Parting is such sweet sorrow.

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I’d planned this lovely goodbye, something so funny and clever that it would amuse you to no end while I am gone. Maybe a quiz or a game or something.
Alas, I underestimated the depth and breadth of the packing nightmare, and lost a fair amount of sleep finishing the work thing, (Hear that? Finished. Hallelujah.) had to repair a therm-a-rest after wrestling it in a bathtub to find the damn leak…and all the joy has gone out of me for today – leaving me only with this for you. A Poncho Pattern. Use it in good health
A very Harlot Poncho.
harlotponcho
Materials
5 balls Mission Falls 1824 wool (I am short. If you are tall, you might want to add a ball)
9mm, 60cm circular.
Cast on 64 stitches.
Knit one round
Purl one round.
Round 1: YO, K1(mark this stitch), YO, K31, YO, K1(mark this stitch), YO, K31.
Round 2. knit plain
Round 3. knit, doing a YO before and after your marked stitch.
Repeat the last two rounds, alternating a plain round with a round where you increase either side of your marked centre stitch, and either side of your marked centre back stitch. After a couple of rounds you won’t even need the markers, it will be pretty obvious.
Continue until you have used four balls of your yarn (or five, if you are tall) then cast off. I used the crochet cast off, but the world is your oyster. Do as pleases you.
Cut the remaining ball of yarn into 15″ lengths. Not co-incidentally, this is the exact length you will get if you wrap the yarn the long way around the DVD case from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and then cut at the bottom, though I suppose you could use any DVD.
fringe2
Fringe at will. I put two strands in every other cast off stitch.
Everybody (except those who hate ponchos) should knit one while I am gone.
I’ll look forward to seeing them, and I’ll post from the road. I think I’ve got the technology together. (This is not strictly true. Ken thinks I have the technology together. I’m grateful that he has faith in me.) I have packed the fleece artist poncho, the Dublin Bay sock, and yarn for two more pairs in a pinch. (I have also packed Megan’s poncho, which is so close that it hurts. I’ll knit it while she’s sleeping.) I have left lots of room for souvenir yarn in our bags, and have a plan to mail it back home if my wooly love is too big for my suitcase.
Next update, St. John’s, Newfoundland.
(PS. Look at the time on this post. Now know that the cab to the airport comes at 6:30 am. Pity me.)

78 thoughts on “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

  1. Stephanie, may you and your family have a wonderful trip. I am having blog withdrawal pains already. I noted the time as it was the same time I get up every morning. I will start the poncho immediately. Thanks for the pattern. I was hoping that you would post it so that I would have something to “read” whilst you are away. I like the way you pack…..A place to put stray yarn that follows you home.

  2. Stephanie, may you and your family have a wonderful trip. I am having blog withdrawal pains already. I noted the time as it was the same time I get up every morning. I will start the poncho immediately. Thanks for the pattern. I was hoping that you would post it so that I would have something to “read” whilst you are away. I like the way you pack…..A place to put stray yarn that follows you home.

  3. I’m not really a poncho person, but this looks really tempting… Guess I’ll have to see if I have anything in my stash I could use for a poncho.
    I just found your blog last week, read through the archives in one sitting, and I’m hooked!

  4. Enjoy the great views St.John’s has to offer. I was just there for work and it is GORGEOUS!!! 🙂

  5. Hey harlot! Is it okay if I just continue working on the Snowdrop Shawl for my mom? A shawl is like a poncho for the Not-Quite-Hip-Enough (like my mom. sorry, mom, but you couldn’t pull off the poncho look. Maybe back when I was born you could, but not now.)

  6. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. Thank you for the poncho pattern. I am a lover of the poncho also and have made quite a few. I will cast on your pattern today and send you a picture when I am done.

  8. Thank you Harlot. I will proceed to the wool shop this very day and begin.
    I know you will enjoy this time with your family.

  9. how sweet to do one last post before you left at that ungodly hour.and to leave a great pattern for us to use with mission falls yarn to boot?you are great Steph,have a wonderful time and have a jiggs dinner for me ;0)

  10. I can’t wait to vacation vicariously through your posts. And the poncho challenge……but I have all these other things that are demanding my attention and you leave us with this???? What is a girl to do?

  11. Get some sleep !
    Hope you all enjoy the break,the views and the fresh air.
    I had a neon pink poncho with a white fringe when I was 11,in 1971.I don’t need to repeat the experience ! :0)
    Your poncho looks lovely on you.I’d look like an old hippy in a tent.

