Stacy Charles Fine Yarns El Dorado Ribbed Capelet and Empire Ribbed Cowl

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns El Dorado Ribbed Capelet and Empire Ribbed Cowl

Capelet Overview

The El Dorado Ribbed Capelet is a knitted shoulder piece designed by Irina Poludnenko, offered in three sizes: Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X. This garment features a classic ribbed construction that drapes elegantly from the shoulders. The capelet measures 44 to 60 inches in lower edge circumference with a length of 14 to 18 inches from the shoulder, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body sizes and style preferences.

Cowl Overview

The Empire Ribbed Cowl is a coordinating neckwear piece worked in a single size. It measures 22 inches in circumference and 8½ inches in length, designed to complement the capelet or be worn as a standalone accessory. The cowl's proportions create a flattering empire-style neckline when worn.

Construction Methods

Both pieces showcase versatile knitting techniques that allow crafters to choose their preferred working method. The capelet can be worked bottom-up or top-down, and is constructed either flat or in-the-round depending on the crafter's skill level and preference. The cowl employs a hybrid construction method: it is initially worked back and forth flat for the first 8 rows, then stitches are joined and the piece transitions to working in-the-round for the remainder of the design. This mixed approach provides flexibility and allows for seamless integration of the bottom edge, which is worked back and forth in sections.

Stitch Techniques

Both the capelet and cowl feature K2, P2 Ribbing as the primary stitch pattern. This classic two-knit, two-purl repeat creates vertical lines of texture that provide excellent stretch and recovery, making ribbed garments comfortable and form-fitting. The pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques:

• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A right-leaning decrease worked by knitting 2 stitches together through the front loops
• M1L or M1 (Make 1 Left): A left-leaning increase created by lifting the strand between needles from front to back on the left-hand needle and working through the back loop, which prevents holes in the fabric
• Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease that involves slipping 2 stitches knitwise individually, returning them to the left needle in turned position, then knitting them together
• Ssp (Slip, Slip, Purl): The purl equivalent of ssk, used when working decreases in purl sections

Materials and Tools

The capelet requires 5, 6, or 7 balls of yarn depending on size, while the cowl requires 2 balls. Both projects use Stacy Charles Fine Yarns "S LINE" BIOMERINO, a premium yarn composed of 100% extrafine organic wool. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with 120 yards (110 meters) of yardage, providing approximately 600 to 840 yards for the capelet and 240 yards for the cowl.

The circular needle requirements vary by project size and construction stage. The capelet uses a size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 29 inches (70cm) or longer, with additional 16-inch (40cm) and 20-inch (50cm) circular needles in the same size for managing stitches during construction. The cowl uses a 20-inch (50cm) circular needle for the in-the-round sections. All needles are size 7 (4.5mm) to achieve the specified gauge. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends during finishing.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in K2, P2 Ribbing. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in ribbed garments where the stretch and recovery of the fabric directly impact wearability. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, a critical step that ensures the finished capelet will meet the intended measurements across all three size options.

Finishing Techniques

The pattern includes standard finishing methods to complete the garments professionally. Pieces are blocked to measurements if necessary, a process that sets