Mandalay Cables and Lace

A modified pattern from Knit N'Style Summer 2004 by Helene Rush, originally for Italian Ice ribbon yarn. I used Mandalay silk; in two different dye lots of the Oatfields color. I had to knit alternate pairs of rows to blend the two lots, as they almost looked like two different colors. I made buttonholes in the cable crossings. After I finished, I didn't like how the cardigan looked buttoned, so I sewed it up and I like it much better. The sleeves unroll to wrist length. It looks much better when I don't wear a belt underneath it! The lace was fun and easy.

Cabaret Raglan

Cabaret Raglan, by Norah Gaughan, from Interweave Knits Summer 2004. I had thought Cabaret was a discontinued yarn, but when Herschners (not my favorite yarn source) put it on sale early in 2007, I snatched some up, in pink, my favorite color. Here it is. It is a very casual pullover and the bottom rolls a bit, so I should have swatched the border first, and then I would have found that it needed a few more garter ridges to lie flat. It is too casual for office wear, even for me. I also found that I don't enjoy knitting with tape yarns that produce a springy fabric, but it was a quick and fun project.

Mandalay Medallions

Mandalay Medallions, by Norah Gaughan
from Interweave Knits Spring 2003. It took8 skeins of Reynolds Mandalay silk. When I first laid eyes on this pattern, I told myself it was time to learn how to crochet.... The photo doesn't show the bottom border, to which I added an extra row of single crochet before the scallops to make it lie flatter. I wish I had added another row still, as the border has a tendency to curl a bit. I loved doing the scalloped edge.

1824 Blouson Pullover

1824 Blouson Pullover by Mari Lynn Patrick, from Interweave Knits Summer 2007 issue. I made it with 9 skeins Reynolds Mandalay silk yarn, knit circularly instead of in separate pieces, as my reverse stockinette knit back and forth is very uneven. Knitting it circularly make it go very fast, with no seaming except for under the arms. I really love the look of the tucks on the sleeves and bottom bands.