Took me 2 hours; great for Giftmas!
Divine in the "lavender" shade (fairly new), and Brilliant in the same color, two strands held together. on 17s. The sparkle is subtle and the fluff of the Divine covers the little bit of scratchiness that Brilliant's metallic glitter has.
It's Mesh Stitch, only slightly different (as I realized when working a swatch to remember what I'd done). Mesh stitch is done with an odd number of stitches cast on. It's K1, *YO, K2tg*, except I knit into the back of the stitch. I'm not sure what the usual way looks like, I like doing it that way because it's easier for me 'cause it's a thinner knit, it's faster, and I think the little bit of "twist" looks good.
This one was made with nine stitches. I recommend 9 stitches or higher, I did a lovely super-long one for my beau in 7 stitches but the drape isn't as nice.
Cast on 9, and then the first row was:
Knit 1 into the back of the stitch.
*Yarn over.
Knit next 2 stitches together, in the back of the stitch.*
Repeat 'til end of row.
The next row is the same, with the YO and the k2tg repeated. This time you'll be knitting together a YO and a knit stitch.
Voila. Once you do like four rows, you have it memorized and it goes from there. I did this one during a class while we were watching a movie, so.. in the dark. Whee. (though the first time I started it, I was doing it during Rocky Horror and I messed up.. I blame the flying popcorn)
Here's the warning: It is almost impossible to pick the stitches back up if you drop one or mess up. I discovered that when I had to frog the entire thing and start over. So either use lifelines or plan on doing it in one sitting, when you're supposed to be paying attention to something. ;-) I counted my stitches every row the second time in total paranoia.
Also note: Brilliant makes terrible fringe unless you put little knots in the end of each strand, because it unravels. Divine is great for fringe, it's very tightly spun.
Happy Knitting!
