So I decided on Veridian by Cascade Yarns! It is a discontinued color but I had two skeins so I said what the heck! I started March 1st and finished knitting on the 8th. Not a bad time considering I am always working on 3 projects at once and work a full time job, if I do say so myself! So lets go ahead and get started with my first Pattern Review! This pattern is brought to you by Monique Gascon on Ravelry named "Woven Cowl." Her pattern recommended a worsted yarn (10ply) and using a US7(4.5MM) needle set. I did not gauge my cowl but her gauge just says 22 stitches, I guessed in a 4X4 swatch.
The pattern is great for beginners and knitters playing with depth perception. Even after blocking it has depth to the design. It's a simple back and forth of knits and purls with the pattern only being 8 rows long and repeats for 23 inches, then the button holes are added. the pattern ends on the 4 rows that include the button holes, but I added another 4 rows of knit just for some balance. The pattern calls for 4 buttons and the ones I used are a brass antique styled button I found at natural stitches in Pittsburgh. I picked up six because I'm a button hoarder and because there were not many left, I recommend always picking up extras, you never know when your going to loose the ones for your projects or what other project the spares could be used for.
The finished size blocked to the pattern at 11" X 24" and flattened but did not lose its depth. It definitely still gives the appearance of a woven basket.
Some alternatives that could be done to this pattern:
I am sure there are many more but by then you'd be drafting your own pattern and deviating far from Monique Gascon's.
Some alternatives that could be done to this pattern:
- Knit & purl rows could be increased i.e. 4 rows of knit then 6 rows of knit & purl
- Increase all rows i.e. 8 rows of knit then 8 rows of knit & purl
- Increase width by 12's the pattern calls for 50sts to increase width you'd need 62sts to make an even pattern. (original is 50-8*border knits* = 42 which is divisible by 6)
- With increasing allows for more buttons!
I am sure there are many more but by then you'd be drafting your own pattern and deviating far from Monique Gascon's.
Overall I give this project 5 stars! It was an easy project, had its mini challenges but no major speed bumps and I will definitely be making this cowl in different colors and possibly playing with the alternatives I suggested! It also is a versatile wear with all the button play!
If you use this pattern please post or email some pictures! I would love to start having a "Reader's Spotlight" where you get to share your projects so any project will do but I'd love to see what you all made with this pattern. Also put it on Ravelry so Monique Gascon can view them too!
Knit on Wayne!
Lauren
If you use this pattern please post or email some pictures! I would love to start having a "Reader's Spotlight" where you get to share your projects so any project will do but I'd love to see what you all made with this pattern. Also put it on Ravelry so Monique Gascon can view them too!
Knit on Wayne!
Lauren