What's a poncho sweater?

Last week I put up my week's challenge on our facebook page. It was the top on the left of the picture below. The story behind it is that last winter I started a design for a comfy-wrap-poncho style top. NOT a success!! So I put the top and pattern on the rack where all things "in development" go. Then I had a brainwave, got it out and last Monday the new version was cut out and on the workroom table. It was all looking good at that stage. But it is only today that I am finishing off the final patterns. It has been a long process and I have made several versions over the last two weeks. 

UGLY TOPS 1, 2, 3 !!

All cut out and ready to go ...

The choice of fabrics has made a huge difference and happily I had a roll of the perfect weight merino in my stash. 

Did I say that I am also on a very determined stash busting exercise as well? These little parcels of cotton fabric remnants have appeared on my market stall lately. I had a few years' worth of off cuts that had taken over one corner of my workroom. I WILL get my workroom back!

Merino poncho sweater in jade green

Here is the new design. I have developed a love affair with Stay Tape and can bore anyone with a long dissertation on the benefits of knit, bias, straight, nylon and adhesive tapes. A stash small supply of the perfect tapes are now flying to me as I write! I will be able to sew up the new tops as soon as they arrive next week!

It took me nearly as long to figure out what to call it. But the most descriptive name I could find was Poncho Sweater so that is it. AND the great news is that this top looks good on me (Minnie + Ree size Average) and on my friend who is Minnie + Ree size Small. So it is a One Size top. Yay!

And did you like the wee ring pincushion I am using? I had some fun with merino felt balls and some beads and embroidery. Here's the close up:

Next challenge please ...

Ree