Murasaki Akai by Vicki Square

Murasaki Akai

Knitting
November 2010
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
18 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches
in garter stitch on larger needles
US 7 - 4.5 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
2365 yards (2163 m)
49" (124.5 cm) in circumference— 46½" (118 cm) garment plus a 2½" (6.5 cm) gap at center front— and 24" (61 cm) in length
English
This pattern is available in print for $6.50.

Interweave SKU: EP9748

Finished Size: About 49” (124.5 cm) in circumference-46½“ (118 cm) garment plus a 2½” (6.5 cm) gap at center front-and 24” (61 cm) in length.

Yarn Weight: #4 - Medium

Needles: Body and sleeves: size U.S. 7 (4.5 mm): two 24” (60 cm) circular (cir) and one double-pointed (dpn). Bobbles: size U.S. 6 (4 mm): set of 2 dpn.

Notions: Stitch holders; removable markers; size H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook; tapestry needle.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 36 rows (18 garter ridges) = 4” (10 cm) in garter stitch on larger needle; 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in reverse stockinette stitch on larger needle.

Purple and red is a royal color combination. For this kimono, I used a range of murasaki purples, from usuki (pale violet) to fugi (wisteria) to ebi (red violet) to koki (deep violet). The front and back panels feature garter-stitch short-rows that create triangles and rectangles in a bold graphic. Th e center back panel is attached to the side back panels as it is knitted. Akai (true red) bobbles are added at the end.

Light cotton unlined kimono are typically worn in the summer months; the matte cotton I used for this design is comfortable for all seasons. Colors for kimono, layering, and for surface decoration vary with the season and the month within the season. A traditional school of Japanese etiquette lists lavender and burgundy as the color scheme for September. Th is kimono not only fi ts with tradition, it is also contemporary in its presentation and wearability.