So I’m pretty happy with my poncho. (I’m trying not to think about what it means that my kids steal it and wear it…but let’s not go down the road where I might be dressing like a 13 year old. I prefer to think that my children are very mature.) I’m happy with Meg’s poncho, and I love Kelly’s poncho. (I have the swift and ball winder out. I’m thinking about starting a curly locks poncho for myself. I feel a reasonable level of commitment to the Something Else, but my resolve is weakening badly. Having the swift nearby gives me hope.) All in all, I think the poncho parade is going pretty well, if you can overlook the obsessive compulsive oddness of being pretty wholly committed to one garment of questionable virtue.
Then, I get this in the mail.
That’s Laurie (you all remember and revere Laurie, right?) and her Very Harlot Poncho, only you know…she made it better, poshed it up with a lace border. Laurie’s like that. You gotta have really good self esteem to hang out with her, since everything she makes is, well, better.
It’s not just Laurie either. Beth made a stripy one. Carrieoke made one with an uber-fringe. The one that the Knitist made…well. There are no words for this kind of poncho power.
Norma discovered that resistance is futile, even though she has deep concerns about the wisdom of knitting a poncho, apparently I have designed the borg of ponchos.
Bron, made a cute one (look at her darling little pose). Nathania has admitted that she is knitting one, but hasn’t posted a picture. (It’s probably better that way…we’re all starting to look a little unoriginal eh?)
There may be others, several much better than my original.
Here’s what I’m thinking (yes, it has been suggested that I have a tendency to overthink things) I think that this poncho proliferation confirms my belief that poncho’s are indeed cool, and that my pattern is a pretty good thing too. If it were only me who thought poncho’s were cool, then nobody would have made one from the pattern. This means that there is absolutely no reason to curb my poncho knitting urges. I should continue to knit the five (5) poncho’s I have planned, knowing all the while that I have been endorsed by the actions of my fellow knitters. I suppose that the possibility also exists that poncho’s are addictive and I’ve done humanity a disservice by spreading this plague, but there’s no way to really know for sure.
The Something Else continues…
loving the lace on tiny needles.
Shall we play a little game? First person to accurately guess the actual nature of the Something Else wins a little prize. A really little prize…don’t get excited and spend hours and hours of your life getting upset about guessing or not guessing or googling yourself stupid trying to win the prize. It’s not worth it. Go outside, live your life. Really.
Yarn Harlot
I am NOT knitting a poncho! 🙂
(Besides, I’m so slow that it would not be done until a year or two from now, and I would be revealed as Woefully Out of Fashion.)
My guess… umm… Meditation Shawl?
(I know that’s wrong, but, oh, well.)
You’re knitting a NEW poncho for ME!!!!
No?
Oh. Well.
I really think Laurie’s poncho is gorgeous.. in fact I would love to make a shawl with that kind of border.. if she fesses up to what the border style is, please pass it along.
you are knitting… umm.. a baby blanket or a long rectangular shawl. Either way its gorgeous.
heh — timely post! I started my poncho last night 🙂
It’s a baby blankie?
I too am knitting a Very Harlot poncho in Noro Silk Garden – didn’t think I was going to do it, but I looked down, and there it was on my needles, impressing the hell out of me. Must follow the will of the needles.
I think a more fun game would be to guess what the prize is. Could it be one skein of Lorna Laces in the Aslan colorway?
But ok, I’ll play your game… is it… a christening shawl for a new baby? A table cloth? Love seat cover?
I’m out of ideas.
Horseshoe lace, I’m guessing merino, a sweater. I know I got at least the first one out of those three there right!
Giving in to your urges can be very healthy. You crave what you need.
Oh, that only applies to pregnant woman cravings? Darn. Well, we can pretend.
I’ve been recommending your poncho pattern to everyone (though I haven’t yet knit it)– it’s fabulous 🙂
Well, I was going to guess baby blanket, but now I’ll guess cardigan…
Oh I just realized I forgot to guess. It’s a lacey poncho, isn’t it? No wait, it’s not on circular needles. Too wide for a scarf… perhaps a wrap/stole/shawl?
Okay, resistance may be futile and all that, but I’m so not a poncho kinda gal. Really. Shawls. Scarves. Capes. So how do I go about adapting the Very Harlot Poncho into a Very Harlot Cape?
