Opal Creek Cowl and Mitts by Star Athena
Cowl Sizes: Small (Child or small adult) or Large Adult Cowl Circumference: 15 (18) inches 38 ( $\left.46\,\mathsf{c m}\right)$ unstretched. Will stretch to ft 20 (51) inches 23 (58.5 cm). Cowl Length: Regular: 9 inches. Shorter version: 6 inches. Cuff Circumference: 6" unstretched, will stretch to fit $8"$ . To make wider cuffs, go up one needle size. Needles: For Cowl: 1 set US #9/5.5mm $1\,6^{\,\"}$ circular needles or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge. For Cuffs: same size needles as above in either a $32^{\mathfrak{s}}$ circular (for magic loop), two $^{24^{\,\ast}}$ circulars (two circulars method) or double pointed needles. Gauge: 16 sts/22 rows $=4"$ in Stockinette St. Yarn: Any Aran-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Malabrigo Twist [1 $00\%$ merino wool; 150yd per 100gr ball]; color: Indiecita: 1 skein. Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle. Living in Portland, Oregon, I am surrounded by countless expanses and pockets of overwhelming beauty. Opal Creek is a wilderness area located in the Willamette National Forest on the border of the Mount Hood National Forest. It has the largest uncut watershed in Oregon. Early prospectors waded in Opal Pool and remarked on the natural glory of the crystal water. The stitch pattern in this cowl suggests gentle currents and leaves, inspired by Opal Creek. Skill level: This advanced beginner pattern is worked in the round with lace stitches. The lace pattern is charted as well as written; take your pick.
Notes:
The cowl has two different sizes (small and large) and two different lengths (regular and short). The cuffs have two different lengths (short and long). Using one skein of Malabrigo Twist (150 yards) you should have enough yarn to do either a small/regular cowl or a large/short cowl AND the long cuffs. You could also do the large/regular cowl AND the short cuffs. If you want to make sure you have enough yarn, get a second skein. At the end of this pattern is a bonus crossword puzzle - enjoy!
ABBREVIATIONS:
CQ: Cast on K: Knit K2tog: Knit two stitches together as one stitch P: Purl Rnd: Round. Sl: Slip. As in, slip the next stitch from left to right purl-wise. Sm: Slip marker. SSK: Slip one stitch as if to knit, insert left needle into front of these two stitches and knit them together. St:Stitch Tbl: Through back loop YQ: Yarn over
Cowl Pattern:
When choosing your size, remember to take into consideration that the cowl must fit over your head! The stretched size is the important number to judge this. The model in purple is wearing the small size; the model in grey is wearing the large size. CO 65 (78) stitches. Place stitch marker to indicate beginning of round, and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist sts when joining.
Regular cowl: Rnds 1-40: Follow rnds 1-20 of Opal Creek Lace Pattern (see page 3) twice. Shorter cowl: Rnds 1-30: Follow rnds 1-20 of Opal Creek Lace Pattern (see page 3) once and then work rnds 1-10 only. All sizes: BO all sts.
Finishing:
Weave in ends. Block as desired.
Cuff Pattern:
After working the small cowl (either length) or the short cowl (either size), you will have plenty of yarn leftover to make cuffs. The large size, regular length cowl should also leave enough - Star made this size and had enough for the short cuffs with only about 8 yards of yarn left.Very close! CO 26 sts. Rnd 1: Purl Short cuffs: Rnds 1-20: Follow rnds 1-20 of Opal Creek Lace Pattern (below). Longer cuffs: Rnds 1-40: Follow rnds 1-20 of Opal Creek Lace Pattern (below) twice. All sizes: Next rnd: Purl.
Finishing:
Weave in ends. Block as desired. This pattern is for personal use only. Modeled by Star and Emily. Pictures by Star, Shannon and Vivian. Many thanks to Shannon and Emily for testing and editing this pattern!
Answers:
k2tog Knit two stitches together as one stitch
Opal Creek by Star Athena & Grant Law
ACROSS
I. nauuIl 5. Ooze 9. Joists 14. Wander afar 15. Menu prefix at Taco Bell 16. Enjoys visually $17.<7.0$ 18. Twixt worsted & bulky 19. Wild swine 20. Uruguayan yarn company 22. Equip. for constructing cowls 23. Renaissance instrument 24. Poetic contraction 26. Laundry units 29. Activity that uses sticks & strings 33. Man or Wight 34. Sways 36. Regret 37. Den 38. Lanai 39. Temps between 70 and 80 40. 28-down for short 41. Florida athletes 42.“ me?" 43. Opal Creek millieu 45. Smoker spoor 46."Yarn ”” 47. Hydrated magnesium silicate 49. The Kingdom of Mycelia? 52. Source of Opal Creek's water 57. Music venue 58. Still 59. Swearingen 60. Typical 61. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance follow-up 62. EMT part 63. Rats 64. Stare lasciviously 65. Brannock device contents
DOWN
1. Dracula author 2. Almond 3. Darth Vader's team 4. Opal Creek hardwood 5. Brainy 6. Spooky 7.A.Gonzales 8. "Sideways" obsession 9. Opal creek felines 10. One who looks out for #1 11. Wing-like 12. Hired gun (abbr.) 13. Bad movie review? 21. Ralph Kramden's office? 25. They prefer theirs fortified? 26. Purple shade 27. Honshu city 28. Twain to Clemens 29. Heard in 27-down 30. Hailing from Limerick 31. Elvis' jumpsuit designer 32.Minnelli'sex and others 34. Shape on a card 35. Opal Creek structure built by Merten 39. Puck's hobby 41. Close-cousins to 41- across 44. French brandy 45. FM format 47. Tutu fabric 48."Don't go the Fair Green!" 49. Roman satyr 50. Minor beginning 51. Nerve-root 53. Garfield's buddy 54. "This one's 55. Serpentine shape 56. Dodge model
