It’s been so warm and summery here in Toronto that it really doesn’t feel right to be modelling knits! I can imagine though, that once the summer is over this will make quite a cozy cowl. It’s a simple, infinity-style knit with dropped stitches forming ladders at either edge.

Destroyed Cowl is a free download by Martha Merzig (Ravelry link) and takes just one skein of worsted-weight yarn. I used Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Pearl. Love it, but I’m giving it up!

[Photos courtesy of Chris]

[Ravelled]

As promised, here is the pattern for the Sag(ittarius)  Snood/ Cowl! I made the snood version for Chris’ birthday, which just so happens to be tomorrow! It’s super bulky and super warm, just in time for winter. I love the texture of double seed stitch, especially in a bulky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun. Whether you make the snood or cowl version, you’ll be able to tuck right in once the snow starts falling.

Finished Measurements

Cowl: 32 inch (81 cm) circumference and 8 inches (20 cm) high (fully extended)

Snood: 32 inch (81 cm) circumference and 23 inches (58 cm) high (fully extended)

Yarn

Brown Sheep Burly Spun (100% wool; 132 yards/ 121 metres)

Cowl: 1 skein of  Sable (BS07)

Snood: 3 skeins of Deep Charcoal (BS06)

Needles

US 15 (10.0 mm)/ 20 inch (50 cm)  circular needle, or size to achieve gauge

Notions

stitch marker

tapestry needle

measuring tape

Gauge

10 sts in 4 inches (10 cm) of stockinette stitch

Pattern Stitch

Double Seed Stitch in the round

Round 1: * P2, k2; rep from*.

Round 2: same as round 1

Round 3: * K2, p2; rep from*.

Round 4: same as round 3

Repeat these 4 rounds for pattern stitch.

Directions

Cast on 80 sts (I used the cable cast on method)

Work pattern stitch until piece measures 8 inches (20 cm) from the cast on edge for cowl, 23 inches (58 cm) for snood (or desired length)

Bind off (I used the chain bind off method)

Brave the weather!

I’ll be sharing the pattern for this cowl in the next couple of weeks. As soon as I’m finished the snood version! This abbreviated version is a super bulky, textured cowl – perfect for the winter to come. I used exactly one skein of Brown Sheep Burly Spun. It’s a warm one and just the right size to tuck your face in as you’re braving the snow!

[Photos courtesy of Chris]

The Looped Loop by Kirsten Johnstone is a simple, sculptural variation on the cowl. It’s knit in a ribbed stitch pattern and grafted together at the end with a full twist to the fabric.  So it’s technically not a Möbius but a loop upon loop when worn. The pattern is available as a free download on Ravelry (membership required). I used Rowan RYC Cashsoft so it is very soft indeed.

[Ravelled]

Last week’s post got me to thinking about more stash-busting projects. Patterns that would make great holiday knitting with the added bonus of using up small amounts of yarn. I took a trip through ravelry and came back with these great patterns.  Some of them old favourites, some of them new (at least to me!):

Fetching (L, courtesy of Knitty) and Emerald Fingerless Mittens

Fingerless Mitts

CanCans by Erica Lomax

Upp by Védís Jónsdóttir (from Einband, available from Schoolhouse Press)

Fetching and Dashing by Cheryl Niamath

Purl Beret (L, courtesy of the purl bee) and #24 Lace Beret (courtesy of Vogue Knitting, Holiday 2009)

Hats

#24 Lace Beret by Kate Gagnon Osborn

Purl Beret by The Purl Bee

Ripley by Ysolda Teague

Herringbone Cowl (courtesy of Lauren Osborne, Hungry Knitter)

Cowls

Herringbone Cowl by Lauren Osborne

sev[en]circle by Kirsten Johnstone (free ravelry download, login required)

Cabled Cowl by by Olga Buraya-Kefelian

mara (courtesy of madelinetosh)

Shawls and Other Shoulder Warmers

DROPS 108-53 by DROPS design

shadow[]box by Alison Brookbanks

mara by Madelinetosh

Otto (actually, I like to call her Churchill)

Toys

Otto by Ysolda Teague (or any of Ysolda’s toy patterns, really)

Pile-able Pups by Anna Hrachovec

Rotary Dial Telephone by Katie Park

My bear knit for the Mother Bear Project

Charity Knitting

Good for stash-busting anytime of year, but especially now in colder climates like mine…

afghans for Afghans sends handknit and crocheted blankets, sweaters, vests, hats, mittens and socks to the people of Afghanistan.

Blankets for Canada creates blankets for Canadians in need.

Mother Bear Project sends handknit or crocheted bears to children affected by HIV/AIDS.

I picked up some beautiful 50/50 silk and merino wool from Romni Wools – Palace by Berroco in Shanghai Blue. It took two balls to make this neck warmer and it’s long enough to wear as a hood as well.

The pattern is from Knit 2 Together. Knit in a feather-and-fan lace stitch, it’s a really classic looking piece that comes together really quickly. I love the look of lace knit in a chunkier wool. Feminine and cozy!

My little sister came to visit for Thanksgiving. Yay! In honour of her visit I knit her up the La-La-Love-You Cowl by Sandra Park. We picked up a skein of Manos del Uruguay in Stellar (110) at The Knit Cafe. It took a little less than a skein to make the cowl. It’s hard to tell from this picture, but it’s a pretty heart lace pattern.

I bought the lion brooch awhile ago from HeliS’s Etsy shop. Very cute and even cuter with this cowl!