Planter's Punch -- New Pattern & Contest!

Photos courtesy of Caro Sheridan, aka Splityarn - who took time out of our TNNA weekend in Columbus to shoot these!!
 
 Introducing Planter's Punch, a pullover that can be knit as either an easygoing summer top -- OR -- if you are starting to yearn for Fall, a great layering piece for colder weather!  Planter's Punch is a simple design with a delicate cable motif on the yoke, and a little fun with knit and purl panels.  The sketch began with the idea of tiny, twisted cables in a gorgeous deep shade of red.

Blue Sky Alpaca's Skinny Dyed Cotton in Cherry did the trick.  Short sleeves, a loose easy fit, and a deep, bright, color go perfect with shorts and a summer tan.  You already know how much I love the BSA cotton -- it's perfect in the cables, plus a lovely weight for a little summer evening warmth.  I chose Cherry since it's spot on for both the drink and the vision at hand, but Skinny Cotton comes in a batch of great summer shades, any of which would be beautiful  - and can be yours, so read below!

I had a batch of Rowan DK Tweed in a thematically complimentary Planter's colorway, so I designed a second version of the top for cooler weather.  (Thanks to TanteJ who sample knit version 2!)  This one has 3/4 sleeves and a deep ribbing at the waist (which to me, always feels cozy).  Same yoke detail, same easy fit, and voila!  Same design, but perfect for fall layering - and I think the bright tweed looks lovely in the twisted cables.

Like most of my designs, this one is easy to modify for your figure.  Since it's a top down sweater, you can alter the fit for your bust, waist, or hips as you like, and it can be as long or short as you need.  The pattern contains directions for either short or 3/4 length sleeves, plus a little explanation on how to create long ones if you prefer.  Plus, I have included notes about playing with the yoke and cables if you want to make things specific for your bust.  It's a very accomodating design.

The pattern is for sale on the sidebar to the left or on Ravelry for $6.50.

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Some details are below, and the rest of the information is on my Ravelry page:

Sizing:  32(34,36,28,40,42,44,46,48,50)

Gauge:  5.5 sts and 7.5 rows per 1"' in stockinette, lightly blocked

Needles:  #5/3.75mm (cotton) or #6/4mm (tweed), or size to get gauge.  One needle size up for neckline bind off.

Yarn:  Summer Version:  Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Dyed Cotton n Cherry:  800(850,900,950,1000,1050,1100,1150,1200,1250) yds

Yarn: Winter Version: Rowan Scottish Tweed DK in #011 900(950,1000,1050,1100,1150,1200,1250,1300,1350) yds

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And, as promised -- a contest!!

 You could a sweater's worth of  Blue Sky's Skinny Cotton to make your own Planter's Punch!    

When I think of Planter's Punch, I remember a long afternoon in Negril, Jamaica with 12 college friends, a sunburn, way too many braids for a white girl to have, and pretty much not a care in the world.  It was a good day.   Leave me a comment about your favorite spring or other vacation around-the-table memory.  Where you were, who were with, and what drink or snack was on the table.

   You have until July 7 to comment,  and then I'll pick a winner at random from the list.  Include your email or Ravelry name so I can find you, as blogger does not always give me a link back. 

And since this post is quite long enough already,  I'll give you my Planter's Punch recipe when I announce the winner!