The Traveler Shell

> [Do you enjoy Andrea’s patterns? Sign up for the DreaReneeKnits Newsletter to receive sneak peeks of new patterns, exclusive introductory discounts, video tutorials, and other things she knows you’ll love!!][1] **DETAILS** I wanted an easy-to-slip-on layer while traveling that was similar to the Traveler Hoodie, but easier to take on and off in small, confined spaces (hello planes). This is a drop shoulder, open cardi with big pockets. This cardigan is worked from the bottom up, seamlessly, except for the underarms. The shoulders are finished with an exposed seam using the 3 needle bind off. The collar & cuffs are picked up and knitted out from the body. The pockets are knit separately and sewn on once the cardigan is finished. **SIZES** 0 (1, 2, 3)(4, 5, 6)(7, 8, 9) #sizeinclusive **FINISHED CHEST CIRCUMFERENCE** 34 (38, 42, 46)(50, 54, 58)(62, 66, 70)” 86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 117)(127, 137, 147.5)(157.5, 167.5, 178) cm *Intended to be worn with approx. 10-6”/25.5-15 cm positive ease. Sample shown in size 2 with approx. 7”/18 cm positive ease on a 5’5”/165 cm tall woman.* **YARN REQUIREMENTS** *These are just approximations. Total yarn usage will depend on the yarn you use (fiber content, ply, etc.), your personal gauge, and any modifications you may make.* **Lace Weight Wool:** 140 (160, 172, 199)(212, 240, 253)(271, 297, 300) g 994 (1136, 1221, 1413)(1505, 1704, 1797)(1924, 2109, 2130) yds 909 (1038, 1116, 1292)(1376, 1558, 1642)(1759, 1928, 1947) m **held together with - Lace Weight Suri Alpaca:** 150 (173, 186, 215)(230, 250, 274)(294, 322, 338) g 984 (1135, 1220, 1410)(1509, 1640, 1798)(1929, 2112, 2217) yds 899 (1037, 1115, 1289)(1379, 1499, 1643)(1763, 1931, 2027) m **SUGGESTED YARN** *For this cardigan I chose to hold two unique yarns together, to create a dimensional fabric that has the strength of wool with the softness of Suri alpaca! I think you could sub in a single strand of fingering weight or sport yarn, just make sure to do a gauge swatch! I used La Bien Aimée Helix - a light and lofty Falkland/Gotland wool blend that is spun up into a light fingering/lace weight yarn that has a soft halo. This grey base is overdyed in rich colors, giving it a dreamy depth! I paired it with La Bien Aimée Kumo. If you know me, you know I have a weak spot for Suri alpaca yarns. This soft and fluffy yarn creates an amazing halo that I find more comfortable next to skin than some of its fuzzy brethren. Kumo adds a bright glow when held double with Helix that I find mesmerizing!* La Bien Aimée Helix 75% Falkland Merino/25% Gotland Wool Lace Weight Yarn (100 g/710 yds/650 m) - 2 (2, 2, 2)(3, 3, 3)(3, 3, 3) skeins in Lichen La Bien Aimée Kumo 74% Baby Suri/26% Mulberry Silk Lace Weight Yarn (50 g/328 yds/300 m) - 3 (4, 4, 5)(5, 5, 6)(6, 7, 7) skeins Seaglass **SUGGESTED NEEDLES** US 4/3.5 mm - 32-40”/80-100 cm circular (2 sets for 3 Needle BO) and preferred needles for small circumference knitting (such as Magic Loop or DPNs) US 2/2.75 mm - 32-40”/80-100 cm circular and preferred needles for small circumference knitting for cuffs. *(Use the needle size you need to achieve gauge, going down two US sizes for the ribbing.)* **NOTIONS** Stitch markers, row counter (recommended), tapestry needle, spare needle, stitch holders or waste yarn to hold stitches **GAUGE** 24 sts & 40 rnds = 4”/10 cm (using larger needle, with a strand of each yarn held together) **TECHNIQUES TO INDULGE IN** [Tubular Cast On][2] (Can sub in your preferred cast on method.) [Tubular Bind Off][3] (Can sub in your preferred bind off method.) Knitting Purling Working in the round Working flat [German Short Rows][4] [3 Needle Bind Off][5] Picking Up Stitches [Cable Cast On][6] [Backwards Loop Cast on][7] A very small amount of seaming under each underarm I-cord edging on the pockets [Kitchener Stitch (for the Tubular bind off)][8] **YARN SUBSTITUTION IDEAS** [Click here to be directed to a pdf with some yarn substitution ideas! These yarns have not all been tested, so we can not guarantee their outcome, but we do hope they provide a jumping off point for inspiration!][9] [1]: http://eepurl.com/diPxsr [2]: https://youtu.be/RbElPT1bCg8 [3]: https://tinyurl.com/lyk59rs [4]: https://youtu.be/QaeQ1b8jv-I [5]: https://youtu.be/GxS0CHERNfk [6]: https://youtu.be/M0EX-lpMY_0 [7]: https://youtu.be/dDfrvqQBGbE [8]: https://youtu.be/UNVNaKhxV4o [9]: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-R9KPXR2S69SsEMzerYzT3RB6oJM20sI/view?usp=sharing