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Sanders Cowl Knitting Pattern

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We have been having so much fun with all the Bernie Sanders inspired knitting patterns lately, and I could not resist adding one of my own to the mix.

The Sanders Cowl uses four colors of yarn and is worked in the round from the bottom up. I studied the infamous mittens to design the color charts, and inverted the chart at the bottom for the top so that it would be symmetrical, though the original mittens have a slightly different pattern at the top.

I made my version with random yarns I had at home that were close to the right colors, which I think Bernie would approve of. They are worsted and aran weight yarns, but you can change the yarn to change the size if you like!

In the spirit of Bernie’s passion for healthcare, I also decided to make this pattern a fundraiser for two amazing charities aimed at helping the physical and mental health of often-underserved communities: the Native Wellness Initiative and the Loveland Foundation.

If you want to stitch up something to remember the time a pair of mittens stole all our hearts, but maybe you don’t want a pair of mittens, this pattern is a great option. It’s actually really easy and a pretty quick knit, too! You’re never working with more than two colors in a round so it’s a great way to dip your toes into colorwork.

You can learn more and grab the pattern on Ravelry.

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

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Have you read?

A Short and Sweet Top to Knit for Summer

I think one of the things that keeps me from wearing some of the summer tops that I have knit is that when they use worsted weight yarn, they’re actually heavier and warmer than a normal T-shirt would be. Which sometimes is fine, since I tend to be cold, but it’s not always what you want from your warm-weather gear.

That’s why shirts and tops knit with fingering (aka sock) yarn are so great. They’re super light weight and honestly they don’t take as long to knit as you probably think they will.

I’m sure that’s true with the Maya Top from Gavriella Treminio, especially if you choose the cropped length option. This top down sweater has a textured circular yoke with bobbles and eyelets, while the rest of the body is worked in stockinette stitch. Other than the integrated ribbed neckband, other edges are left in stockinette so they will roll slightly to finish the casual look. 

The design comes with seven different size options, ranging from 36 to 62 inches in the chest. The pattern page doesn’t say how much ease is meant to be included in the pattern, but starting at size 36 would leave it pretty roomy for folks in the smaller sizes.

I don’t think the suggested yarn is made anymore, but it looks like a top that would be lovely in a mercerized cotton or a linen and silk blend, something with a little bit of shine to it. This is one of those times when the yarn suggestions on Ravelry can be super helpful because you can see what yarn other people used and how their finished projects came out.

You can get this pattern on Ravelry.

Looking for more summer top patterns? I’ve collected some lacy top knitting patterns here, and a few great tank top knitting patterns here.

[Photo: Gavriella Treminio.]

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