Please, pretty please, cut me some slack in the directions department. I just picked up knitting in February this year and figured out cabling last month, sort of…
I made a Very Harlot Poncho, too, for an American Girl 18″ doll, for my niece’s birthday last weekend. (Her other gift was her first ever knitting lesson with me! Now all three of the girls at her house know how to knit.) The poncho was made of scraps of shiny and glittery and colorful yarns (not sure a person would want to wear it, but the doll reportedly loves it).
I may have had just a tad of trouble remembering when and where to increase, but the doll doesn’t seem to care much, and the fluffy yarn conceals a multitude of sins.
And, no, I did not tell the mother of this 8 year old girl that the poncho was a Harlot poncho. I couldn’t imagine that she’d understand!
Now, to come up with an excuse to make one for me!
Oy. So not. Rana, Roggey (Kathy, speak up) — let’s link elbows in solidarity, here. Harlotina, I fully endorse your full-poncho immersion in the hope that utter glut will trigger satiation will trigger…Something Else.
This too, she said through thin lips, will pass. (I am actually just perverse enough to be grateful not to be tempted. There isn’t much that wouldn’t.) Ponchos. Paugh.
If only the Knitting Curmudgeon title weren’t already taken…
Laurie�s classed-up version should be titled �High-Priced Harlot Poncho�, y�know, just to differentiate. I�m guessing you�re making a layette, and I will go further to guess it�s a replacement gift for the Endless Baby Sweater which you have since torn to shreds in a fit of sanguinary rage because of lingering bitterness over the sleeves. Am I close?
I may assimilate to the ways of the poncho. I have been resistant, but if I can come out of it looking like Seven of Nine, I may go for it.
Debbie
snap dragon cozy? (frost is coming)
I’m making a “harlot Poncho” too and can I just say that I am ADDICTED to it? I knit it every night while watching mass quantities of “sex and the city”! (appropriate, dontcha think?)
Anyway, I’m nearly dont with the knitting — I might finish tonight, so I’ll send a pic when it’s done!
I was going to say “Snap Dragon Cozy,” but I see now that option has already been taken.
My next choice would be a long rectangular shawl (it reminds me of Madli’s Shawl), but that’s taken too.
I give up.
Well, I would guess a shawl or stole or something, but the REAL question is, are you finally using that lovely white yarn that you spun ages ago? (See your June 16th post. And it didn’t take me long at all to find it, so I DO still have a life :-).
Oh, wait a second! Would it happen to be one of those rectangles you sew together to make, say, a PONCHO!?
my guess is a christening gown. or the like. did someone already guess that?
and second, Steph, do you know of a good resource for me to learn short-row heels? I remember you made some up at some point, was that before or after looking at resources?
Love all the ponchos pictures, but resisting making one. I think I would look like a tent. Also how does one carry a backpack or a shoulder slung purse when wearing a poncho without looking like a lumpy tent? My guess for the lace–a decorative pillow sham.
I am also suffering poncho lust, but, alas, I must agree with Mary. Being a less-than-svelte woman (cough), I believe I should avoid ponchos at all costs lest I be mistaken for a yurt in a hurricane as I scurry around campus. Ahem.
Regarding the lace, perhaps you are working on a little garment that will surely one-up the mango tank?
Since nearly everyone has guessed a shawl, I am going to say a scarf or a Faroe style shawl (even though I can’t see the shaping)
Of course I will now wonder all weekend what it is and shout out possibilities in the middle of other conversations, confirming that I have, indeed, lost my mind.
Off to finish the poncho for my 2 year old and then cast on the one for the 5 year old!
Well, I agree on the baby blanket or the stole. Maybe a table runner ? lace poncho ? Scarf for me ? yeah, that’s a good one. Betsy
I’m with you rams….I too am waiting for the poncho mania to end. In a moment of madness I thought to ask my daughter, who just turned 11, if she would like me to make her one. She has never been one to follow the crowd or fickle fashion trends and totally doesn’t care what she wears, as long as its comfy. Rare for a girl. After I described what a poncho was, she said ‘ew, no, those things look like you’re wearing a rug!’. She loves my handknit wool socks though – wise girl.
Now you’re making me want to jump on the poncho bandwagon. Argh. I’ll consider it.
Now, the Something Else… I was going to say baby blanket, but lots of people said that, so I have to think of something creative. Curtain? Piano runner? Bridal veil?
i don’t think i’ll be making your poncho (not enough yarn, i don’t think), but i’ve been suckered into making one of the evil creatures…for my coworker/knitting buddy kate.
gah! stupid ponchos!
