F.O. A Sparkly Ranunculus by Midori Hirose

Pattern:  Ranunculus

Designer:  Midori Hirose

Colourway:  Sapphire

Yarn:  Sweet Georgia Yarns CashLuxe Spark:  80% Merino, 10% Cashmere Goat 10% Stellina (2 skeins)

Colourway:  Sapphire

Yarn:  Sweet Georgia Yarns Silk Fog:  76% Silk 24% Mohair (3 skeins)

Colourway:  Sapphire

Needles: 6.0 mm

Ravelry:  see notes here

Added Notes:

1.  Last year I ordered the Sweet Georgia Advent Calendar.  In the calendar were a variety of mini skeins, including CashLuxe Spark and Silk Fog.  I enjoyed knitting with these yarns (read more about it here) and fell in love with the Sapphire colourway. I knew that I had to knit a sweater with these yarns.

I made a bunch of elves with the Advent calendar skeins (sapphire on the left).

I knit Ranunculus by combining one strand of CashLuxe Spark and one strand of Silk Fog. The resulting sweater far surpassed my expectations.  I have knit with many yarns over the years, and I have to say that this combination is one of my absolute favourites.  The combination of silk, mohair, merino, cashmere and stellina in the yarns creates an incredibly soft sweater with a slight halo.  The silk gives it a sheen and the stellina gives it a sparkle.  Although the sparkle is a bit toned down by the Silk Fog, there is still a pleasing amount of sparkle in this sweater.  I just love it...once I put the sweater on, I didn't want to take it off.  I wish you could try it on to see how great it feels. 
2.  This is the second time I knit Ranunculus.  A top down sweater knit on 6mm needles knits very quickly, and there is just enough lace at the top to add interest.  Another reason I like this pattern so much is that it can be knit in a variety of yarns and weights.  For example, my first version of this sweater was a short sleeve version knit in a DK weight yarn (see blog post here).  The designer has also provided options with the neckline and sleeve length. It is an easy pattern to modify.

Ranunculus knit in Camilla Fiber Co. CFC Flax DK

3.  I really liked Melissa's version (from Espace Tricot) and I followed her modifications.  I knit the body to 10" then worked 3" of twisted rib.  For the sleeves I knit straight for 11" then worked 2" of twisted rib.  The only difference was I knit the smaller neck.  When I blocked the sweater I just lay the sweater out and pinned only the ribbing.  This sweater grew just the right amount and the sleeves are the perfect length for me.  

4.  I found that I preferred the sweater worn with a camisole.  I did not have a store bought cami in sapphire. However, I did have 100% rayon fabric in the exact colour and the Ogden Cami pattern by True Bias.  Have I mentioned that I am working on developing my sewing skills?  This was the perfect opportunity to sew this popular pattern.  As I am new to sewing I found working with the slippery rayon was a bit challenging.  I am really pleased with the result and I love how it feels next to the skin.  I will definitely be making more versions of this pattern.  I have a long way to go with my sewing skills but as long as you don't look too closely it will do.  : )

Ogden Cami by True Bias

Is this my last Ranunculus?  I don't think so.  I have big plans...stay tuned.

F.O. Ranunculus by Midori Hirose

Pattern:  Ranunculus

Ranunculus

Designer: Midori Hirose  (website:  Knit Cafe Midori)

Yarn:  Camellia Fiber Co. CFC Flax DK  (50% Alpaca 25% Linen 25% Silk) 270yards (2 skeins)

Camellia Fiber Co. CFC Flax DK

Colourway:  Cenote

Needles:  6.00 mm

Ravelry:  see notes

Added Notes:

1.  I have had Ranunculus in my queue for some time but I couldn't figure out what yarn I wanted knit it with.  I finally spotted, deep in my stash, three skeins of Camellia Fiber Co. CFC Flax DK that I thought might work well.  I got gauge on 6mm needles and I loved the fabric it created.  This yarn consists of such an interesting combination of fibers, creating a fabric that is airy and drapey, with a beautiful halo, and so soft against the skin.  Surprisingly this pattern uses up very little yarn and I ended up only using two of my skeins.  If Camellia Fiber Co. yarn is new to you check out their website here.  The yarn is absolutely gorgeous and hand dyed in small batches.

2.  This pattern was fun and so quick to knit, taking me only about a week.  The pattern was well written and easy to follow, and I can see why many people have made more than one version. This is definitely not a beginner pattern as there are a number of techniques used that are not beginner friendly, such as German short rows, as well as lace stitches.  However, the pattern is so well written that an adventurous beginner could figure it all out, using the video links in the pattern to assist with the tricky bits.

3.  I knit the short sleeved version of Ranunculus.  The only modification I made to the pattern was to add length. I knit my sweater 10 inches from the underarm with a twisted rib of 3 inches.  After blocking the length only increased by one inch and I was super happy with the fit.  The original pattern comes in one size but there is also an added modified pattern for larger bust sizes 38 to 48".  There is also a long sleeved version.   

4. Is there another Ranunculus in my future...absolutely!  It is one of those patterns where you have instant gratification as it is so fun and quick.  I definitely want to knit it again, experimenting with a different yarn.  There are so many beautiful versions on Ravelry I definitely recommend you have a look for inspiration.