Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Pattern Love: Six Cowls

The cowl obsession started several years ago for many knitters, but I have to admit it didn't hit me until pretty recently.  They're a nice fast project, the gauge doesn't matter a huge amount, and they can be knit in a variety of different yarns.  Even though it's the middle of summer right now, fall is right around the corner, and cowls are a great way to add a little bit of warmth to an outfit.

These are a few of my favorites from Ravelry!

old shale smoke ring

1.  Old Shale Smoke Ring by Cosette Cornelius-Bates.  Free pattern on Ravelry.
Fingering weight, est. ~200-400 yards, depending on length

This is a very classic look.  I like the way Old Shale/Feather & Fan looks in a softly variegated yarn, and I think a fingering handspun would really shine in this cowl.

Shallows_Full_1

2.  Shallows by Bonnie Sennott.  $5 US, available on Ravelry.
Fingering weight, ~350 yards

I am mad, deep love with this cowl.  I would probably leave off the beads, but I love the little strips of lace interspersed with the stockinette - just enough to keep things interesting!  Classy and beautiful.

IMG_0547

3.  Wright, by Beth Kling.  $5.50 US, available on Ravelry.
Fingering weight, ~390-400 yards

I love the airy feeling of this cowl.  It has the visual appeal of a full lace shawl to me, but with the compact warmth of a cowl.


4.  Downton Cowl by Shannon Cook.  $4.95 US, available on Ravelry.
DK weight, ~225 yards

This cowl takes just one skein of Tosh DK, so it's a great way to use up a special single skein!  I like the simple lace pattern, and I love the color she used.


5.  Ceramic Flowers, by Mademoiselle C.  $5 US, available on Ravelry.
Worsted weight, est. ~375-450 yards

This cowl - while knit in worsted weight - has a lovely refined quality to it.  It would probably take more than one skein of yarn, but it would be totally worth it.


6.  Horseshoe Fern Neckwarmer, by Sue Grandfield.  Free pattern on Ravelry.
Worsted weight, ~175-200 yards.

Another very simple but effective cowl with a basic stitch pattern.  I think this would be a great way to use up a skein of Malabrigo Worsted, Manos Del Uruguay Wool Clasica or Maxima, or Madelinetosh Tosh Merino.  A single-ply yarn lends a slightly blurry softness to the stitches, perfect for smooshing your face into!

All pattern photos copyright to their designers.

3 comments:

kate said...

I've never seen the Shallows pattern before, and it's very lovely. My favorite cowl right now is Brooklet, which is a Cecily Glowik MacDonald pattern. Two color, lace, reversible.

Cory Ellen Boberg said...

Ooh, that is a beautiful pattern! There would be all sorts of possibilities for color combinations, and it's probably nice and warm too..

ZanneQ said...

I love so many of the cowls you posted. I am working on Madelinetosh Bauhaus right now and it has increased my cowl passion triple fold. They are so easy to make and so versatile to wear. Thanks for sharing your pics! (and I'd happily do a KAL for most of these if you are interested)