Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Holy Cowl!

When I first started to knit, I made a lot of scarves with simple constructions and simple pattern repeats.  Instead of wearing them like a scarf draped around my neck, I would always wrap it in a circle around my neck like a cowl.  I even wear my shawls like a cowl.  That started my love affair for cowls.  Since September, I have finished two cowls and a shawl, I have one cowl on the needles, and one cowl design in progress.  It is better than wearing a necklace because they keep you warm, and help to finish any outfit.  Even better, they take minimal amount of yarn for a small neck warmer.

Here is one of my recent creations that I am entering in Celebrate Color contest.

The Chalet Brioche Cowl by Melinda VerMeer
It is a fast cowl and a very satisfying knit created with the Brioche stitch which I have never done.  I used Malabrigo Chunky yarn, which created a fabulously soft and squishy fabric.   I made a slight modification to create a more tapered shape so the cowl would sit tighter at my neck.  I simply changed my needle size to US 10 at the top ribbing, size 10-1/2 for half of the body, and size 11 for the remainder of the body.  I also love the color Polar Morn because it is very soothing and makes me think of the cooler months to come, and well, it matches my eyes.