Sunday, January 18, 2009

The Expanded Cowl

I went from not wanting to ever knit a cowl to knitting the biggest one I could find. This one will keep your neck warm for sure, but it will also keep your ears and shoulders warm too. This was a perfect time to finish this too. We've had a lot of cold weather lately.

The pattern called for worsted weight yarn, but this handspun was more of a dk weight. I used the same size needles and cast on number and I'm pleased with the results and it will certainly be warm. I plan on wearing it under my coat in place of a scarf and hat.

The bottom edging does have a tendency to flip up while wearing, but I don't really know what I could have done differently. Maybe I could have made the whole shoulder part slightly wider, but it works as it is. The pattern was very to follow. The instructions were clear and nothing was overly complicated. I have seen several more patterns, mostly wraps and shawls, by this designer that I'd like to knit.

I liked being able to use my handspun yarn for this project. I've really been enjoying the projects I knit with handspun. Its like a surprise as you knit - cause you are never sure how the yarn will knit up. I always wonder what the color will do and if my spinning mistakes will be hidden. If you are spinning your own yarn but not knitting with it, you really are missing something.

Project Info

Pattern: Balsam by Ilga Leja
Yarn: Geddesberg Handspun Yarn
Bluefaced Leicester
10 ounces / 588 yards
Roving - Hello Yarn - Insect Wings (Club Fiber)
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 6 (4.0 mm) and US# 8 (5.0 mm)Notes: I did add the extra increase in the shoulder section. I knit 5 garter ridges instead of 3 for the edgings.

13 comments:

Monika said...

That's a wonderful cowl! I love everything of it.

Trillian42 said...

It's awesome! I snorted out loud at the third picture. :D

And I know what you mean about knitting with your handspun - I did it for the first time this weekend, and it was SO cool!

Bezzie said...

I'm jealous of your yardage! Right now I'm relegated to knitting mittens with all my handspun. Very cool cowl, I've never seen one that big!

Deb said...

It's beautiful and the colors are perfect for you! Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful job from beginning to end! The handspun looks like it knit up really nice to me. No color pooling and the variation of color is really great.

IrishGirlieKnits said...

I love that you knit up your handspun! It is absolutely stunning!! Gorgeous cowl that is sure to keep you warm!

Karen said...

Wow, that is an awesome cowl! I love it knit up in your handspun too. I bet this one will get a lot of use!

turtlegirl76 said...

Oooh! That's like, the cowl to end all cowls. Perfect! It looks like it fits so cczy! Love the look of it in your handspun.

Zonda said...

So awesome!! Hehe..that last picture of you is too funny!

Julie said...

Wow, that is great and out of your own handspun.

mel said...

Perfect for this weather - I love watching you use your handspun, another great project!!

bockstark.knits said...

heehee! so pretty! i esp love the pic where it covers your face! warm indeed!

Jennie said...

lol love the last photo!! :) Stay warm!