Ponchos with Panache and Stunning Shawls

As my craft journey continued, and staying true to my wish to create unique and individual designs, I began my love affair with shawls and ponchos.

I experimented with all manner of sizes and shapes of shawls, and in the process discovered many and varied ways they can be worn. I really like this versatility.

And then my thoughts turned to ponchos, and I started imagining more 'dressy' versions...and began creating ponchos adorned with beads, to add some sparkle and variety - and pretty crocheted trims and edgings, to make them more individual. And so my craft journey progressed.

Cat. No: 8e

...with the crocheted flower trim - AGAIN!

....but this time, worn in a completely different way, to provide another unique style. Versatile? Absolutely.

I was really excited when I discovered I could crochet these flowers. Their velvety texture and bead centre add much contrast and alternate texture to this stylish design. A shawl can be a wonderful accessory to add to your wardrobe...and 'dress up' the simplest outfit.

This shawl was created using Old Gold 'Feathers' & wide stripes of Autumn/Rust novelty yarn triangular shawl with 12 large crocheted 'flowers' in Deep Rust & Autumn mix yarns embellishment around neck and at rear base point. It is 140cm max. width x 66cm depth.

This poncho is a gorgeous mix of purple, burgundy, deep pink and orange/gold. Here are some details I have written about it at my Etsy shop

It was created using Wine 'Ostrich' and Dark Pink yarn knitted together, with sparkly Pink/Lemon/Purple fluffy yarn stripes, and is up to 155cm (around shoulders) x 42 cm deep, with knitted and beaded flower at front point, and crocheted open zig-zag section over shoulders and down arms in sparkly Wine fluffy yarn.

These ponchos are a delightful and unique variation of the traditional 'Poncho' style - suitable for evening wear or anytime to add style to a plain dress/top. Incredibly lightweight, never crush or crease, and can be rolled into the smallest ball to fit into the tiniest space....ideal for traveling.....or to have tucked away in a roomy handbag!...and still provide amazing warmth.

I take much pride and pleasure in combining my lifelong love of knitting and crocheting with my later-found skill in beading, to create unique accessories....mainly for women, but also including some juvenile and masculine items as well. In this current economic climate, I felt there was still a need for a woman to enjoy her own individuality, at a more affordable price, and so the concept of my 'one off' creations began.

And the other good news (for the conservation-minded), is that no living thing was harmed or killed in order to make this item!

The yarn is SO soft - a joy to knit with, and a pleasure to wear. The shoulder detail is yet another feature that makes my creation totally different and unique from traditional ponchos.

Cat. No: 9g

Maybe you would like to learn more about ponchos and their history?

For everything you want to know, but may be afraid to ask, simply click on this informative Wikipedia link - Ponchos

It doesn't get much cosier than this knitted shawl! One of my creations on a set of my somewhat larger knitting needles - in this case, the open weave achieving an almost lacy look. Don't let the 'holey' appearance fool you - this shawl is seriously snuggly.

A Lavender/Blue mottled fluffy yard triangular shawl, 210cm max width (top edge) x 105cm max. depth, knitted with bands of open lacy pattern alternated with stocking stitch bands. that can be worn in countless ways - over head, around neck or shoulders, around waist as a 'gypsy' type skirt...or even for comfort and warmth for that 'nana-nap'.

SO attractive, cuddly, warm and comforting to wear...tied, open, draped....the choice is yours!

Cat. No: 8f

A soft and fluffy yarn with a fine silver sparkle running through. The crocheted edge around makes it really feminine and pretty. I crocheted the covering of the clasp with a silver & white & multi-coloured 'Lurex-type' yarn - a stylish and unique addition, that can be adjusted to wearer's preference. Sizing details are as follows:-

This shawl was created using White Sparkly fluffy yarn, and is up to 120cm wide (around shoulders) x 50cm max. depth, including crocheted loopy edges all around base, and has a sparkly crochet covered scarf clasp.

I have always thought of this shawl in the 'evening' type use, but it just occurred to me that it would also make a really 'glam' bed-jacket for those ladies inclined to loll in a luxurious bed - or maybe as the ultimate cheer up present for the patient experiencing a lengthy or miserable stay in hospital? Just a thought.

I love the richness of Autumn tones. They feel warmer, somehow...don't you think ... especially when presented as a shawl?

