Book Review: 60 Quick Cowls

In a knitting group that I belong to on Facebook, someone recently asked what the big deal is about cowls. Why would someone knit a cowl instead of a scarf, she wondered.

Personally, I like the fact that all your knitting effort goes where you need it most, around your neck rather than hanging down your body.

Cowls also tend to be quicker projects because there is usually less knitting involved than in a 6-foot-long scarf, and people can see most of your knitting handiwork even when you’ve got a coat on (where a scarf might be tucked into your coat).

If all those reasons aren’t enough to get you interested in cowls, maybe the book 60 Quick Cowls: Luxurious Projects to Knit in Cloud and Duo Yarns from Cascade Yarns will pique your interest.

Another in the 60 Quick series published by Sixth & Spring Books, this one uses two Cascade yarns that combine merino wool and baby alpaca in different weights.

The book opens with a little information about the alpaca, which is nice I guess if you’ve never knit with or heard of alpacas before, but doesn’t really affect your understanding of or appreciation for the fiber if you’ve worked with it before.

It goes on to include 60 cowl patterns — the vast majority rated easy or intermediate, with none for beginners and only two for experts — covering a range of embellishment options and styles, from ponchos to loose loops and short cowls that hang close to the neck.

Many knitting techniques are represented here including textured stitches, stranded knitting, slip stitches, stripes, intarsia, cables, bobbles, lace and entrelac. One project is mostly crochet — granny squares with a knit edging.

There’s so much variety here (check out all the patterns on Ravelry) that there’s likely to be something to suit just about everyone. Some of my favorites include a chunky Fisherman’s Rib cowl in a solid color, a sweet little monochrome project using welts, a zig-zag combo of lace and textured stitches and a brightly colored, stripes and chevron number that slides down over the shoulders.

Book specifications: 156 pages, paperback with interior flaps, 60 patterns. Sixth & Spring Books, published November 2015. Suggested retail $17.95

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

Have you read?