Catching Up on Cowls

It seems like all of a sudden I have a ton of knitting patterns in my email that I want to share with you, so I’m going to be doing a few fall and winter project roundups over the next week or so. I’d love it if you wanted to share some of your favorite patterns in the comments, too.

First up, cowls, because I really want to knit one this weekend. I have a large supply of Berroco Brio left over from my book and I almost can’t stand it. It’s such pretty, big, fluffy stuff and it’s super fun to work with, so I think that’s going to be on my needles soon.

If you’re in the market for a new cowl pattern for fall (or, heck, for spring in the Southern Hemisphere) here are a few great ideas.

From Lion Brand Yarn

This Simple Mobius Cowl is made with a pretty silk yarn (see, great for spring, too) with a simple elongated stitch pattern. It’s even worked flat and seamed so it’s a great option for a newer knitter.
The Daybreak Cowl looks complex because there are lots of stripes, but it uses mostly one normal sized skein of yarn as well as a collection of mini-balls. Cute and economical!
The Level 3 Knit Cowl has a strange name but it’s a cute cabled and textured knit cowl that’s a pretty small project with a lot of interest packed in. (It’s called level 3 because that’s the skill level, which in LB’s case means easy+.)
And the Tweed Cowl is a super easy one skein project for newer knitters. Worked in basketweave in the round, it’s quick and easy for knitters of all skill levels.

Classic Elite Yarns recently featured a striped cowl in its newsletter. Worked in two different kinds of yarn, and three different colors of each, this project is really interesting and the vast majority of it is just straight stripes, so it’s pretty easy, too.

And from Tahki Stacy Charles, there’s the simple and stunning Simona Cowl, which is just ribbing but worked in cashmere and fine merino, it will feel anything but ordinary. And for those who like their cowls a little chunkier, there’s the Anastasia Cowl, worked in two colors in Double Moss Stitch. It’ll knit up in a jiffy to keep you warm and fashionable or as a great holiday gift.

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Check out these books dedicated to Knitted Cowl Patterns still looking for more cowl patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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