Design Notebook: Sky Full of Stars - A multi-way Shrug, Wrap, Scarf, Cowl...

I am still adjusting to working on things in the 'wrong' season and then not showing anyone for months - for an impatient person this is probably a good life-lesson, but it doesn't come easily so I am really happy to finally share this design, which I started last Autumn. At that time, I'd been thinking about wraps and shawls and how I love wearing them in different ways. How they can be dressed-up and dressed-down, they really are very versatile. As you probably know by now, simple versatile knits are my favourite. (*LoveKnitting affiliate links to the pattern and yarns are included in this post.)

THE DESIGN: 
I wanted to write a pattern which could be as multi-purpose as the design - one which could be used to produce a light delicate garment suitable for a wedding, or made with chunky yarn to throw on over jeans. Long sleeves, or short, always giving the desired 'fit' across the back. I also wanted something with minimum purling (I know long purl rows put many people off), but with the simple beauty of stocking stitch... and then I started wondering about 'afterthought armholes'. 

This is what I came up with... 
New pattern for a very versatile shrug/wrap/cowl


The sample above is made with a sequinned DK yarn (King Cole Galaxy) and is delicate, romantic 'occasion wear'. It is easy to imagine it on a bride, bridesmaid or at a ball. Knit on 4mm needles with over 200 stitches per round, it involved around a 'sweater's worth' of knitting, as you would expect for a special item. 

On the other hand, the sample below was made with a chunky yarn (Sirdar Softspun Chunky - still with a bit of shimmer) and took just a few evenings as it's worked with less than 100 stitches per round - the sleeves are a bit longer and it isn't as wide. It works really well with a t-shirt and jeans (you can see pictures of a friend wearing it on my Ravelry project page).

New pattern for a very versatile shrug/wrap/cowl

The project is knit in-the-round on circular needles and the lace patterns at the beginning and end are very simple to knit. There are only two rounds of purl in the whole garment, which will please those who are learning Continental Knitting but have yet to master the purl stitch!

THE PATTERN:
The  5 page PDF pattern is  suitable for anyone who can knit in the round and make basic increases and decreases. It includes step-by-step instructions to reproduce both DK and chunky versions pictured, and instructions on how to customise the pattern for different sizes/ yarns. (Your back / shoulder-to-shoulder measurement is the important one, as that's the only place where the shrug needs to fit.) As usual, full instructions and links to tutorials are provided within the pattern which is also charted.

The pattern is exclusively available as a digital download from LoveKnitting, and you will also find the details listed on the Ravelry database if you wish to add it to your queue or favourites.

I'm better at coming up with designs than naming them, but if you're a Coldplay fan, you might have guessed where the name came from. I was obsessively listening to Ghost Stories while working on this pattern last year, and these lyrics seemed just perfect for a romantic sequinned shrug... 
'Cause you're a sky full of stars... you get lighter the more it gets dark, I'm going to give you my heart 
Songwriters: BERGLING, TIM / BERRYMAN, GUY / MARTIN, CHRIS / BUCKLAND, JONATHAN / CHAMPION, WILLIAM

14 comments

  1. This is gorgeous and I love the fact it can be knitted in fine or chunky yarn. I just wish I was a quicker knitter, I so want to have a go. This would be perfect to just throw on when you going out and don't want to have to lug a coat around.
    Ali xx

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    1. Hi Ali, Thanks for your lovely comment. The chunky version really doesn't take much knitting. You can make it bigger too if you want ;) x

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  2. I really love this new design, it's such a simple idea that I know is going to work brilliantly. This is definitely going in my mental queue for when the right yarn comes along.

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  3. It's So Pretty! I am not a 'strong' knitter but this is so inspiring, so up my 'Knitting Street'! Thank You For Sharing!

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    1. Thanks :) It's written in a way which I hope will be easily accessible to most knitters, and there are links to anything which might appear a little more tricky. :)

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  4. Hi Sarah

    Just bought your pattern, it's lovely. My next project. Would it work as a wrap by omitting the armholes section?

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    1. Hi, thanks for your purchase :) yes, absolutely, if you just keep knitting (without setting up for the armholes) and then move onto pattern B when you're ready, it'll be a lovely tubular wrap :)

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  5. Wow, you're so talented! It looks gorgeous.

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  6. I am half way through knitting this in silver grey sequinned double knitting and it looks really beautiful. Sarah is such a talented designer (how did she think up the clever way to do the armholes?). I have found that if there is any problem and one needs to email her, she is so prompt in replying and helping. Absolutely great! Thanks Sara and keep the wonderful design patterns coming!

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    1. Thank you so much Lesley, what lovely feedback. Enjoy the rest of your project xx

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