a few weeks back, and after an admirable while of controlling my spending, i gave into woolly handspun temptation and purchased this most lovely skein of organic merino 2-ply yarn made by the talented amanda, a.k.a. wannabe.
it took me exactly no time to wind it up and cast on, knowing full well i wanted to make a cowl - because i love a good cowl - to show off the twists and feel that ever so cozy merino next to my skin.
![easy peasy [on mama]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4151353974_6b5acdd9bc.jpg)
it's a simple 2x1 seeded rib and i love it. and i'm not the only one. you see, the best thing is that it doubles as a cozy fitted little shrug/capelet thing for the girls. never ever did i think we'd share a garment!
![easy peasy [on kiddo]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4150595083_db24e96a99.jpg)
and...
since i know you'll ask...
because you know i'll share...
here you go : a little freebie pattern you'll have committed to memory faster than it will take you to run to your yarn stash.
Easy Peasy Cowl
you need : about 200 yds of your chosen yarn + circular needles in whatever size is approriate for your yarn - i used 6s for this DK weight handspun
:: first, figure out your gauge (i was getting about 4.5 sts/1")
:: next you need to figure out how big around you'd like it (i wanted it loose but not too loose, and ended up figuring that a 25" circumference would be right for me)
:: do the math + cast on, but it needs to be a multiple of 3 for this 2x1 seeded rib (for me that translated into 114 sts)
:: PM and join to work in the round
:: this is a 2 round repeat (how easy is that?!) ready. set. memorize.
round 1 = knit 2, purl 1 (repeat to end of round)
round 2 = knit
:: now just keep going with these 2 rounds over and over until it is the desired size OR you run out of yarn, leaving just enough to BO in patt.
enjoy!
see it on RAVELRY. and if you knit one, go on + add it to the flickr pool. xoxo
p.s. if you have a better name than "cozy fitted little shrug/capelet thing", be sure to let me know!
I do love that wool... Even when I was a kidlet I loved wools that had a combination of colours (I don't know of the proper term!!) My favourite cardy when I was 5 (in the 70s) was almost exactly the colour of your new cowl. Yummy... like blue skies and caramel mixed together.
Posted by: deb | 01 December 2009 at 05:17 PM
That yarn is beautiful and thanks for the pattern! With temps quickly dropping here, I might have to make one soon.
Posted by: Melanie | 01 December 2009 at 06:54 PM
Let it be told that it is your fault I visit my yarn store so very often... At least that's what i will tell my husband next time ;0)
Posted by: Imene | 01 December 2009 at 08:30 PM
I just bought some yarn yesterday and this is the perfect pattern. I knew I felt something knitted coming on. Thanks for the beautiful cowl pattern.
Posted by: Valarie Budayr | 01 December 2009 at 09:02 PM
A little warmer. That popped in my head. Love it!
Posted by: stacey | 01 December 2009 at 09:04 PM
What a wonderful pattern, thank you for sharing. Looks like the perfect way to keep warm outdoors this winter
Posted by: Heather Fontenot | 01 December 2009 at 09:47 PM
The perfect last-minute gift! Thanks for sharing this--looks like it could easily be made in one evening.
Posted by: Nancy | 02 December 2009 at 07:38 AM
awesome!!! i am always looking for ways to use my handspun yarn and this looks so cosy and simple!!
Posted by: craftyash | 02 December 2009 at 11:27 AM
I *love* this!! Great work!
Posted by: Kelly | 02 December 2009 at 11:52 AM
I love it! (especially its morph capabilities)
Posted by: maya | 02 December 2009 at 12:23 PM