  14. Steph- hopefully you are one of those people who can sleep on planes. Like Emma, I was 11 in ’71, ‘tho my stylin’ poncho was creme, brown and rust with a matching tam. I’m currently working on a chocolate brown alpaca poncho for my 21yo daughter (also named Megan. It’s her design, based on ones she has seen in stores for $100+), but I’ll definitely try the Harlot Ponch next (I have 3 more daughters). I know my almost 4yo will love one in hot pink like Emma had!

  15. Big hugs – – have a great holiday.
    You are such a pleasure to read every day
    liz 🙂

  16. Oh!!
    I forgot –
    huge thanks for the poncho pattern.
    I have been coveting (sp?) it for ages and was wondering how to ask you for it, without seeming greedy and unworthy
    I kiss your feet 😉

  17. Good Grief!!! 3:45am?? My hats off to you and your dedication to us, your lowly readers! We are not worthy…
    At the rate the Dublin Bay sock is going, I foresee a trip around the world before it’s done, just for the bragging rights!
    Now, the idea of sending wool home sounded like the PERFECT thing to do, until I contemplated Canada Post’s track record!… GRRR
    You are awesome. Have a fantastic trip. I will recover my stash from the cottage so I may cast on a worthy poncho (eventhough I am still not finished with all the WIPs).
    The reason I’m up at this ungodly hour is that my mother will be arriving from Kitchener sometime after lunch and much cleaning still remains…
    Have a safe trip!

  18. Dear Steph! As i checked your blog i realized that you are now on a much deserved vacation!! Thank you so much for posting the poncho pattern, which, while i do covet, i KNOW i haven’t got the figure to wear it. But it looks so good on you, i may just have to knit it anyway! After all, you did make a final post at 3:45 a.m. (!!!) to give it to your readers! Knitting the poncho will keep me company while you and the family are out and about!!! Thank you again and i hope you all have a WONDERFUL vacation!!!

  21. Great poncho! Thanks for the pattern. There’s one for sale on ebay that looks similar that I’m always tempted to buy. Now I don’t have too. Woo hoo! Have you’re having a wonderful trip. 🙂

  23. I have come upon this website looking for poncho patterns and lo and behold……..
    Hope you have a wonderful vacation and when are you coming back???
    will definately look in again.
    Irene

  24. Hi, I found your wonderful pattern while looking for a poncho for my grandaughter,it’s just perfect. Thanks and please sign me up on your web site. Thanks again, Dolores

  25. Hi, I found your wonderful pattern while looking for a poncho for my grandaughter,it’s just perfect. Thanks and please sign me up on your web site. Thanks again, Dolores

  27. stumbled here looking for a poncho pattern for my granddaughter. Don’t knit tons but winter is coming and it’s either eat or keep something in my hands in the evening. think I’d best opt for getting back into knitting.
    Have a fabulous vacation!
    nb: I thought I was the only one who would use something at hand (dvd case) to measure because I was too lazy to try and find a ruler!

  28. i’ve been searching everywhere for a pattern. this one looks great. will be starting it real soon.

  29. This is the perfect poncho pattern I’ve been searching (and searching) for. Thanks! I want to make it for my 4yo so she can be ever so hip. Would I just cast on fewer stiches and follow the pattern until it’s long enough for her? Thanks again.

  30. I’m so glad you posted the poncho picture. I made one on my machine for a granddaughter, and am km-ing a couple of others as gifts. You got me started. Thanks

  32. thanks so much for the pattern. i am on my second one and just loving doing it. i had looked every where before finding this pattern and could find nothing i liked .my daughter sent me this site and i just love coming here . between reading here and knitting , i have no free time anymore.
    would love to see more patterns here.

  33. Just curious as to the weight of this yarn. We have never heard of it. Is there a more common one you could recommend? We really like the pattern and are anxious to start this project!!
    Thank you, Leigh Anne and Debbie
    p.s. We are in Southern California

  34. My mom really wants to make this poncho however she has a few questions. I hope I can pass these questions on to you correctly. She wants to know if there are interchangeable yarns and what the gauges would be. something about knitting tighter or looser. I am sorry for my ignorance but I hope this will give you enough to clear this up. It is a BEAUTIFIL poncho and she plans on making it for my daughter. Thanks

  35. Thanks for this poncho pattern. I’m doing it in stripes, tough, using up various leftover yarns, and some of these are novelty yarns. That’s why your simple yet not boring pattern is perfect! I love the eyelash increases, too. Greetings from Mickey in Tx.

