Eleanor
September 21, 2010 § 4 Comments
Okay so it’s possible I was under the influence of something mighty intoxicating when I dangerously went perusing the internet for inexpensive yarn. On one hand, I’m a bargain shopper… I’ve got to be able to supply my yarn fix on a modest salary. On the other hand, sometimes this can be disastrous as I will settle for a deal on an item that I haven’t seen in person. But when I ordered Shepherd Classic 100% Wool on WEBS for $3.29 per 220 yard skein (on sale from original price $6.95), I hit a home run. Not only is it a great classic worsted weight wool good for a variety of different types of projects, the color choices are pretty excellent too. Here’s a pattern for a cowl that I created to fit well with “Old Gold,” my color selection. The owl motif in the body of the cowl reminds me of gold medallion coins, especially with this color. Please enjoy!
Eleanor Cowl
Laura in the Eleanor Cowl
One skein of Shepherd Classic 100% Wool in Old Gold (220 yards)
Gauge = 21 stitches x 26 rows in pattern on size #7 needles after blocking = 4″
Abbreviations:
K – knit
P – purl
wyif – with yarn in front
sl – slip stitch
3RC – slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in back, knit 1, knit 2 from cable needle
3LC – slip 1 stitch onto cable needle and hold in front, knit 2, knit 1 from cable needle
Pattern:
Cast on 144 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place marker and work 2×2 ribbing (K2, P2) for 7 rounds.
Knit body of cowl in following pattern:
Rounds 1, 3 and 5 – (p3, k6, p3, k2, [sl st purlwise wyif] 2 times, k2) to end of the round.
Rounds 2, 4 and 6 – (p3, k6, p3, 3RC, 3LC) to end of the round.
Rounds 7, 9 and 11 – (p3, k2, [sl st purlwise wyif] 2 times, k2, p3, k6) to end of the round.
Rounds 8, 10 and 12 – (p3, 3RC, 3LC, p3, k6) to end of the round.
Repeat these 12 rounds 6 times total. Work 2×2 ribbing for 7 rounds more, then bind off loosely in pattern. Block it and rock it.
Tirso Designs 
After scrolling thru tons of Cowl patterns…looking for a not too fussy worsted pattern…I really like your design and will be casting on this evening.
thanks Lesli from Mt. Hood in Oregon!
Thanks Lesi, I can’t wait to see your cowl!!
I was wondering if the size #7 circular needles are 29″. I am using circular needles for the first time and am a little confused because there is so much room left on the needles once I have cast on my 144 stitches. The knitting pattern is simple to follow. I did a sample piece and it worked fine. I just need advise on the size.
If you find that you have too much room on your circs, size down to a cord that is more “comfortable” for your stitches. 9 times out of 10, I knit in the round using the magic loop method, which allows me to use a pretty long length circ (usually about 29″ or so) without having to worry about switching needles or using double pointed needles. I HIGHLY suggest trying the magic loop method if you are a beginner with circular needles, and there are a lot of really good videos on youtube to help teach you. Once you get the hang of it, it really make life a lot easier!
But if I haven’t convinced you, you could probably get away with a 16-20″ cord. I haven’t tested using this method, so I hope that helps 🙂