Knitter in the Kitchen

Pattern: Dolores Park Cowl
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Colorway 179 Black Forest, less than 1 skein
Needles: US #8 / 16″
Modifications: Followed the mods found here to use Malabrigo Worsted instead of Chunky.

Believe it or not, this was my first time knitting with Malabrigo. I’ve had it in my stash before, but for some reason or another I always destashed it. Apparently I’ve been missing out, because it is super soft and I loved knitting with it! I’ve used Manos del Uruguay a few times, and now I know that I like Malabrigo much, much more. The Black Forest colorway isn’t one that I would have selected if Parikha hadn’t used it in her pattern, but I’m glad I went with it because I like the various shades of brown.

Pattern: Gloria Cowl
Yarn: Hand Maiden Casbah Sock in Peridot (held double)
Needles: US #9 / 16″
Modifications: 81 stitches around instead of 99. 5 rounds of seed stitch instead of 3.

I don’t think cowls get much easier than this! A few rounds of seed stitch at the beginning and end with nothing but stockinette in the middle. Perfect for social knitting. Simple yet elegant, and a great way to use luxurious sock yarn. Thanks for the pattern, Orinda! This was my first experience with Hand Maiden Casbah Sock, and it knits up very well. I had to fight with the hank for awhile because of tangles, but the end result was well worth the effort.

I already have another Gloria Cowl on the needles, but some other patterns I’m looking at are Sherbrooke, Dolores Park Cowl, and Ilean (all Rav links). If you have other cowl pattern suggestions, please send them my way!

Pattern: Birthday Cowl
Yarn: Dream in Color Classy, In Vino Veritas, less than 1 skein
Needles: US #8 / 16″
Thoughts: The Birthday Cowl is a great (and easy!) pattern. This was my first experience using Dream in Color, and I really like that it has slight variegation without pooling.

Expect to see some more cowls in the weeks ahead! I have already completed a third cowl (yet to be photographed) and I am planning to start a fourth one this weekend…can you tell that I am going cowl crazy over here? And in the midst of 95 degree weather, too!

Pattern: Cowl of Kindness (Ravelry Link)
Yarn: Claudia Hand Painted Fingering, Crushed Velvet, 2 skeins (doubled)
Needles: US #8 / 16″
Thoughts: Love this quick and fun knit! I definitely see more cowls in the future.

Happy Birthday, Carolyn! I hope you enjoy a special day.

Pattern: Clapotis (scarf size)
Yarn: Sundara Yarn Aran Silky Merino, 2 skeins, Grey Over Pink
Needles: US #8