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Retreat
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James C. Brett Marble Chunky
MC78
Out of stock — not added to kit
× $13.99
3 Accessories
Product Description
Retreat - there is a long tradition, particularly in Christian sectors, to go away for a while and re-center yourself. This is called a RETREAT. This poncho is a cozy garment for just such a time.
• If you want to substitute yarn for this design, please use a fluffy, loosely spun chunky/bulky yarn (acrylic or blend or all-natural); a tightly spun yarn (a 100% cotton without any “fluffing” for instance) will be too heavy for this design. • Design is worked from the neck down, increasing slowly between cabled braids and then continuing to the broken-rib hem • Neck rib, same for all three sizes, is a 2x2 ribbing worked in the round on the smaller sized needles • Changing to larger sized needles to create the body of the poncho; note the directions show size XS/Small with Med/Lrg and XL/2XL in parentheses. • Directions are charted and round-by-round.
Retreat Cape by MaryG Knits
What Is Being Made
The Retreat is a knitted cape designed and created by Mary C. Gildersleeve. This garment is worked seamlessly from the neck down, featuring a structured silhouette with strategic increases that allow the fabric to expand gradually from the neckline toward the hem. The cape is available in three sizes and offers a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.
Design and Construction Techniques
The Retreat employs a top-down construction method, beginning at the neck and working downward in the round. This approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and eliminates the need for seaming. The design incorporates cabled braids as a central design element, with increases worked strategically between these cable sections to create shaping and movement in the fabric. The pattern progresses from a fitted neckline through the body, concluding with a broken-rib hem that provides structure and prevents rolling at the edge.
Stitches and Stitch Patterns
The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Retreat is stockinette stitch, which forms the base fabric when worked in the round. Cable stitches are incorporated as decorative braids that run vertically through the design, adding visual interest and textural depth. A neck rib begins the garment, providing elasticity and a finished appearance at the neckline. The hem features a broken-rib pattern, which combines knit and purl stitches to create a textured edge that is less elastic than traditional ribbing while maintaining structure.
Materials and Yarn Requirements
The Retreat requires approximately 600, 680, or 760 yards of bulky-weight yarn, depending on the size selected. The sample garment in the medium/large size was knitted using 2 skeins of James C. Brett's "Marble Chunky" in color MC92. The designer recommends selecting a fluffy, loosely spun chunky or bulky yarn in acrylic, a blend, or all-natural fibers. Tightly spun yarns, such as 100% cotton without loft, are not suitable for this design as they would result in excessive weight and drape.
Needles and Tools
- US #10.5 circular needles in 16-inch length (for ribbing and initial rounds)
- US #13 circular needles in 16-inch and 40-inch lengths (for main body and expansion)
- Stitch markers: 6, 7, or 8 depending on size, with one distinctly different marker to denote the beginning of each round
- Large cable needle or US #11 double-pointed needle (for working cable stitches)
Gauge
The pattern is worked to a gauge of 11 stitches by 15 rounds equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger US #13 needles when worked in the round. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the cape drapes as intended.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Bulky |
| Featured Products: | James C. Brett Marble Chunky |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | MaryG Knits |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
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