Imagine That!

A shrug?  It's a little known fact- okay, unknown until now- that I do not care for shrugs.  Fact of the matter is, my boobs get cold faster than my arms/shoulders and shrugs do nothing to make me comfortable.  I've also not been able to find a flattering shrug pattern until now.
Enter the Textured Circle Shrug by Stefanie Japel.  It's a free pattern on the Lion Brand site, but you need to sign up to access the pattern (membership is also free).



This is: Kelli
Also Known As: Kellibug

Needle:mm

Yarn: Di Ve 

Size: Large

Kelli's shrug illustrates two important points:

1. OMG- how good does turquoise look with red hair?

2. The TCS is one pattern that allows you to play with scale. 

While Kelli knit hers in a larger size and looser fit, you'll see other TCSs knit with a very tight fit and they look just as nice.  It's not often you can take such liberties with one basic shape.

This is: JunDai
Also known as: jundai

Needle:

US 5 - 3.75 mm

US 3 - 3.25 mm

Yarn:  Garnstudio DROPS Karisma Superwash

Size: small
JunDai describes her modifications on her Ravelry Project page, but basically, she just knit fewer repeats all around.  I love how her collar and sleeves have a slight ruffled effect.  Plus, the collar comes to a point right at the bust line.  This has the same look as a deep-v, cinching the waist and putting the focus on the face.



This is: Riki
Also known as:  Rikihall
Needles: mm
I think the photo is actually of Riki's mom and her friend Janice, but I could be wrong.  Either way, these beautiful ladies are modeling two different ways to wear the collar of the TCS.  Mom's collar is worn wider on the shoulders, with a shorter "v" effect, and Janice's (?) collar is pulled up tighter around her neck.  Both collars end up hitting the models right at/ below the bust line giving an hourglass illusion.  Bonus: I always love when patterns can be work by women of varying ages as well as shapes and sizes.  I think agelessness is a sign of a true classic, like a little black dress or trench coat.






This is: Mary
Also known as: MaryD

Needle:

US 6 - 4.0 mm

US 8 - 5.0 mm

Yarn:  Noro Cash Iroha

You guys know I can't resist a good maternity photo.  When pregnant, it is a small luxury to be able to wear real clothes as much as possible.  Maternity clothes are not real clothes.  The hourglass shape in the front of the TSC, also helps to slim even the biggest baby bump. (Mary's is a very reasonable baby bump.)








This is: Ann
Also known as: roocmc

Needle:

US 6 - 4.0 mm

US 4 - 3.5 mm

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease

Size: 40-42
Beautiful color!  Also, notice how Ann knit hers a little tighter, but it doesn't look "tight."  Stefanie Japel is always good at fitting, she even wrote a book about it.  With the TCS, you get to decide how you want to wear it- loose and comfy, or snug and sexy.








This is: Heather (What? No blog?)
Also known as: heatherxxll

Needle: US 6 - 4.0 mm

Yarn: Berroco Comfort

Size: small
I haven't seen the TCS knit in a lighter yarn.  Seems to me all the structure in the patten would beef up a slinky yarn.  Heather, here, shows us another great feature of the TCS.  Knit in a heavier yarn, this shrug is great for fending off the fickle office air conditioners. (Mine breaks down at least twice a week during the summer, which extra sucks when you realize I'm in an attic office.)

This is: Sarah (Another blogless wonder!)
Also known as: carexnigra

Needle:

US 6 - 4.0 mm

US 2½ - 3.0 mm

Yarn: Sublime Yarns Extra Fine Merino Wool DK

Size: M
I absolutely love the moss stitch modification in this project.  While the textured stripe looks great in all the other projects, I think if I ever knit this- I'd go with the moss stitch. Again, this is a tighter fit, and the dk yarn makes the shape that much sleeker.

This is: FranciaB

Needle: 

US 8 - 5.0 mm

US 9 - 5.5 mm

Yarn:  Knit Picks Comfy Worsted

This is another looser fit. It looks super warm and comfy (maybe the yarn is sending me a subliminal message.)  I also love the red, and the collar seems more substantial than the other projects featured here. Notice, though, how the eye goes straight to the collar and shirt beneath.  The shape makes you ignore the sides of the TCS, which is like instant liposuction without all the bruising!

In Conclusion:  This shrug has all the makings of a classic.  Versatility is sizing, shape, and fit- check.  Amenable to modification- check. V-neckline and hourglass shape-check.  Covers the girls- check (essential in my book.) Ageless- check. Super-flattering-check.

Speak up:  How do you like this pattern?  Would you wear the finished garment?  Textured stripes or moss stitch?  Have you tried another modification?  How do you accessorize shrugs when you wear them?  Any other shrug patterns you would recommend?