8.16.2010

Shawl Collared Cowl



My latest pattern is now available!

larger cover shot framed

Get ready for Autumn with the Shawl Collared Cowl! A simple idea with an added twist.
I think that shawl collars are so flattering and they keep your neck very warm. Since a cowl's sole purpose is to keep your neck warm, I think its a wonderful pairing. It's both practical and attractive.

Also, I love buttons. And since this cowl only takes 3, its a perfect way for you to
show off some special buttons that you have been saving.

As you can see from the below photos, this piece can be worn a few different ways.
I think it looks wonderful under a jacket.

Cowl Main page framed

Or here is an example of the collar worn flipped out rather than folded down.

Shawl Collared Cowl 2 framed

This cowl is knit with bulky yarn and only takes a few evenings to finish.
I think it would make a great quick-to-knit gift!

Will Autumn come already so that I can wear mine?

Shawl Collared Cowl 4 framed

Here is some pattern information for those of you interested in making a
Shawl Collared Cowl of your very own:

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Length: approx 26.5 inches from end to end after blocking
Width: measures approx 10 inches at deepest point of center including unfolded collar.

MATERIALS
Misti Alpaca Chunky [100% Baby Alpaca; 108 yd/99m per 100g skein]; color: 683; 2 skeins or approx 175 yds of a chunky weight alpaca or alpaca blend.
1# US #8/5mm needle
1# US #9/5.5mm needle
Safety pin stitch marker
Tapestry needle
3 medium to large buttons and matching sewing thread

GAUGE
20 sts/32 rows = 4" in garter stitch on size 9 needles or size needed for accurate gauge.


This pattern calls for the use of short rows, which seems to be a technique that I am using more and more in my patterns. I just love them. Once you get the hang of them, they are very easy. The pattern contains detailed instructions for how to execute this technique.

One great thing is that the short rows all fall in the garter stitch section of the collar. So there is no need to pick up and knit your wraps later. That saves a lot of time.

This pattern was knit out of Misti Alpaca Chunky which if you haven't used before, is wonderful wonderful stuff! Its super soft and cushy and WARM. This color that is pictured is called Cimarron. I didn't plan this, but doesn't this color perfectly match the models eyes and hair? Wow, didn't that coordinate well!

Misti Alpaca also comes in a variety of lovely handpainted colors as well.
I think that the color Pride Rock (found here) is especially gorgeous for autumn!
I think that the cowl would look equally beautiful in a multicolored yarn because the stitches are simple so it wouldn't be too overwhelming.

Shawl Collared Cowl Closeup framed

Thank you again to Julie Crawford from www.knittedbliss.com for doing such an awesome job on modeling this cowl for me!

Here is a picture of the pattern layout. As you can see, I am ready for Fall! :)

This pattern is now available in French. Click here for the French translation.





40 comments:

9crafty11 said...

What a beautiful photo shoot you've done! I love the look of the cowl so much, I've gone and bought as well!

Maryse said...

I do agree that Julie is the perfect model for this cowl! Not only do we all love her and her blog, but the pictures with this cowl and her hair color were simply meant to be! I love the part when you say that this cowl is perfect to show some special buttons. Beautiful and very versatile! Congratulations!

paws said...

I think my mom would love this. Those are beautiful photos, as always.

Chasity said...

this is so awesome -- I just ordered the pattern

Unknown said...

Very beautiful model and cowl. Wonderful pics.

Sway Knits said...

Now I know what to do with stray chunky alpaca hanks that wander this way. :-)

thewalshfam said...

I can't wait to knit this! I can't wait for fall weather :o) Beautiful pattern!

Anonymous said...

that is GORGEOUS. seriously, it's going to be a hit!!! great job!

Jane Richmond said...

I love this Alana, it's gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I just orderd the pattern. I will knit it with my own handspun alpaca-wool-silk blend. I am looking forward to the knitting!
greetings from Switzerland!

Aesderina said...

love the pattern and Julie looks amazing!!

ZuzanaK said...

Love the new design and the pictures!!
Can't wait for sunny, warm autumn days either. Not so keen on the rainy ones :-)

Ibunnysavetroy said...

queueing it! I have so many neckwarmers so I might have to give it away but lovely pattern! Julie is a great model!

Knit Purl Gurl said...

Gorgeous!

Denise said...

Saw this on Knitted Bliss, gorgeous photos... it's going straight to my favs on Ravelry, hope I can knit some Christmas gifts once i get the alpaca. Beautiful pattern.

Anonymous said...

What a great knit! I just got my copy of the pattern and I'm about to start digging through the handspun bin to find the yarn! :)

Dawn said...

Fabulous pattern! Love it!

Jessica said...

Stunning!!

Michelle B said...

OH that is lovely!

knitbot said...

Congratulations, Alana, beautiful pattern

kjramstack said...

Gorgeous photos! That color is perfect on her.

Anne said...

WOW!! Just bought it - and gonna make it before autumn arrives :o)

Emma said...

What a lovely pattern, and yummy yarn! It's going on my list of things to make! :D

Poethead said...

Oh, I love this cowl, the yarn, and the photography is great! Lovely model too! Well done!

Laura said...

Absolutely stunning. Really beautiful. I hope to make this soon!

Erin said...

That's lovely and it looks super great on your model! What a great project for Fall.

Knit'inCrazee.... said...

What a gorgeous pattern.. I can harldy wait to knit this...

The Studes said...

this shawl cowl looks so snuggly even though it's only for the neck.. I love it! awesome job alana~!

Unknown said...

Just a quick note to let folks know that Jimmy Beans Wool will be knitting up a version of this in the new JBW exclusive Landscape colors. Here's the link to them when they go on sale soon!
Landscape Collection

Carol E. in AZ said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Renee said...

Absolutely love, love, love this cowl!!!!!

rellyruffek said...

I listed to your podcast today and couldn't wait to get to a computer to check out your Shawl Collared Cowl! It's beautiful!!!

PS Welcome back - I missed listening to you. :-)

Lisa said...

Lovely cowl! The model is just beautiful. Amazingly lovely.

sally campbell said...

I want to make one of these babies! Or maybe Three! Great gift idea too.

sally campbell said...

I want to make one of these babies! Or Three. Great gift idea.
Sally C.

sally campbell said...

I want to knit one of these babies! Or Three!

Di Schray said...

Put my first one on my Santa Cookie Jar for a pic :)

"Meemers" in Ravelry.com

Di Schray said...

Just finished my second of three of this pattern. i used a brushed alpaca. While being incredibly luscious and soft the yarns could have been of a little firmer variety for this pattern. I love the copper and black button that I found at JoAnn's to go with this. I soooo love this pattern. :)

Yiota said...

I just love it!

Sammantha said...

This is beautiful! I was wondering if there was a similar yarn (one more readily available) that would be comparable to use. Also, what level of skill is required for this. I'm pretty good on picking stuff up, but i don't want to start something i won't know how to finish.