Certainly a shawl like this could brighten the dreariest day - and make you truly believe that Spring WILL come again...eventually!

It was created using Rust/Autumn 'Feathers' yarn, up to 150cm max. width (around shoulders) x 88cm max. depth, including 8cm deep fringing, and with oval sparkly crochet covered clasp.

Maybe some may prefer shorter fringing? No worries...I just give the fringe a 'haircut'...problem solved!

The glow of this yarn has to be seen to be fully appreciated. It was a joy to work with, and I was so happy to add the Black detailing - seems to give a really nice definition to the whole garment.

It is not quite so 'plunging' in the neckline as it may appear - had to tilt it forward on its hanger to show off the 'diamond' patterning of the shoulders. Like my other knits, one size fits most. I have visions of this being worn over a basic black 'strappy' or 'strapless' dress, to give it a lift and a little panache.

This poncho was created using Silver Grey 'Feathers, and is up to 130cm (around shoulders) x 35cm deep, with Black 'Ostrich' crocheted open zig-zag section over shoulders and down arms, and Black 'Ostrich' crocheted loops all around lower edge

Cat. No: 9b

- close up and personal

Same basic description, but I am rather proud of my 'shoulder detail' innovation, and thought you may appreciate a closer inspection.

It is really attractive worn over a 'strappy' little top - or maybe that timeless 'little black dress'? Adds nice definition and decoration to the simplest of styles - making them quite new again - AND keeping you more cosy at the same time.

Cat. No: 9h

A glorious shade of Deep Bluish Lavender - for those who find Purple just a little too much. This is such a flattering colour - one of my favourite creations.

And the yarn is the softest variety I have ever used...I adored knitting with it....hmmm...silky, gorgeous. And the addition of some delightful beads as a shoulder trim was 'inspired'. Just couldn't resist when I saw the prettiness and perfect match they were for this beautiful garment.

Soft and cosy...and like the others, never creases. They just 'stuff' into a corner of a suitcase, to take on holidays for those balmy nights, when you just need a light something around your shoulders.

This poncho was created using Lavender fluffy yarn, and is up to 135cm wide (around shoulders) x 52cm max. depth, including 10cm fringing, and 3 beaded drops on each shoulder.

Cat. No: 9a

...so bright and beautiful

They add a subtle shine and a glimmer of purple...or was that blue? As you move about, no-one is sure just what they saw. And they will have to look again...and again. Best be ready for quite a bit of attention when you wear this one.

This particular shawl was created using Lavender & Purple 'Feathers' yarn in wide stripes, with round sparkly crochet covered clasp, Purple 'Feathers' crocheted neck edge, and is up to 130cm wide (around shoulders) x 80cm max. depth, including 9cm long bound tassel at rear base point.

When I was making this poncho, I was fascinated by the 'pattern' that the mottled yarn created as I worked along the rows. It kept me solidly working on it, just to see what would happen next. I was not disappointed - I think this is really lovely. And soft as a baby's 'cheek'!

This yarn is seriously soft. I just cannot believe how something so light has so much warmth.

Here are some basic details -

This poncho was created using Aqua/Lavender/Lemon ultra soft Fluffy yarn, and is up to 130cm wide (around shoulders) x 43 cm max. depth, and has crocheted open zig-zag section over shoulders and down arms.

Cat.No: 9d

What an amazing yarn to work with...but this time, I mean amazingly bad! It's all those little knobby bits and gaps in between, just waiting to entrap your needles...and drive you to distraction. Crocheting is out of the question, because you can't pull the 'bobbles' through successfully.

Actually, for an experienced knitter, this yarn is OK once you get a rhythm going.

The thing about it is that it looks absolutely fantastic. SO effective...SO striking...and such delightful colours. The silkiness of the Purple yarn compliments the knobbiness of the Pink/Purple yarn beautifully. I feel proud of this one - and it looks great on, as well.

Some details?

This shawl was created using Hot Pink/Wine/Purple knobbly yarn in a triangular shape, and is 170cm wide x 65 cm deep, including Purple 'Feathers' crocheted trim around top edge and 8cm deep crocheted Purple 'Feathers' open loop pattern. Ready to tie or drape over shoulders

Still eager to make your own? Have a look here - Free Poncho Patterns