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Giveaway: 60 Quick Cowls

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Get some warmth quickly with 60 Quick Cowls.

Congratulations to Adrienne!

It has been unseasonably warm for a few days here in Arkansas, though it’s going to start getting cold again tomorrow. I’m guessing most of us in the Northern Hemisphere still have some winter ahead of us, so there’s still time to knit some winter accessories to use this year (at least I keep telling myself that as I’m still trying to finish my daughter’s gloves for the year).

So it seems fitting to give away a quick knitting book that will help you knit something to keep you warm now and maybe also some things you’ll still wear into spring.

60 Quick Cowls has a wide range of options, projects of various sizes, using all sorts of knitting techniques. The yarns called for are alpaca/merino blends from Cascade Yarns, but of course you could use this opportunity to knit from your stash as well.

When I reviewed this book the other day, I mentioned that I’m becoming more of a cowl person that a scarf person because I like having all the knitting up around my neck where I need it.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, February 7. I’d love to know if you’re a scarf person or a cowl person, both to knit and to wear.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  1. I am a cowl person all the way. It works better in my life with a little one. Then I don’t have to worry about it falling off. Thanks for the chance to win. This looks like a great book. (Rav ID: Zima21)

  2. I will wear or knit either but I do love to knit cowls. For some reason knitting in the round feels more productive.

  3. I personally am more of a scarf person. I have knit both but for my personal use I like scarves.

  5. I’m a scarf person, but love cowls! One is next on my list. Thanks for the chance to win!!

  6. Just the kind of book I need for all my 1 or 2 skein yarns! I’d be maiking them for other folks, as I do prefer scarves to cowls, and usually don’t wrap them all the way around my neck anyway. That may be a guy thing, because I hate to have my scruffy neck and chin pull and pill the yarn. No matter how closely I shave, the yarn finds the stubble! KittenWhiplash on Rav thanks you for another great giveaway!

  8. If it’s really cold, a scarf can be wrapped closer round the neck. Sometimes a cowl can leave gaps for the cold air to get in. I do love a nice cowl though

  18. I like both, but I tend to wear more scarves because I can tie them tight around my neck. This book looks amazing. Thanks for another great giveaway!!

  19. This looks like a great book to help use up those small quantities of yarn in stash. As a cowl person, I’m always on the look-out for new patterns.

  23. I’m usually a scarf person. Cowls come and go but scarves are always in fashion.
    I plan to knit a long Dr. Who scarf when I retire.

  25. I thought I was a scarf person but I’m knitting my first cowl now. I’m thinking I’ll like the convenience of it not falling off my neck all the time, and like you I need the warmth up around my face.

  27. I love cowls. No fighting with loose ends. It’s not too tight or too loose. Doesn’t get tangled in your car seat belt. I’d love this book. 🙂 I do like an artsy, floaty scarf just for show, though.

  28. Traditionally I have been a scarf person, but I have one long cowl I love, and am eager to make and try more of them 🙂
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  29. I love them all, scarves, bandanas, cowls, infinity scarves – anything that will keep the back of my neck warm (except long hair, can’t do it).

  31. I, too, have developed a like for a cowl around my neck rather than a scarf. I love the blue and turquoise cowl pictured and would be interested in making it.

  32. If I could just win this one, it would go wonderfully with the two I already have and I could start my own knitting library! These are WONDERFUL books by the way.

  35. I’m definitely in the cowl camp, but I have more than a few scarves in my bin that I’ve knit and more on the way. But I find I get more instantaneous gratification from knitting cowls – I’m tall so I like my scarves long, and sometimes I find myself checking frequently to see “if I’m there yet” with the desired length – something that never happens with me in the round. I have more time than I would like to wear my pieces though, it’s cold up here!
    Heather

  36. I like both cowls and scarves – but probably lean more toward large scarves that can wrap around a few times. It can get really cold here in Saskatchewan.

  37. Because I’m from an older generation, I was raised on scarves. I’d really like to switch off between scarves and cowls, but haven’t found a cowl that I’d like to make yet. This book looks like it should have a few patterns in it that I could make, and I would be more than satisfied. I’d probably make a few for some of my friends as well. Thank you for the generous giveaway. You always know the right item to bring out at the right time to put in your giveaways!!

  38. I didn’t see a real need for cowls until I got my hair cut short and me neck got cold. Now I have made several and wear them alot.

  39. Neckwear for me are cowls and shawls. Cowls for ease (mostly) and shawls (many wrapped and draped in a cowl-like manner) for wow factor.

  44. I’m absolutely a cowl person. I love that they stay put. I also love the fact that I can pull some of them up on to my head like a hood to cover my ears.

  45. Loving cowls , always did love the cowl shape on sweaters , so having a cowl that you can just slip on or off is great. With a scarf I tend to wrap it round like a cowl anyway

  47. I love knitting cowls, and have knit more than a few for quick, pretty gifts for holidays and birthday presents.

  49. I am actually more of a scarf person, but everyone I knit for – family, friends – love cowls and they are fun to make! thanks!

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

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.