  36. 9 mm? Really? I mean, I believe you. It just sounds big. Almost twice as big as that yarn suggests. But yeah, I believe you. Really.
    (Yes, this means I’m going to make one. I’m even, uh, sort of considering a second. One will be a stripey one with a coordinating kitty ears hat [from Stitch ‘n Bitch]. They suggest the same yarn, so I can’t believe no one else has thought of this. Doesn’t everyone need a kitty hat and poncho? The other will be black and more grown up-ish looking.)

  37. Hi, thank you for this wonderful pattern! I made 2 this weekend. I called a yarn store to get the yarn weight, which i was told is worsted, went to my local craft store and found a great Lions Brand yarn that is 20% wool. It worked up beautifully! I also made one with another worsted yarn and want to put the lace edging on it, but where is the lace pattern? I’ll keep looking. Since I like it so much i’ll now spend some money on nicer yarn…

  38. I was searching for a poncho pattern and this one said “Try me!” I would like to be included if you have a news letter!
    Judy

  39. I was searching for poncho patterns for my Mother to knit. She’s decided to make one for everyone’s Christmas present. I think the guys will look pretty silly, but that’s my Mom! I’m so glad I came upon your website. Thanks for the wonderful pattern and I look forward to reading your posts from the road. I hear the sights there are wonderful. And, like you, my mother saves space in her suitcase for yarn or mails it home if she finds more than will fit. She has yarn from Scotland, England, Ireland, Canada and too many other places for me to remember. I’ll definitely be checking our your site more often. I’d love to be on your mailing list if you have one. Thanks.

  40. I just stumbled on this site – what fun. Love the poncho pattern, and I’m enjoying reading the blogs. Knitters unite! Hope you had a relaxing vacation.

  41. Stephenie, I have not knitted much at all. But this pattern was easy for me and I made it with red heart light and lofty with a 9mm needle. It is so beautiful and soft and cosy. My daughter is going to love it. Thank you so much for sharing it. It works up really fast. Thanks Gwenda

  43. Loved your poncho…but need a little more info..after rd.1 is i done in a garter stitch?..the picture lookd like th stocking stitch.
    thank you.

  44. Cute, the poncho pattern – sends me running for my stashed wool so see if anything is in there I could use.
    Greetings to all the wool-mad people here, nice to know that you are out there 🙂

  45. Found your website whilst looking for a poncho pattern for my 9 year old daughter. Poncho looks gorgeous but I have to admit that my mother gave up teaching me to knit about 20 years ago (I can’t seem to get the hang of wrapping the wool over your finger therefore everying I have ever made has ended up 2 sizes bigger than it should be). Consequently my mum is going to do this for me (where would be be without mums). I am sure she will be sending me back to your site to look for other patterns. Thanks for the great pattern.

  46. Love the pattern, thank you so much for this, I am making it for my dgd, who is 11, used the EZ finish and added the fringe at the same time by knotting the lengths of yarn and knitting one at the start of each row, did some short rows round the points to make it lie flat, even had the right dvd to wind the fringe on!
    Thanks, Jan in Kent in the UK where today is bright and sunny!!

  47. Do you have a gauge for the poncho? I’d like to do it with a local yarn which is very reasonably priced, not to mention that the owner of the mill will custom dye. Thanks so much.

  48. I have lots of worsted weight yarn and would like a simple pattern to knit a poncho with this yarn. Since ponchos are “in” again I’m excited to knit my neice and daughter one each. Can somebody suggest a pattern that would use this type of yarn? Thanks.
    Joanne

  49. Have you survived? Please, thank you for the poncho pattern and know that my daughter asked for one especially for this season. Yours seems timeless, as does your preparations for a trip!

  50. Love the poncho pattern, however I must ask the same question others have asked. What is a comparable yarn that I can get at Wal-Mart or Michaels? We have no yarn shops in our desert area, so must rely on commonly found yarns. What is the gauge? Thanks for your help.

  51. HI! i just found you, just now =] enjoy your trip. unfortunately, i was looking round for a pattern to crochet, as i can’t knit to save my life — but i can bloody well try and convert it =]
    and, for chris above, i’m not really able myself to get out to buy yarn much, but i’ve fallen in love with the website of my former favourite catalogue/lover (heh) http://www.herrschners.com . they quite willingly and thoroughly supply my “habit”.

