The gorgeous Cassia tunic that I have knit as a tester for Tikki’s latest pattern release has been finished and awaiting photos for a few days now. I asked Miss 4 to try it on yesterday, and with her inimitable style, she did. I don’t think Tikki necessarily designed this tunic to go with a princess dress underneath, but it still looks cute…
The pattern calls for Dk weight yarn, and I knew that I’d need more than 200g, so I wanted to choose something from my stash that met these criteria. I decided on the Bendigo Woollen Mills Harmony that I had – it met another important criteria too – the pinkness test! I had two 200g balls, so plenty for this project plus enough for something for the little sister too. I am glad I chose this yarn – the finished tunic is soft and snuggly – this yarn combines wool, cotton and a tiny percentage of lycra in a crepe construction that it nice to knit with, great to wash and wear, and appears to be fairly indestructable. I was disappointed when BWM discontinued it, and pleased when they realised the error of their ways – I’ve found it looks great on the other garment I used it for and hoped to use it again at some stage. I had managed to pick these two balls up in a friend’s destash last year and intended to use them for me, but I’m glad Miss 3 is wearing them now, she looks sweet!
So, more about the pattern… Another design in her Australian Wildflowers Collection, this tunic uses some features familiar from the Olearia. It alternates garter and stocking stitch in rouched bands across the upper body, and falls simply in a loose fitting tunic around the body. It is knit in on piece, top down, with absolutely no stitching or finishing required beyond sewing in the ends and putting buttons on. I strongly suspect I will never get sick of this construction technique. Works a treat every time!
There are some lovely details too. There are cute wee pockets…
And a button closure at the back…
which was a great opportunity to use some more of my cute Benji’s Buttons.
There were what seemed like several acres of stocking stitch in the round too. My girl’s growing up!!
Tikki is planning to release this pattern in early September – and it is the perfect Spring knit. Miss 4 wore hers outside this evening while she was enjoying some early Spring tree climbing. As you do. How lovely to have a knit versatile enough to go from a nice outing to tree climbing! It will even be perfect with tights – if your wee one prefers that to a princess dress!
Shortly Stitches 