Forgive me for taking so long to post, but it was a bit of a surprise to open my favorite blog and find my own picture. And I had to go look up the name of the edging — it is Wave Edging and appears on page 367 of Barbara Walker’s second treasury. This poncho was such a success that I have been commisioned to make my daughter one before she goes back to college!
Whatever it is going to be…it is going to be gorgeous. Lace is so beautiful!!
Are you going to tell all the pattern you used?
I can only hope so. 😉
Made my 3-year-old niece a poncho–3 colors, 22 rows each: light purple, hot pink, dark purple. Didn’t have enough yarn to make fringe. Thought about making a row of eyelet at each color change, then questioned the wisdom of adding more holes to get caught on things. Considered making a tie with pom-pom ends, too. May make some more for other little girls, too. Nice to have a simple project on hand while watching tv. No ponchos for me, though; I got them out of my system back in the ’70’s!
I vote some kind of home decor item. I’m going with curtain because it’s white and lacy – sheer enough to let the light through. Plus, it is fairly narrow and has no shaping. I did think for a second bridal veil (guess I’ve got that on my mind!), but on closer inspection, it’s a little too heavy and probably not wide enough for that.
A gigantic table cloth for your next State Dinner. The table seats 50 and this project will take you the weekend to complete.
What do I win?
Rams, Karin count me in the Sisterhood of Poncho Avoidance.
Lovin’ ya, Harlot, but the poncho thing is just not happening for me. And the daughter of mine? Fashion queen since she was 2 yrs old? Detests the poncho. I was stunned. However, she does like the shrug pattern I found the other day…
Meanwhile, the struggle continues with my trying to convert the VHP to a Very Harlot Cape.
I always jsut wear my backpack under my poncho (its a messenger bag so it works and doesnt look like i have a hump on my back)
And i dont agree that ppl who are a bit heavier/curvy dont look good in ponchos- just using a really thick yarn might not work. But a poncho in a laceweight yarn on big needles could look really flattering.
I would guess a stole, lol like everyone else 🙂
I’ve finished my poncho and love it. I turn up the air conditioner just so I can wear it now.
Let’s see, you’re knitting a fancy lettuce strainer?
I’m guessing it’s the belly part of a tank top. A very skimpy tank top. Go, Joe.
The Mad Pirate Bippy
Stephanie…..I finished one of your ponchos. I am now working on two more. When will the poncho madness end? Love the pattern. It is fun to play with. Different edge. Different fringe. Totally different looking poncho. Thanks to you! As for what the white thingie is that you are knitting now….how about a very beautiful hammock?
I think a lacy poncho is a great idea, but I suspect that’s not what you’re making. . . a two-rectangle poncho of lace like that would hang a little kooky, wouldn’t it? Wouldn’t show the lace off to its fullest. I’m guessing a baby blanket, although I hope it’s really going to be a long skirt that Joe can see your legs through (I can only get my partner to pay attention to my knitting if it’s see-through or skimpy).
Laurie’s poncho is really, really lovely, but I still like your daughter’s the best; guess I’m a 32 year old who dresses like a thirteen year old too!
Have a great day on Tuesday, by the way. Although we all suffer harlot withdrawal on long weekends, I think everyone will understand if you fail to post on time on Tuesday because you’re too busy doing the freedom dance (and spinning, of course).
I think a lacy poncho is a great idea, but I suspect that’s not what you’re making. . . a two-rectangle poncho of lace like that would hang a little kooky, wouldn’t it? Wouldn’t show the lace off to its fullest. I’m guessing a baby blanket, although I hope it’s really going to be a long skirt that Joe can see your legs through (I can only get my partner to pay attention to my knitting if it’s see-through or skimpy).
Laurie’s poncho is really, really lovely, but I still like your daughter’s the best; guess I’m a 32 year old who dresses like a thirteen year old too!
Have a great day on Tuesday, by the way. Although we all suffer harlot withdrawal on long weekends, I think everyone will understand if you fail to post on time on Tuesday because you’re too busy doing the freedom dance (and spinning, of course).
