Completion

November 19, 2008 | wfuteach

There’s something freeing about getting a project you’ve been working on off of the needles. You worked, you finished, it’s done. It isn’t like that with much of my life–there is always more laundry, more dishes, more books to read with the girls, and more toys to play with (and put away).

Finished objects in knitting are incredibly satisfying, because once they are done, they stay done! Maybe that’s why I love knitting so much.

Wooly Wormwood's Ribbed Beanie, Debbie Bliss Como

Gloria Cowl, Malabrigo Merino Worsted

These two items comprise a Christmas present for a guy my family. How fab are they going to look together?

Of course, though these finished objects are completed and off the needles, there’s always more to knit.

I suppose my theory is somewhat flawed. Oh well.

Cowl’d and Frosty Morning

November 3, 2008 | wfuteach

Since it appears that I’ve caught both the designing and the cowl bug, I am super excited to present my second design attempt!

Cowl’d and Frosty Morning

I designed my first cowl, Rievaulx, during the early autumn. The weather here in Yorkshire was wonderful, with lots of sunny days and only a nip in the air. As a result, I wanted a fashionable cowl that wasn’t going to have me overheating.

Oh, what a difference a month makes! Suddenly there is less daylight than there is night, and there’s ice on the car in the morning. I need a cowl to keep me warm on a cold and frosty morning. So, I designed Cowl’d and Frosty Morning in Malabrigo Chunky to keep me warm when I need it most. The alternating bands of stockinette and seed stitch, as well as the thick wool and denser fabric, help the cowl stand up straight.

This cowl is easily adaptable to worsted weight wool or for a larger size. Notes about modifications can be found at the end of the pattern.

Yarn: 1 skein of Malabrigo Chunky (approximately 104 yards) or similar weight wool
Needles: 6 mm, 16 inch circular
Notions: stitch marker or contrasting yarn, darning needle

Gauge: Gauge is not essential to this pattern, but my gauge was 14 stitches to 4 inches.
Finished Measurements: Approximately 9 inches by 9 inches.

Loosely CO 61 stitches.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
Row 1: K1, *(P1, K1) Repeat from * around.
Row 2: P1, *(K1, P1) Repeat from * around.
Row 3: Repeat Row 1.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2.
Row 5-15: Knit.

Repeat Rows 1-15 twice.

Repeat Rows 1-4.

Loosely bind off. Weave in loose ends. Blocking not required. Bundle up…it’s a cowl’d and frosty morning!

A Note about Modifications:

This cowl can easily be modified for a different weight wool or a wider cowl. Simply remember to cast on an odd number of stitches. Cast on more stitches for a larger cowl in chunky wool, cutting out stockinette rounds if you are worried about yardage. Do the same to knit the pattern in worsted weight, dk weight, or fingering weight wool.

A Special Thanks:

I also want to give a special thanks to my test knitters for this cowl, who were particularly helpful when it came to measurements, gauge, and modifications. Mary Ellen, Jennifer, and Lauren–you rock!

Rievaulx Cowl Pattern Available!

October 17, 2008 | wfuteach

I blogged recently about my Rievaulx cowl, inspired by the landscape on the drive and the day my family and I spent at Rievaulx Abbey. In honor of a contest sponsored by the Malabrigo Junkies, I decided to get some test knitters, and publish the pattern here on my blog.

Will anyone knit it? Only time will tell. But here it is, my first “published” pattern!

Rievaulx

Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire, England

This cowl is modeled after the green, rolling landscape on the drive to Rievaulx Abbey, and the gorgeous columns and architecture that make this abbey ruin such an amazing place to visit in Yorkshire.

Rievaulx Cowl

Yarn and Notions Required

4.5 mm circular needle, at least 16 inches long

1 skein of dk weight, preferably a silky merino blend like Malabrigo Silky, approximately 150 yards

1 stitch marker or piece of scrap yarn

Note: Gauge is not crucial to this pattern.

Pattern Variation #1: Rolls and Ribs

Rievaulx, Rolls and Ribs

Loosely CO 130 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit 10 rounds (producing a rolling stocking stitch band).
Purl 1 round.
Next Round: *K6, P2, K3, P2. Repeat from * to the end of round.
Repeat this round until ribbing measures approximately 3 1/2 inches.
Purl 1 round.
Knit 10 rounds.
Bind off loosely. Weave in ends. Wear with pride (blocking not required).

Pattern Variation #2: Seeded Ribs

Rievaulx, Seeded Ribs

Loosely CO 104 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Row 1: *K1,P1. Repeat from * to the end of the round.
Row 2: *P1, K1. Repeat from * to the end of the round.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 four more times (for a total of ten rounds).
Next Round: *K6, P2, K3, P2. Repeat from * to the end of the round.
Repeat this round until ribbing measures approximately 5 inches.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 for 10 rounds.
Bind off loosely. Weave in ends. Wear with pride (blocking not required).

Rievaulx

September 16, 2008 | wfuteach

I got an idea in my head on Friday, and threw all other knitting out the window until I’d seen it through to fruition. Behold, Rievaulx.

Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, England

OK, I guess I should clarify. I didn’t actually have much to do with the creation of that. But, our plans to go there on Saturday and our visit inspired my own version of Rievaulx.

Rievaulx Cowl

Close-Up of the Rievaulx Cowl

Mediocre Picture of Me Wearing Rievaulx Cowl

I am super pleased with this, and planning to write up the pattern in October for the Malabrigo Junkie’s One Skein Design Wonder Contest. The cowl uses less than one skein of Malabrigo Merino Silky, and feels and looks fabulous on!

Now, back to mismatched socks.