Shawl Collared Cowl

My latest pattern is now available!

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.

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

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?

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.

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.