Stitch Up a Cowl Full of Color and Texture

Some patterns just look like they would be amazing stash busting projects. I know the vast majority of the time designers make a project with a particular yarn for a reason, and knitters tend to like having more information about the yarn used in a pattern than “some random stuff I found in my stash.”

All of that is true of the Ellensburg Cowl pattern from Blue Sky Fibers, too, but when I look at this project I see a stash buster.

It’s hard not to imagine all your little odd balls going into this generous cowl, which features slipped stitches, stripes, textured stitch patterns and a bit of stranded knitting, too.

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, including one hank that’s about 123 yards and a bundle of colors, each of which is only 12 yards, so it would be easy to find odd balls and leftovers in your stash to make this project with. In all it uses eight colors, and makes a cowl that measures about 9 inches high and 45 inches long. That size is perfect for wearing as one long loop or twisted around your neck twice for extra warmth.

It uses a size 8 US circular knitting needle and is rated for advanced beginners.

This kind of project is super inspiring to me as a designer and a person with a lot of stash I want to use, because it shows you how a bunch of different colors can look harmonious in the same project. Of course that’s easier when you’re using a bundle of yarn that’s made to coordinate, but you can do it with balls from your stash as well.

This pattern is available as a free download (but you will need to set up an account to download it) from Blue Sky Fibers.

[Photo: Blue Sky Fibers.]

Amigirumi may be more popular in crochet than it is in knitting; there are certainly more patterns for cute creatures, food and whatever else you can think of in crochet than there are in knitting.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t knit amigurumi or that there aren’t a lot of patterns for fun toys and critters out there that are knit.

Case in point: this adorable trio of knit sea creatures from Natasha Wildly.

The pattern includes a turtle, octopus and manta ray, all worked in DK weight yarn. The finished projects are about 10 cm or 4 inches long. You could make them bigger if you want by using heavier yarn and a correspondingly larger knitting needle.

The patterns are rated for beginners, and from the look of the suggested materials they’re all worked flat and seamed. The pattern is described as “a perfect project for those who love small intricate knits” and that contains “useful photos for the tricky bits.”

These would be so cute to knit just as they are, in natural colors or whatever colors you have on hand. A scrappy stripey octopus with legs of different colors would also be cute. You can make them to be toys or make one or two of each critter and turn them into a mobile for an ocean themed baby’s room.

Of course you could also just knit the turtle for your turtle loving friend.

Whatever way you go with these, you’re sure to have fun and enjoy seeing what the world of knit amigurumi is like with these cute and easy patterns.

You can grab your copy of the pattern from Love Crafts.

If you’re looking for more knit amigurumi patterns, check out these patterns that are all worked in worsted weight yarn, or this collection of Christmas themed amigurumi.

[Photo: Natasha Wildy via Love Crafts]

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