandra Capelet is a versatile knitted accessory designed by Olach Designs that transitions seamlessly from casual to formal occasions. This piece works beautifully layered over a little black dress or paired with everyday wear like a tee shirt and jeans. Originally created in a mustard colorway for the designer's sister Alex, this capelet became such a beloved garment that it inspired multiple colorway variations.
Construction Method
The Alexandra Capelet is worked entirely in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless construction that eliminates the need for seaming. This method allows for continuous circular knitting, which contributes to the smooth, polished finish of the completed garment.
Stitch Pattern and Techniques
This design features a traditional Shetland lace and rib pattern combination. The lace elements add visual interest and delicate texture, while the rib sections provide structure and definition. The integration of these two stitch patterns creates a sophisticated, heirloom-quality accessory that showcases classic knitwear design principles.
Yarn and Materials
The Alexandra Capelet is designed to be worked in Jamiesons of Shetland Spindrift, a 100% Shetland wool yarn available in multiple beautiful colorways. The pattern accommodates two distinct color palettes:
- Mustard Colorway: 3 balls of MC (425 mustard, 105m) combined with 1 ball each of shades A (478 amber), B (261 paprika), C (101 natural black), D (998 autumn), E (108 moorit), F (114 mooskit), and G (118 moorit/shaela)
- Navy Colorway: MC (730 navy) with 1 ball each of A (688 mermaid), B (350 lemon), C (365 chartreuse), and D (787 jade)
The yarn weight is specified as 3-ply and 4-ply, providing a lightweight yet durable fiber suitable for intricate stitch patterns.
Needles and Tools
Construction requires Size 3.25mm circular needles in both 80cm and 40cm lengths to accommodate working in the round using the preferred method. A Size 3.75mm needle is used for the cast-off edge to create a finished, professional appearance. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and a darning needle for weaving in ends.
Skill Level
This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and colorwork techniques. The combination of lace and rib work, along with the circular construction method, requires solid understanding of knitting fundamentals.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Light Fingering, Fingering |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Olach Designs |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | 750 - 900 yards (686 - 823 m) Total yarn required. 60-65g of MC and around 120-140 of contrasts. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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