Blue Skies is a small shrug that will provide a bit of warmth on a summer evening or on cooler days. It can be worn open or with the front edges pinned up for additional coverage.

Size: The size is suitable for a size 40 (M-L) but can be easily customized.
Width across back: 14.5”
Armhole depth: 7.5”
height 19.5” (blocked)
Brief instructions for resizing are included in the pattern.

Yarn:
Heavy fingering to light DK weight, 600 - 700 yd, 7 - 8 oz (560 - 600m, 200 - 250 g)
Blue sample is knit in Blue Sky Alpaca – Alpaca Silk - (50% Alpaca / 50% Silk), 146 yards / 1.76 oz (134 meters / 50g), 4 skeins.
The shrug can be knit with finer or thicker yarns – however the size will change accordingly.
I recommend choosing a yarn with some silk, Tencel, bamboo, or alpaca content to obtain a drapey fabric.

Needle: US 4 – 3.5 mm circular or straight needle(s), or needle size to match your yarn

Notions: 2 stitch markers

Gauge: 17 sts – 22 rows / 4” (10cm) stockinette, blocked.

Construction notes:

• The shrug is trapezoid shaped. It begins with a provisional crochet chain cast-on down the center back. Each side is then knitted outward using short row shaping to achieve the longer lower edge.
• Short rows are also used to balance out the deformation at the center back created by the feather and fan pattern along the sides.
• Since I dislike picking up sts, the armhole opening is done with putting sts on waste yarn and a provisional cast on. I have therefore provided instructions on how to get all sts back on the needle for the ribbed finishing.

The pattern has been tested. My thanks goes especially to embroiderybee who provided great input!