Bell Pepper Poncho

**Welcome!** The bell pepper poncho was designed as a layering piece for a cool summer evening. Think: the end of a long day at the beach, an evening at an outdoor theater, or simply for when you’d like a little more coverage over your tank top. The pattern in the lace reminded me of the inside of a bell pepper that’s been cut open, and I’ve chosen to knit my sample in a vibrant vegetal red-orange. **Skill Level:** Confident beginner. Requires standard decreases and yarn-overs, but no cabling. Simple repeat, both written and charted. **Construction:** The Bell Pepper Poncho has a unique angled seam, which allows more freedom of movement for the wearer and more ways of styling. The seam is created with regular decreases — no complicated shaping! **Pattern:** The lace texture has a short repeat. It is easy to memorize and is great for semi-mindless knitting on the go. The pictured sample was knitted primarily while on the NYC subway system. The pattern is both written and charted. Some familiarity with lace knitting is helpful, but not required. The document is designed to be printer friendly, with large easy-to-read charts. A construction diagram is provided to show seaming. **Sizes:** The Bell Pepper Poncho will fit a wide variety of bodies. The pattern includes two sizes: an XS-M, and an L-XXL. **Yarn Choice:** For the sample, I used Noro Sonata in the color Chili. It is a heavy fingering/sport weight yarn with a slightly thick-thin effect. The yarn is a cotton/viscose/silk/nylon blend. I would recommend a yarn with some silk, viscose, or rayon content for drape. Yarns with a solid or very mildly tonal color palette will best allow the lace pattern to shine. Both sizes can be knit with 200 grams (2 skeins) of yarn. **Tools:** 5 mm - US 8 24” circular needles, or comparable straight needles. For seam: Either a tapestry needle or a 4.5 mm crochet hook.