Two holiday-appropriate finished objects here to inspire you last-minute holiday knitters. Both can be completed in about two hours. The first, the GC Cowl, is a pattern I came across on Ravelry:
There are a couple of minor modifications here. I cast on 70 stitches rather than the suggested 86 for two reasons: (1) I omitted a repeat (14 stitches), because Morehouse Merino Bulky is bulkier than the suggested yarn, and (2) I omitted two seemingly superfluous two purl stitches at the beginning and end of the round, for symmetry.
The second is something I improvised. It's a honeycomb cable pattern in the shape of a cowl. Looks pretty cool in a bulky yarn, I think.
And it doubles as a headband! But as I didn't have enough yarn to finish the GC, which was my favorite of the two, I sacrificed the HoneyCowl and frogged it. Maybe I'll put together a new one in another yarn at some point.
Both cowls are made on US 11 needles with Morehouse Merino Bulky. Lest you think I'm single-handedly keeping Morehouse in business . . . well, actually, maybe I am.
Here's the pattern for HoneyCowl, using a basic honeycomb:
HoneyCowl
Yarn: Morehouse Merino Bulky
Needles: US 11 circular 16" or DPNs
Gauge: 2.5 st. / 1"
Sizes: Women's S / 17" (Women's M / 18.5")
CO 64 (72) stitches.
Row 1: Mark beginning of round with a stitch marker. Knit
Row 2: *C4B, C4f; repeat from * to end of round.
Rows 3-5: Knit
Row 6: *C4F, C4B; repeat from * to end of round.
Rows 7-9: Knit
Repeat rows 2-9 twice. Then repeat rows 2-6 once. Knit one row even. BO and weave in all ends. Block if desired.
Ravelry Links:
GC Cowl
HoneyCowl
Chunky cables = love. Thanks!
Posted by: Rachel at December 7, 2008 1:57 PMLove them both! I've been thinking about cowls for Holiday knitting, too. Can't wait to try this. Lovely.
Posted by: renee at December 7, 2008 2:15 PMThe honeycomb stitch is one of my favorite Aran stitches...and, give me cables any day! I'm sure these cowls will be a big hit with the recipients. I like that it can be pulled up over the ears if they get too nippy.
Posted by: Rebecca at December 7, 2008 3:25 PMOh wow, they're both great, but I love that HoneyCowl so much, I'm going to cast on for it as soon as I stop typing. So glad I have some green bulky Morehouse in the stash!
Thanks for the pattern, Jess!
Love these cowls! I have some Morehouse Merino I could double-strand to make one, and I have a few peeps on my Christmas list who might love one. Love it as a headband--looks super cute on you.
Posted by: Lisa at December 7, 2008 7:01 PMsuper cute jess! i love honeycomb cables. they are so fun :)
Posted by: gleek at December 7, 2008 8:32 PMVery cute! Fast projects are always so fun. :)
Posted by: nat at December 7, 2008 9:26 PMLove them both! That Morehouse yarn always looks so edible.
Posted by: jane at December 8, 2008 2:18 AMBeautiful - I have printed it off to make :)
Posted by: Jo at December 8, 2008 7:16 AMAwesome cowl/headband!! Love the design.
Posted by: Julie at December 8, 2008 3:17 PMThese are so cute! Thanks for the patterns!
Posted by: Nonnahs at December 9, 2008 1:17 PMthey are both great- and sounds like something i would be able to make ... in autumn
Posted by: asiye Ivedi at December 9, 2008 6:02 PMthese are wonderful, thank you for sharing the pattern, it will be great for the last minute gift I could not come up with.
Posted by: leisa at December 11, 2008 12:23 PMso chic yet snuggly.
Posted by: Sandra at December 17, 2008 12:02 PMBoth very cool
Posted by: Beate at December 22, 2008 1:45 PMThose are both gorgeous! So sad that one had to be frogged. Thanks for sharing the pattern!
Posted by: Casey at December 24, 2008 2:41 PMI just started with knitting cables. This is beautiful and perfect! Definitly gonna try.. Thank you for sharing! Great blog!
Posted by: lisette at January 16, 2009 4:38 AMthanks for the pattern, very cute. Shall do this soon, that darn groundhog saw his shadow!!!!
Posted by: Patti at February 2, 2009 11:17 AM