Saturday, March 29, 2014

Alpha Chi Cowl


Pattern:  Alpha Chi Cowl
Designer:  Meridith Shephard
Yarn:  Debbie Bliss Rialto
Needles:  Size 3 Cicular



I purchased the Alpha Chi and Infusion Cowl patterns from Meridith on Ravelry.  Reasonably priced at $5/each or both for $8, they are a delight to work with.  These patterns are extremely well-written.  Meridith has "tips" in her patterns and it is easy to follow even for beginning chart readers.

I've been knitting for over 50 years.  Admitting this is not easy as I don't feel my age.  I will say that this pattern is probably in my top ten favorites.



When I purchase yarn, I want the total experience.  I want the colorway I have in mind.  If the need arises, I want it to be superwash wool.  But most of all, I want it to be soft as it glides through my fingers when I am knitting.  Don't tell me that soaking it in hair conditioner after the project is knitted will make it soft.  I just want the whole experience from the beginning.




Oh........totally addictive knitting.  I was up at 2:00 a.m. a few days repeating to myself like I was in a drunken stupor........"just one more row".



Stranded knitting (Fair Isle) is my favorite type of knitting.  The fact that this cowl is reversible makes for a very "neat" look.  Two rows of garter stitch makes for a nice, sharp fold to the cowl.  The first part of the chart requires a little more attention but is certainly not difficult.  The second part of the chart is intuitive and you can move right along.

Happy Knitting!


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Color Infusion Cowl


Pattern:  Color Infusion Cowl by Meridith Shephard (purchase at Ravelry.com for $5)
Yarn:  Debbie Bliss Rialto superwash merino
Needles:  Size 3 24" circular


I love my new cowl.  It't just right for March weather in Vermont.  I love that it is reversible and it looks so nice with my boiled wool jacket. 

And.........it started with this chart.  


This stranded color pattern was so much fun to knit.  I almost hated to see it completed if it had not been for the fact that I was looking forward to wearing it. 

The pattern is extremely well-written.  This designer is one that I will be watching for additional patterns.  I knitted one of her other cowls that I will blog about in a few days.

Side 1


Side 2


Happy Knittitng!
Joansie