Pattern: Ozark Southwest Capelet

MATERIALS:

3 Skeins Ozark Handspun yarn

24 oz. random worsted weight handspun or other natural fiber yarn(s) They may be single ply or multi-ply yarns such as Lamb's Pride, Cascade, Malabrigo, Manos del Uruguay, Rio de la Plata or other similar yarns. I like mixing handspuns with some of the commercial yarns.

1 US size 11 circular needles (24 in.)

1 Large button

1 Tapestry needle

1 US size N crochet hook

Note: To create random knitting pattern rows, refer to any stitch dictionary and use designs of your choice such as Seed Stitch, Drop Stitch, Garter Stitch or Stockinette Stitch.

INSTRUCTIONS:
FRONT: Using US Size 11 needles, cast on 50 sts. using worsted weight yarn.
Rows 1-8: Knit (subsequent bands of color can vary in number of rows as you choose.)
There are approximately 7 bands of color in each front panel.
Switch yarn, continue random bands of knitting with various stitch patterns as noted above. Change colors at beginning of rows as you desire. Include 2 or 3 randomly placed rows of drop stitches (Ozark Handspun yarn will be woven through these later.)
Continue in this fashion until piece measures about 20 inches. Bind off and bury ends.
Next, create a second panel measuring about 20 inches using the same guidelines varying the placement of colors and stitches so the resulting piece will coordinate with but not match the first piece. When completed, bind off and bury ends.
BACK: Using US Size 11 needles, cast on 22 sts. Knit in random patterns and colors as done for previous sections. Do not use drop stitches in this piece.
Row 1: Knit in front and back of first stitch, knit across until two stitches remain and K2tog.
Row 2: Purl.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approximately 30 inches.
FINISHING: Using Ozark Handspun yarn, weave through drop stitches, creating loops that will be tacked in place with a contrasting color of worsted weight yarn. With right sides facing and using a coordinating yarn, sew pieces together. Next, cut approximately 8 inch lengths of Ozark Handspun yarn and attach fringe to bottom edge of back and along seam lines to create a textured edge.
Using US Size N crochet hook and Ozark Handspun, loosely single crochet along front and neckline edges leaving a length of Ozark measuring approximately 7 to 8 inches.
Using Ozark Handspun cut into approximately 7 inch lengths attach fringe to front edge. Create button fastening with worsted weight yarn, chain 3-4 sts (depending on size of button) and then single crochet around the chains to form a nice button loop. Sew button in place. Fasten off and bury ends.

Designed by Janice Rosema for Ozark Handspun, August 2007

Printing Instructions: To print click Ozark Southwest Capelet.