Loopine Ranunculus KAL
Earlier this year, a few of us started a low-key Ranunculus KAL. Some of us have already finished and are thinking about casting another version. So we thought we'd take this opportunity to invite all of you to join our #loopineranunculuskal on instagram!
So what is a Ranunculus?
I am glad you asked. Ranculus is a pattern by Japanese designer Midori Hirose, published in 2017. Although it's been out for six years already, I have never seen it fall off the first page of the "Hot right now" on Ravelry. It has more than 18.2 thousand projects posted on Ravelry!
Most people who make one usually end up making a couple, and here is why:
- It is knitted on 6mm needles: this project will just fly off your needles, taking no time at all.
- Using a surprisingly small amount of yarn: the short-sleeve version in the smallest size (which has 117cm bust circumference, so it's not a tiny garment by any means) only takes 370m of yarn!
- Versatility: you can use any yarn from lace to worsted weight. Using different yarns and following different variations (short-sleeve, long-sleeve, short-rows, no short-rows etc) of this pattern means that you'll end up with vastly different garments!
Alanna has already knit 5 versions, and they are all completely different! One of them only took her 3 days to knit :)
Here are some ideas of what Ranunculus in different yarns look like.
Just one Strand
I knitted my first Ranunculus with just one strand of a light-fingering weight yarn. I dropped down to a 5.00mm needle to make the top a bit smaller. Cardiff Cashmere Small, being 100% cashmere, is not a cheap yarn. But you can knit the short-sleeve version with just three balls (for sizes up to 146cm bust, and four balls for sizes up to 180cm bust)!
If you want a summer version, the Rosarios4 Principe Real with linen, cotton, and silk creates a nice drapey fabric that works well in the heat.
Light Versions
Yes! you can knit it with just one strand of mohair! Look at this beautiful version Alanna made to wear over her bridesmaid dress!
If you want a slightly more opaque version, try a strand of Brushed Suri Silk!
Mix and Match
How can we forget about the classic strand-it-with-mohair combo. Sesia Mistral - 100% Merino and Sesia Vivienne - Silk mohair have beautiful matches in the two bases. Though using slightly different colours of main yarn and mohair also creates a beautiful heathered look.
We get asked so much about this Ranunculus that hangs in our store! People are always surprised by how the two yarns look held together: Malabrigo Mechita and HappyGoKnitty Karoo, are so different in colour, but the fluffy texture of the mohair helps to blend them together. Don't be afraid to mix colours! Trust that the Yarn God has your back (but maybe swatch just in case).
Look at how cool Wiebke's faded stripe Ranunculus looks! Stripe some mini skeins from the Yarnfloozy Staple Mini Set to create a rainbow Ranunculus!
I also found this interesting marriage of Rowan Felted Tweed + a 2ply silky yarn.
The felted tweed brings character and depth, while the silk (like Yarnfloozy Mohair Silk) provides shine.
The felted tweed brings character and depth, while the silk (like Yarnfloozy Mohair Silk) provides shine.
Cast on your version of the Ranunculus and tag us at #loopineranunculuskal on instagram!
With love,
Alex and the Loopine Team
Alex and the Loopine Team
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