  52. Hi. Just stumpled on this page and hope to get an answer to my questions. I would also like to know of a comparable yarn or a gauge. I was wondering what adjustments I would have to make to make it with one size smaller needles? I also assume this is knit in the round? Love the pattern and would like to make several.

  54. i sent you a regular e-mail yesterday, but am new to this blog notes, so i’m not sure if you will even get my query. I asked about a pattern for a more intricately stitched poncho – maybe cables and other stitch patterns. also i asked about the thrums and why they don’t just slip out – what keeps them fastened? and lastly i would like to send in squares for the afghanalong thing, but don’t yet know where to send them. i would love to come to the afghan sew-up but i’m at least 8 hours away. let me know if you think there will be room for an extra stitcher.

  55. Stephanie,
    I hope your move has been successful and that you can relax before unpacking. The poncho pattern rocks! All the best.

  58. I wanted to make one from towelling or flannel.however I will try and adapt the measurements or take up knitting.I am a useless male but not an idiot! Thank goodness for Google and thank you whoever you are for your website.

  59. Hey thanks for the poncho pattern! I hope to knit them up as christmas gifts for my daughters and nieces, maybe my sister too! Hope the vacation was great, and I will try to visit here often.

  60. Just printed the pattern and if I can’t find Mission Falls any other yarn – live close to AC Moore or WalMart, however, I’m going to research Mission Falls. Many thanks. Jody B.

  64. Just love your Harlot poncho. I have some hand dyed Lorna’s Lace, washable wool and will make this for my 9 yo granddaugter. (Purchsed as a souviener from a trip to Tahoe. No t-shirts for me, just yarn.) Any suggestions on how big of a head opening for a person size 8-10? – I’ll just have to work it out. Thank you so much!

  65. This is a repeat question: do you knit a row and then purl a row? Is the YO (yarn over?) what is making the holes down the front? Are they also down the back? I may be able to do the fringe, but would like directions.
    This is my first post to a blog and one of my first knitting projects. Thanks.

  67. Hi, and thanks for the awesome poncho pattern! I used Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted in Onyx and make it longer to sort of resemble the Ashton poncho at Chico’s. (Check out http://www.chicos.com) It looks great and was MUCH cheaper!
    I hope you had a great trip. 🙂

  68. Have just come across your blog. Hope you had a great holiday and poncho looks lovely. Will be making one for my 16 year old daughter – like many of your other readers I also had one many moons ago – did not look great on me then and would make me look like a fuzzy sheep now! Anyway just two little questions (bearing in mind I am in Dublin, Ireland) how thick is the wool you mention ? the needles ? are they in American sizes? Thanks a lot

  69. I like the look of the poncho (A very Harlot Poncho),but I’m confused in the material portion of the text. What is 9mm (gauge for what) and what is the 60cm circular needle ( American vs Canadian conversion gauge) ? Also, we don’t have Mission Falls yarn in my area…can you give me some other type yarn that compares to it (ie: worsted, sport, or baby yarn weight)? Thanks for your time. Diane

  72. I am looking for a pattern to do crochetedging on fleece blankets, does anyone have a pattern for this?

  73. HI-STEPHAINE
    I SIMPLY LOVE YOUR Harlot Poncho…I NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING THE YO.
    ROUND 1 YO—IS THIS DONE AS IF YO BETWEEN PURL THEN KNIT?
    ROUND 3 DOING A YO BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR MARKER STITCH—–DOES THAT MEAN 2 YO’S TOGETHER? AND IF SO HOW ARE THEY WRAPPED? I HAVE LEARNED TO DO DIFFERENT YO’S BETWEEN K-P P-K P-P K-K. THEY ALL WRAP A DIFFERENT WAY—HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME—IT IS SO CUTE…THANKS–LOVE YOUR BLOG–TERRY

  74. I really like this poncho and would love to make it. Can anyone tell me what gauge was used so that I adjust for the yarn that I want to use for it?
    Thanks.

  75. Looks like what I am looking for. Also, copied
    all 24 of your fans emails. All interesting comments. Can hardly wait to get started.

  76. LOVE this poncho and what to get back into the trendy game…haven’t knit in a LONG time…what does YO mean?

  77. Like many others, I found this spot while looking for a poncho pattern for my granddaughter. It looks like the perfect patt. I don’t have to sew up anything and can make it the length to fit her. Thanks! I love to knit and hate to sew!

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