Parisian Delight

You may remember these bloomers as Miss Bloomers Bifurcated Ensemble, but I'm excited to re-introduce them with gorgeous new photos, extended sizes, and a new name!  Meet Parisian Delight.

Photo © Kathy Cadigan 2013

I re-knit my sample in a currently-available yarn, Hazel Knits Entice, a merino/cashmere/nylon blend that is so perfectly luxurious.  As fun and flirty as these little bloomers are, they're also incredibly comfortable.  

Photo © Kathy Cadigan 2013

These are knit from the bottom-up with a sweet lace edging and eyelets for threading I-cord through and cinching just below the knee.  The length is easy to modify since the legs are worked in a simple and clean pinstripe ribbing pattern.  Just work them as long or short as you'd like!

Photo © Kathy Cadigan 2013

The waist is also cinched with a drawstring, and the seat is shaped using short rows for a perfect fit.  Aside from the I-cord lacings, finishing is very minimal - no seams, just a bit of Kitchener stitch and a few ends to weave in.

Photo © Kathy Cadigan 2013

I find knitted pants to be hilarious and quite silly, but the more I wear them, the more I love them for practical purposes.  My Kalaloch leggings are in regular circulation in my winter cycling wardrobe, and I have a silky pair of Zoe Beach Shorts that I lounge around the house in.  

Parisian Delight would work well for fall and winter cycling too - the lace is high enough on the leg not to get caught in the spokes, and the waist drawstring could be double knotted for extra security.  I think I'd make a pair out of something a little sturdier like Hazel Knits Artisan Sock if I wanted to add to the durability, but there's nothing quite like wearing cashmere on your bum.  

Photo © Kathy Cadigan 2013

I want to give a big thank you to Jessie Kwak for help with wardrobe - she painted those shoes!  She and her husband, Rob, also helped me procure that rad Torker bike for the photo shoot (not to mention she also modeled at this shoot and copy edited the pattern!  I think her talents know no bounds.)  

The model, Dianna Walla, was actually walking near the Ballard Locks in Seattle, but I couldn't help thinking she looked like she was taking a stroll in a Paris park.  Thanks to Kathy Cadigan too for more beautiful photos!

The pattern is now available on my website, Ravelry, Craftsy, and Patternfish.  If you have a yarn shop, you'll soon be able to get it in print too.  Keep an eye on my Stitch Sprouts page or feel free to send me or Stitch Sprouts an email if you have questions.

PATTERN INFO

Finished Measurements
Hip Circumference:
33.25 (37, 40.5, 44.25, 48, 51.75, 55.5, 59) in/84.5 (94, 103, 112.5, 122, 131.5, 141, 150) cm

Intended to be worn with 1-2 in/2.5-5 cm of ease measured at high hip; shown in size 37 in/94 cm on model with 1 in/2.5 cm of ease

Yarn 
905 (1110, 1420, 1725, 2145, 2565, 3080, 3505) yd/830 (1015, 1300, 1575, 1960, 2345, 2815, 3205) m fingering weight yarn

Shown in Hazel Knits Entice MCN (70% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 10% Nylon; 400yd/366m per 115g skein)
Color: Frost; 3 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) skeins

Gauge
Gauge measurement should be taken after blocking. 
26 sts/33 rows = 4 in/10 cm in Stockinette Stitch

Needles and Notions 
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

US #3/3.25 mm 16 in/40 cm circular needle
US #3/3.25 mm double pointed needles
US #4/3.5 mm 16 in/40 cm circular needle
US #4/3.5 mm 32 in/80 cm circular needle

place markers
tapestry needle

Skills
working lace from charted and/or written instructions, working in the round, short row shaping