Project Specs
Pattern: Crofter's Cowl
Pattern Source: A free download from Gudrun Johnston's Ravelry Store
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Lettuce, 45g (97 yards)
Needles: US 8 Denise circular needles
Date Started: 8/20/08 @ 2:30 PM
Date Finished: 8/21/08 @ 8:35 PM
Size: 9.25" x 7"
See it on Ravelry
I can't believe that I haven't gotten around to posting all my Ravelympic FO's yet! I'm such a slacker. I'm not really sure why I put off blogging about this cowl for so long. I really like it and have had some fun wearing it around before packing it away with all of my other Christmas knits. :) Chalk it up to pure and simple laziness I guess!
There are so many nice things to be said about this pattern. First off, it's free and simple. The lace pattern is all charted, and is probably one of the easiest charts you'll ever see, perfect for first time lace knitters. Also, since it is worked in worsted weight yarn, the stitches are really easy to read and keep track of. I also love that the recommended yarn is Malabrigo which, in my opinion, is the ultimate yarn for cowls. It's so soft and blocks amazingly well (I didn't have to pin it out to get good The dimensions of the cowl can easily be modified by working extra repeats to make it longer, or casting on extra stitches to make it looser fitting around the neck. I cast on 10 extra stitches, for a total of 90 and I'm really glad. I think if I had cast on only 80 stitches it would have turned out a bit too tight for my tastes, and even 90 stitches makes a cowl that is not very lose fitting (for me at least). If I were to knit this pattern again, I'd experiment by casting on 100 stitches to see how that feels, even though I'm happy with the fit of the one I made.
The most time consuming part of this pattern is probably the grafting, but after knitting all of those Hansigurumi patterns I'm totally used to it by now. One thing you might want to be aware of though is lining up the stitch pattern from the two halves. I first started grafting without thinking of that, and the top and bottom halves were offset by one stitch so I ended up ripping it all out and redoing it. It is a simple fix, all you have to do is slip the first stitch of the first half (not the half with the long tail left for grafting) to the right hand needle, then start kitchenering with the new first stitch on the left hand needle.
I'd recommend this pattern to anyone who is looking for a quick gift idea, or you could probably even start knitting one in the morning and have it finished in time for a night out (without blocking of course)! This pattern would also make a cute kids cowl since it is so easily modified. I've never worn a cowl before, but I can definitely see why they're all the rage right now. They're not bulky or heavy like scarves can be, and provide all the protection you'll need around your neck and face need on chilly days. I've already been thinking about some different cowl designs I'd like to create myself!
Comments
Gorgeous knitting, and amazing photography. I think that I might have to cast-on for this sometime soon.
This blog is truly gorgeous! A real inspiration!
Thanks for the great pattern. I made a hat for a friend's birthday present but was hating the scarf. She is so much more a cowl kind of girl.
I really love this crofter, and the yarn you have used is divine. I have found your blog through the myriad of mushrooms pattern on Ravelry... you have a lovely blog and I really enjoy the way nature inspires your projects, like this beautiful crofter. I might have to make one of my own now!
You'll have to pardon - this is my second comment, I just wanted to let you know that was so enchanted by this cowl that I ordered two skeins of the Malabrigo (I plan to make 1 for a friend). Thank you for sharing such a beautiful project.
Simply amazing...
I love this pattern on the cowl. It turned out beautifully.
Thank you for sharing.
Thats lovely. I really like that pattern but am a little put off my the grafting (ugh). Yours is so lovely its making me rethink...
The color is wonderful and I like the way it looks. I always want something to easily pull over the face and it looks like the cowl is the answer. Much easier than a scarf. I have some mohair I've been wondering what to do in a beautiful green. Would it work in mohair?
The color is so gorgeous and is sure to brighten anyone's day especially when the days turn colder. The design appeals to the romantic in me.
Love it in the lettuce Malabrigo!
It looks beautiful. The color is amazing. Sometimes I think picking out the color is half of the knitting.
I've had this in my queue but have avoided casting on because of the grafting. Do you think this could be knit in the round?
So cute! I love cowls...and Malabrigo, of course. Must get started on at least one cowl for winter over here.
Oooh, that looks so cozy! I love the color.
Well this is a very timely post because I'm on a major Malabrigo kick at the moment, and I have that very color way!!
I am so glad you posted this one. I love it! I've been looking for a nice easy cowl pattern but one that's pretty as well. This is it!!! Thanks so much.
Heading off to grab the pattern now.
Oh...love that color! Wish my Malabrigo was Lettuce. :(
Hugs!
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