Monday, March 19, 2007

BOTANY—NEW WRAP PATTERN

Watercolor prints of leaf and stem, wicker furniture in a conservatory washed in sunlight, a trellis waiting for the first bloom, these are the inspirations for the Botany Lace Wrap. It's a spring thing. Designed to be worn open at the sides or fastened with a ribbon or i-cord, the wrap features a little picot collar that either lays gently around the neck or perks up smartly with the help of a pretty pin. Optional picot edging also rims the wrap's lace extensions—or not.

But, of course, you'll find the real treat on the back, where a frame captures the timeless loveliness of an intasia leaf 'print'. Fear of intarsia? Substitute the knit art for a panel of basketweave stitch (5 blocks of purl alternated by 5 blocks of knit) in your favorite hand-dyed yarn for a charming effect. Speaking of yarn, Botany features Fleece Artist's Handmaiden Lady Godiva, a hand-dyed silk/wool blend, in colors 'Straw' and 'Moss' knit of 5mm/US 8 needles. The lace panels are an easy lace rib.

 Construction details: the piece is knit in three main pieces joined at the shoulder with side extensions. The pattern includes instructions for converting the wrap to a drop-shoulder cardigan. The piece measures 26 inches wide by 29 inches long. To purchase, click here:

http://www.janethornley.com/patterns_wraps.html#11