Accessories

News flash! I knitted a shawl! If you have read this blog for a while or looked through my ravelry projects, you'll know that I never knitted a shawl before. I never really want to wear a shawl - I just prefer to wear a sweater because I don't have to fuss with it staying on my shoulders a certain way, or whatever. I took a short trip to Carmel-by-the-sea not too long ago and while there, paid a visit to Knitting by the Sea as I always do. The shop had on display a sample shawl knitted with Fame trend paljett yarn. This yarn is threaded with small sequins and I was attracted to the bling, sort of like birds attracted to bright shiny things. One shawl only takes one ball of yarn, and the shop provides the pattern with a yarn purchase. It's really a simple shawl knit in garter stitch with a YO increase at the start of every row. I really do like the bling and I'm amazed how warm it feels for such a lightweight piece that is only 55% wool.

I seem to be on an accessories roll since I also knitted up a long cowl, using up some Sublime merino wool in my stash. I wanted to knit a lengthwise cowl and just stop when it felt long enough. I just sewed the ends together.

The pattern is a simple lacy rib adapted from some sweater pattern or another. The lace pattern is 4 stitches:

• Row 1: K2 YO K2tog
• Row 2: P
• Row 3: SSK YO K2
• Row 4: P

I separated the lace pattern with 2 purl stitches, and used a garter stitch border.

I've been re-published!

Not too long ago, Knitscene published my one and probably only knitting pattern. It's the Manganese Cowl and it's a fairly simple knit. They decided to re-publish the pattern in this new Make it! Knits magazine which is targeted for the beginning knitter and sold in big box stores. Here's my pattern in all it's glory:

The magazine features mainly accessories and all the yarns are worsted weight or higher for quick knitting. Many of the pieces would be great for quick holiday gifts. I'll probably knit one of two of the cowl patterns, such as the Leadville Cowl and/or the Serpentine Cowl.