Seedpod Cowl

I have been knitting the second part of the BFF Cowl. What you are meant to do is link your two cowls, a bit like a friendship bracelet. But I have decided to keep mine separate, so you can see the beautiful stitches.

I love this one - The Seedpod Cowl - designed by Ysolda Teague. I just love this stitch, it is fairly simple after the first few pods, but I think is so beautiful. I knitted the cowl twice the width in the pattern for extra cosiness.

Once again I have used some Ewe-nique Merino DK from Blacker Yarns, and these projescts were to illustrate how lovely this yarn knits up. Still a bit left on the cone, and I have an idea for one more project. But I have been a bit distracted by a jumper for my husband, so this one may have to wait a while.

BFF Cowl

I have been busy knitting the first part of the BFF Cowl. This is a two part pattern, and I have started with the first half of the pattern, designed by Tiny Owl Knits. I have to admit that I have been a little bit obsessed by Stephanie Dosen's designs for quite a few years: a wonderful mixture of wizardary and nature. 

I also really enjoyed knitting this cocoon stitch, which after the first few repeats was fairly easy. The only tricky part was the P5tog, but this end result was so satisfying to do that it was worth perservering with this.

This cowl was knitted some Merino DK from Blacker Yarns, where I work. This wool is super soft and lovely to work with. It came on a cone, although it can also be bought by skein, and in 4ply, Aran or lace weights. I have enough left to have a go at the second part of the pattern the Seedpod Cowl designed by Ysolda Teague, which also looks like it will be fun.

Hattie Models the Leafy Cowl

I have been waiting on tenterhooks for the photographs of Hattie wearing the adult version of the leafy cowl. Aren't these pictures of her stunning. (I think I am allowed to say that as I didn't take them, but her father, one of my neighbours, did!)

I decided to go for autumn colours. Not very seasonal for us in Britain, but it is always autumn somewhere in the world. I hope the photos show how cosy and versatile the adult version of my cowl pattern is. The pattern is slightly deeper in the neck, broader across the shoulders, and the leaves are bigger than the child's pattern.

Patterns for both cowls are now available on ravelry.
 

And I have put both this cowl and my children's green cowl for sale in my Etsy shop if you would like one readymade. They are both knitted from Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester Aran, although other similar Aran or 10ply wool would work well.

Leafy Cowl

Just a short post. We've had visitors, so I've been a bit preoccupied. This is the adult version of my leafy cowl. I thought I would try some autumnal colours, even though we are still hoping for Spring here. The pattern will go on ravelry, but I need to take some photos on a model first. I had my friend's daughter Hattie lined up for this weekend, but when I went round she was laid up with a cold, so we had to postpone our photo shoot.. 

In the background is Noodle, my very, very needy cat. If there is a lap available then Noodle will almost immediately find it. She does not discriminate in any way.

Leafy Child's Cowl

I've been working away at a new pattern, which I've decided to call The Leafy Cowl. (I toyed with the idea of calling it either the Fairy Cowl, or Pixie Cowl, but I think I have finally settled on Leafy.) It is knitted in Debbie Bliss Blue Faced Leicester Aran, but other similar weight wools would work well. The pattern is now available on Ravelry. Just click on the links in my sidebar.

This pattern has some simple cabling on the neck section, as I wanted it to be really cosy. It also has a tension gauge, a recommended wool and yardage details. 

I usually call my knits quick, but the leaves (of which there are 25 in all) took me two evenings to knit. I guess you might say that is not really long, but I had to knit a few prototypes before I did this final version, so feel a bit leafed-out. Compared with some of my other patterns there is quite a lot of knitting (and also running in of ends).

Here is Little One in the cowl, and I am in the process of knitting an adult version. At first she was a very reluctant model, until she decided to draw up a modelling contract where she gets a percentage of any pattern sales. We haggled a bit, as she tried to also get a flat rate for each photo I took. Smart girl, but since I take about 10 bad photos for every OK one I didn't agree to this! Sorry about our slightly shabby side alley. Originally I had decided to take some fairy photos in the woods with Little One posed on a tree stump in a dress, but in the end preferred these ones taken at home at the side of the house. This is a cowl for a girl who might turn her hand to a bit of carpentry or DIY.

Little One is ten, although very small for her age. The cowl would fit most children between 4 and 13. Teenagers and adults should wait for the adult size pattern. The cowl has a stretchy double cast-on edge, which is very elastic. If you are not familiar with the double cast-on method I have made a photo tutorial, which I have put in a new knitting tips corner that will remain in my sidebar. I am also thinking of doing a separate Baby Leafy Cowl, probably in a softer finer wool.

I'm really happy with how the cowl has turned out. It will be so useful, as it smartens up any outfit, and is very cosy, and I hope it has a quirky stylishness. I drew some of my inspiration from the flower fairy books, by Cicely Mary Barker.