Shawl Collared Cowl

'Shawl Collared Cowl' by Alana Dakos

This has been my first bit of knitting for quite some time.   I love knitting but it is my 'Nemesis' as I really think I should be a lot better at it than I actually am.  I get disappointed when I can't make patterns that are described as 'easy'.  I had to learn how to knit 'short rows' for this pattern.  Short rows were new to me but I worked them out.  This pattern is described as 'easy'.  It is, but. . . . there is a big but for me. . . . . not butt, but but!  I find the finished garment like a Chinese Puzzle.  Fathoming the right side and the wrong side, the top and the bottom.  To be quite honest my Dad fathomed out how to wear it properly before I did.  Thank you Dad.  I chose three 'vintage' buttons from my collection rather than buy new buttons.  Which I thought was very thrifty and resourceful of me.

Button One

Button Two

Button Three

            I was happy to complete the cowl, I selected the buttons and got sewing.  I sewed all three in place and then put on the cowl.  Something was not right.  Doh I had sewn the buttons on in the wrong place!  I snipped and tried again.  Sewing all three in place for a second time.  Nope.  Doh!  Still in the wrong place.  Third time lucky.  Buttons in the right place, but one stubborn button is upside down.  Bah!  It can stay like that for a while.

This yarn was a pleasure to knit, I like the textural effect from the thick and thin in one yarn.  The finished cowl is very warm.  I wonder how long I can live with the upside down button for?

I am Proud to be Bistitchual

Your can buy these cute badges on Etsy 'Here'

         For a change I have been busy knitting.  My Grandmother taught me to knit before she taught me to crochet.  I still consider myself a beginner and get quite flummoxed with most knitting patterns, even those rated as 'easy' or suitable for 'beginners'.  I like knitting though.  I am trying to use stash and finish wip's (works in progress).  This was a stash 'busting' exercise.  

I received two balls of this beautiful yarn as part of a swap parcel at Christmas.  It shouted 'Nice warm cowl' at me.  So I listened.  I also received this gorgeous Cowl as part of a Christmas Swap.  (Christmas Swaps are sooo much fun)!

It is so soft and warm and I was so pleased with it I hardly took it off for two weeks.  It kept my shoulders lovely and warm.  Then I realised, doh!  I had been wearing it upside down!  Versatile is the word, it is a versatile cowl, two looks for the price of one.   The pattern is 'Shawl Collared Cowl'  by Alana Dakos and you can buy the pattern Here on Ravelry.

This is the correct way to wear it!

The Green Yarn desperately wanted to be a 'Shawl Collared Cowl'.  Less than half way through, I realized I would not have enough yarn.  Panic stations!  I hate frogging.  So much for de-stashing.  I really didn't know if I would be able to find this yarn.

Thank goodness for the internet, within five minutes I had tracked down and ordered enough yarn to complete the job.  I love good service.  I ordered from Marmalade Yarns and within 24 hrs the yarn had arrived safe and sound.  How fantastic is that?  I would definitely recommend 'Marmalade Yarns' and would use them again.  Now I have no excuses I must get on and finish this cowl now.  I am looking forward to going on a button hunt too, I need to find three suitable buttons.

I was delighted with the response to my request for Crocheting Oompa Loompas and they are busy behind the scenes.  The quality and credentials of the applicants for the Crocheting Oompa Loompa positions was truly humbling.  Thanks.  XXX