The Cable and Seed Stitch Cowl Pattern...

Well, here it is.... I am heading off to Australia for a week on Tuesday so I am hoping when I come back that there will be plenty of links for me too see your versions.... but that is only if you want to make it... you don't have to - no pressure. I do have to say however, that I am really pleased with this pattern - the seed stitch (also known as moss stitch) gives the cowl strength so that it doesn't curl in on itself - however you can scrunch it down so that you have plenty of breathing space... Have fun with it!!!

Abbreviations:

k = knit

p = purl

c4tf = Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold to the front. Knit the next 2 stitches from the knitting needle and then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

c8tf = Slip 4 stitches onto cable needle and hold to the front. Knit the next 3 stitches from the knitting needle and then knit the 4 stitches from the cable needle.

I used 8mm needles and worked two balls of 12 ply wool at once (which was very easy).

Cast on 30 stitches.

Row 1. k1, p1, k1, (k4), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k8), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k4), p1, k1, p1.

Row 2. p1, k1, p1, (p4), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p8), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p4),  k1, p1, k1.

Row 3. k1, p1, k1, (k4), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k8), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k4), p1, k1, p1.

Row 4. p1, k1, p1, (p4), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p8), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p4),  k1, p1, k1.

Row 5. k1, p1, k1,  (c4tf), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k8), k1, p1, k1, p1, (c4tf), p1, k1, p1.

Row 6. p1, k1, p1, (p4), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p8), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p4), k1, p1, k1.

Row 7. k1, p1, k1, (k4), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k8), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k4), p1, k1, p1.

Row 8. p1, k1, p1, (p4), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p8), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p4), k1, p1, k1.

Row 9. k1, p1, k1, (k4), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k8), k1, p1, k1, p1, (k4), p1, k1, p1.

Row 10. p1, k1, p1, (p4), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p8), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p4),  k1, p1, k1.

Row 11. k1, p1, k1, (c4tf), k1, p1, k1, p1, (c8tf), k1, p1, k1, p1, (c4tf),  p1, k1, p1.

Row 12. p1, k1, p1, (p4), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p8), p1, k1, p1, k1, (p4), k1, p1, k1.

Repeat rows 1 - 12 until cowl has reached enough length to be wrapped either once or twice around the neck then bind off. Sew ends together.

p.s. This is how you can wear it if you skin is looking a little less than smooth. I thoroughly recommend it.

Dad's Scarf.

I have been waiting for so long to put this post up that in the end I almost forgot to do it at all. That's the problem with finishing a present for someone and then having to wait until they receive it. This is a scarf I knitted for my Dad at the beginning of October and thanks to my non-existent posting ability, he has only taken possession of it now.... just when Melbourne is beginning to enter its hot months. Still, it will be in pristine condition for next Autumn.

I found this pattern on ravelry which appealed to me straight away as it is a very easy cable for a beginner and has such a snuggly finish. To make it extra warm and soft I used Sublime Cashmerino in an aran weight.

Archie was very happy to model it for me (much more so than when I asked him to wear the floral garland...)

And I think was quite crestfallen when I suggested he take it off - actually I think he is just looking at his little toes, maybe checking out what he had for breakfast.

Hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

A circle scarf.

Here is the finished version of the scarf I began the other day. I have come down with a pesky virus that has unfortunately, taken all of the bones from my body and as a result, it was very hard keeping the camera still enough to take these photos. I will try and post better ones next week, maybe with a model wearing it. Anyway, back to bed for me. Have a good weekend. xxooxx

My Creative Space.

This week I would love to be the person with the beautiful studio that you walk into and are immediately spellbound by all of the colours and fabrics and amazing storage ideas but it is just not my lot right now. Hopefully one day I will have that space but at the moment, most of my creativy is still relegated between the couch and the kitchen table. It isn't a bad situation by any means because the couch is big and comfy and the kitchen table is close to, well the kitchen and all of the food that lives there. The fire place also burns warmly when I am downstairs and you have got to be warm to create. Cold hearts don't produce much, but with a warm one, the universe is yours for the making.

At the moment I am crocheting a scarf for my niece (her party is tomorrow) and this has coincided with my current obsession with pompoms. Thank goodness she is only five. Well, better do a bit of stitching and tail tucking. Can't wait to see all of the wonderful creative spaces over at Kirsty's this week. xxooxx