We are so enjoying watching all the amazing cabled projects appearing over on Ravelry. There is still just over a fortnight to go in the Something New to Learn About Cables KAL, which is plenty of time if you fancy diving in with a new project, or picking up a WIP that needs a bit of encouragement. I've finished my Areto hat, so I just need to coax Jim into a bit more modelling, so that I can get some photos to share over there. And having finished Areto, I've been considering what my next cabled project should be...
I have been admiring Lucy Hague's designs for quite some time, but knitting the Pleione blanket was the first time I've worked from one of her patterns, and it confirmed everything I felt about her designs... They are pure cabling genius! If you have enjoyed working on any of the projects from Something New to Learn About Cables, then I can definitely recommend popping over to Lucy's website to plan your next cabled adventure.
Lucy's Dunedin shawl has a shallow crescent shape created with short rows and a stunning knitted-on cable edging with lace details. Image © Lucy Hague.
Lucy takes inspiration from Pictish and Celtic art, transforming the intricate knot-work designs found in stone and wooden artefacts, into sinuous cabled knitwear. She has an uncanny ability to combine these amazing cable motifs with really wearable shawl and garment shapes. The Dunedin shawl (above) is based on one of Lucy's favourite Celtic knots, and the shallow crescent shape is one that is really easy to wear.
If you're ready to take your cabling up a level, Lucy's Kyna shawl features short-row shaping of the cable pattern, to work round the point of the shawl. Image © Lucy Hague.
Lucy's Kyna shawl is knitted in one piece, with the cable edging shaped with short rows, making this a really interesting project. Kyna comes in both charted and written formats, and both Kyna and Dunedin require 4ply yarn. I am very tempted by Dunedin...
Lucy's latest design is the Bain scarf, featuring unbelievably clever reversible cables. Image © Lucy Hague.
One of the challenges of designing scarves in particular, is that both sides of the fabric are visible. Reversible cables have been around for a while, and generally use a basis of 1x1 rib columns that cross each other. Lucy has been experimenting with a new reversible cabling technique for some time, and has just published the Bain scarf (above) which uses slipped stitches to create a scarf that looks completely stunning on both sides. Lucy talks in detail about this genius, truly reversible cable technique over on her blog, so do go and read all about it in her own words. I am absolutely in awe of how she has worked this out, not just so that she can create a project using the method, but also a way of writing the instructions that makes sense to knit. It's often the case that a technique is very easy to knit, but devilishly difficult to describe. Lucy has taken a great deal of care to ensure the best possible knitting experience with this design.
If you're more of a garment knitter, then Lucy's Kells pullover may be the project you fall for... Image © Lucy Hague.
When Lucy's Illuminated Knits designs were first revealed, I was totally intrigued by the two-colour cables. How does she come up with these amazing ideas?! And this is what I love most about knitting: just when I think I've seen it all, someone comes up with something so clever, and elegant that I have to completely readjust my understanding of what is possible. It keeps me interested and challenged, and I love it! The Kells pullover (above) uses 3 shades of yarn – one is contrast at neck, cuffs and hem, and the other two are striped throughout. Slipped stitches then create the interlocking cables in two colours. It really is the most incredibly stunning design (and the entire collection is amazing).
If you don't already follow Lucy on social media, then do! You can find her on...
Website: LucyHague.co.uk
Instagram: LucyHagueKnits
Ravelry: LucyHague
Facebook: Designs by Lucy Hague
And when you sign up for her newsletter you get a coupon code for one of her patterns: Lucy Hague Newsletter
What will your next cabled project be?