Ribbed Shell Cowl

Ribbed Shell Cowl

I've been in love with this yarn since the minute I saw it, which must have been a while ago considering it seems to be discontinued. Nevertheless, any similar-weight yarn with a decent drape to it should knit up in this pattern nicely. And this pattern also has a few nice features, like the fan-like drape of the corner of it, as well as the large ribs.

And another picture, this time from
the other side!

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Suri Silk (80% Baby Suri Alpaca, 20% Silk; 218 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); color #20 – one skein

Needles: Straight needles in size 6 (or a circular needle in size 6, but worked back and forth), cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle for cabling

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 24 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size 6 needles

So let's get started! First, cast on 33 stitches loosely. And then we’ll begin the pattern, although we’ll need the following notation to continue:

bc (back cross): slide three stitches to cn and hold in back; knit three, knit three from cn

So let’s do this thing!

Braid-Edged Cowl

Braid-Edged Cowl

Here's a fairly simply cowl that relies on cabling, ribbing, and garter stitch to create a crisp design. And yeah, that's all I've got...

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #3777 African Violet - 1 skein

Needles: Straight needles in size 6 (or a circular needle, but worked back and forth)

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle (cn) or extra double-pointed needle for cabling, two stitch markers

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

First, cast on 25 stitches loosely. Also, you'll need the following notation to do the pattern:

fc (front cross): slide three stitches to cn, hold in front, and knit three. Then, knit the three stitches from your cn.

bc (back cross): slide three stitches to cn, hold in back, and knit three. Then, knit the three stitches from your cn.

Twisted Rib Hat

Twisted Rib Hat

Okay folks, here we have another sale yarn special, born from a great deal at the back rack of a Wisconsin Craft Market. That being said, I think this turned into a fairly attractive, gender-neutral beanie which pairs vertical ribbing with ever-so-slight horizontal stripes of slouch. And it's got a nice finishing. That counts for something, right?

The pattern, with its subtle twisted ribs

Yarn: Berroco Blackstone Tweed Chunky (65% Wool, 25% Superkid Mohair, 10% Angora Rabbit Hair; 60 yards [55 meters]/50 grams); #6607 Wintry Mix - 2 skeins

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 10.5, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 10.5

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or scrap yarn to mark row

Gauge: 13 stitches = 4 inches

Note (2/03/14): Since I made this hat for my husband, I've been able to observe how it wears. And while it's his favorite hat, it's also gotten looser with time, so I recommend knitting at least the band with a smaller needle size (size 9 or 10), for fit. The whole thing could also be knit on a size 10 needle if you prefer a slightly more snug hat.

So let's get started. Using your circular needle, cast on 72 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Knit five rows of the following ribbing row before moving on to the main pattern: