Rugged Knits Pattern Highlight: Lilac Sky

Now that Rugged Knits is out in the world, I've been highlighting each one of the patterns so you can get a closer look at what makes them special. I've covered a couple sweaters and my Boreal Toque so far, and this week, I'm going to share Lilac Sky, a simple but stunning loop scarf.

CONSTRUCTION

Worked in the round - no seams and very little finishing required!
The wide borders on top and bottom are a variation of the center stitch pattern.

FIT

The loop has a circumference of 44.5 in/113 cm and it's 16 in/40.5 cm deep, so it's long enough to double it up in chilly weather, but it looks beautiful and elegant just tossed on.

YARN

Malabrigo Lace is such a unique yarn. (100% merino wool, 470 yd 430 m/50 g)

It's a very lightweight singles, but it's spun tightly so there's no danger of it coming apart while you work.
It creates a fabric that has an extremely cohesive, velvety feel that's so light it floats and drapes at the same time.
Because the yarn is so soft and delicate (and partly due to the singles construction), the finished fabric can tend to fuzz a bit, but scarves don't receive much abrasion, so I don't find this to be a problem. And I just love the fabric so much that I can't bring myself to be bothered much by that. This is one of my most-worn scarves and it still looks great.

TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTING

If you choose a plied yarn, keep in mind that it will probably create a fabric that's less cohesive, though it might also be less likely to pill.
To maintain the clarity of the textured stitch pattern, avoid yarns with fibres like alpaca or mohair that have a lot of texture or halo. If you like that softer, more muted look, though, an alpaca blend lace weight could have a gorgeous drape.
To transform this into a summer essential, work it up in Anzula Breeze. (65% Silk, 35% Linen; 750 yd/686 m per 114g skein)
For a made-in-the-USA option, try Quince and Co. Piper (50% Texas super kid mohair, 50% Texas superfine merino; 305 yd/279 m per 50g skein) or Brooklyn Tweed Plains (100% Rambouillet; 440 yd/402 m per 50g skein)

MY FAVORITE DETAIL

The surprisingly soft and light textured fabric.

GENERAL TIPS

The row gauge in the textured drop stitch pattern is very dense, so this isn't a quick project, but it's very easy to memorize making it great for knit night or traveling. Also, did you notice the affordable price of Malabrigo Lace? You can make this scarf for under $30!

Be sure to use the hashtags #RuggedKnits #Lilacsky, and #AndreaRangelKnits when you post pics of your Lilac Sky projects!

PATTERN DETAILS

Finished Size

About 44.5 in (113 cm) in circumference and 16 in (40.5 cm) long

Yarn

1344 yd (1229 m) laceweight (#0 Lace).

Shown here: Malabrigo Lace (100% merino wool, 470 yd 430 m/50 g): color #52 Paris Night, 3 skeins.

Needles

Size U.S. 3 (3.25 mm): 40” (100 cm) circular (cir).

Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions

Markers (m); tapestry needle.

Gauge

24.5 sts and 79 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) over Dropped St Stockinette pattern