So I was asked by Fibers Etc. to create a simple cowl that anyone can knit. It had to use 1 skein of yarn (that was the easy part!) and it had to be unique (that was the clencher!). You do realize that there are about 5,000 cowls on the market - right? How many ways can you knit a circle that wraps around your neck? I found this request almost mind boggling. I am no Cat Bordhi where I can concoct new techniques and apply her mathematical mind.
I must have sat for hours at a time just staring at the yarn. I finally found a stitch pattern that I liked. It is a reversible stitch that gave nice texture to the yarn. I decided to just start knitting in the flat and see what might follow. Once I got the length that I was looking for, I decided to finish it with a 3 needle bind off to see how it fit. The fit was perfect but now I had a seam to cover. That is where the idea came about to pick up sts along the bind off and knit a flap that would cover the seam and at the same time give the cowl some depth and texture. I seamed the flap down and added a button for a final touch. I am thrilled with the outcome. It's an easy knit, it's a bulky knit that knits up in a day and it's like no other cowl out there - now that is amazing! Sometimes I even surprise myself!
Pattern sells for $1.99 on Ravelry and yarn goes for around $10. Gotta love that!
Baby alpaca and bamboo create a luxuriously soft yarn with a lovely drape made in a chunky weight with chainette construction. Chalet looks great knit at a wide variety of gauges and textures
http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/classic-elite-yarns-mountaintop-chalet
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