I think a lacy poncho is a great idea, but I suspect that’s not what you’re making. . . a two-rectangle poncho of lace like that would hang a little kooky, wouldn’t it? Wouldn’t show the lace off to its fullest. I’m guessing a baby blanket, although I hope it’s really going to be a long skirt that Joe can see your legs through (I can only get my partner to pay attention to my knitting if it’s see-through or skimpy).
Laurie’s poncho is really, really lovely, but I still like your daughter’s the best; guess I’m a 32 year old who dresses like a thirteen year old too!
Have a great day on Tuesday, by the way. Although we all suffer harlot withdrawal on long weekends, I think everyone will understand if you fail to post on time on Tuesday because you’re too busy doing the freedom dance (and spinning, of course).
oops. . .sorry for the extra posts. That’s why this computer is going in the trash tonight.
I’m going to guess a table runner. I don’t know why; no one else has guessed it though. 😉
I know what the something else is…it is to make me want to learn how to knit…you are trying to drive me to knit…and it’s working!! Only…how do you find the time to do this every day?? With a husband, two children, two grandchildren, two dogs,{i’m feeling like noah} working out and “working out”, it’s all I can do to read this every day!!
Meant to tell you…ponchos are oh, so very much in vogue…I’m seeing them everywhere…even saw them yesterday on QVC for their rose of tralee 15th anniversary…and they went over BIG…you were just ahead of everyone else, my Harlot Friend
Its a lace mini skirt to go with the Mango Tank to wear to another Prince concert. That should get his attention!
Oh pooh – I just came running down to the computer because I thought I had it – The Veronika Tank from Interweave Summer 04 – but the lace is wrong.
Can you believe this got me out of bed on a Sunday? My children are playing quietly in the playroom and I could be sleeping in – or knitting! I think I’ve really lost it….
That would make beautiful kitchen curtains!!!!! Lacy cafe type! I’ve wanted something like that for years – something pretty to look at while (God forbide) cleaning time has to be done!
Darn, someone beat me to the skirt thing–though if I were making a lace skirt, I’d do it circ, and since the Harlot is even more brilliant than I am, she would surely do the same (only on DPN’s, since she hates circs)…so I’m probably wrong.
Not only is “everything Laurie makes better,” she seems able to make more of it, faster, than anyone I’ve ever known except…well…the Harlot. But I am MORE than happy to play along whenever we find ourselves in the same state (geographically, that is), and since–as I’ve already established in this forum–I like autumn tones and Laurie likes BLUES and GREENS (with that poncho for proof), we don’t get into fisticuffs over the dye supply.
Question for the poncho crowd (if any of you are still reading):
I have some l-o-v-e-l-y (see note 2, below) autumnal merino (deep purple, deep red, deep gold, a splash of muted green) that must become a poncho. However, I really really really want to spin it with slubs and ply it with a thin binder spun from the same roving. Will having variation in texture AND color just be too darn much for this garment? Sometimes when I envision the finished product, I look fab in it; other times, I look like a vomitous marshmallow.
(Note: Like the other Kristen–who, with her dissertation writing and claims to non-svelteness is starting to sound like another long-lost twin–I’m not sure I really *should* wear a poncho, but I’m gonna.)
(Note 2: I had originally written that word without the silly hyphens, but my post was rejected for “questionable content,” with that word identified as the culprit. Help!)
Okay- I have not yet read any other of the guesses, so I am going to guess a baby or toddler dress.
I love the lace. I am obsessed with lace lately. Searching out every available lace pattern for my maiden lace project. The latest issue of SANDRA magazine has some really pretty possibilities. And because of that, my guess for your latest projest is a lacy sweater/cardigan/top. Love your knitting. Would be thrilled to meet you someday.
Well, the “Something Else” could be anything, but my guess is a dust cover for your computer monitor??
hello stephanie
many thank’s for the shawl patern is wonderfull
the pancho too great.
sorry about my bad english i am french an other thing i know fleet artist an i bougth some yarn from expensive but so nice i love them
see you soon
Yes, you’ve definitely started something with your poncho design. Here’s another one, inspired by your design, of course. My daugher just loves it.
http://mason204.journalspace.com/?entryid=105
Thanks for a great pattern!
Cheryl.
I’d love to do a poncho with the lace edge, are instructions available somewhere?
my guess although it is like so many others is it has to be either a stole or a delicate type of throw. great blog, by the way, i am so hooked, have to get back to knitting. started the poncho but it just isn’t the one i am looking for, will keep searching. thanks, cheers to the beautiful yarn that is out there! zea.