Maude

I’m going to “age myself” here, but while I was designing this airy summer cardi, I kept saying, “I don’t want it to look like Maude” For those of you who don’t know Maude, it as was a mid-70’s TV show; the character Maude (Bea Arthur) wore semi-funky dusters, bell bottoms, and a lot of polyester. Now I still kinda want to be a Charlie’s Angel, not a Golden Girl, so design concept was crucial! I ended up calling it Maude only in reference, but now it’s official, I’ve named her Maude, in honor of, well, Maude! The character Maude on TV was gutsy, outspoken and funny. My Maude is retro 70’s for sure, that’s the look I was going for, with a bit of sass! (I’m copying Pyo at http://crocheted.blogspot.com/ she’s started my new favorite word – sassy!)

I’m not sure how I’ll distribute the pattern yet, but it’s so easy, it’s gotta be a “freebie”. This is definitely easy enough for beginners; super simple stitches, the shaping is not complicated at all, and gauge is not too important. The sleeves are ¾ length with a wide bell, totally funky in my book. The body is hip length (but could be made duster length) and the closure is a single tie around the bust, which also creates a keyhole neckline.

I’m just channeling my inner Maude…life is good.