Ravine Cowl
ABOUT THIS PATTERN
This design was inspired by the lovely Ravine yarn from Hinterland Farm on Vancouver Island. This yarn is a blend of 40% alpaca, with a 60% wool content of Rambouillet, Columbia, and Targhee sheep fibers. The yarn has been mule-spun, which mimics the consistency of hand spinning. This is a special yarn, and the Ravine Cowl was designed to be a simple, beautiful showcase for its unique qualities. This pattern was originally published on my blog, with much more detail (including a photo tutorial on the cast on and bind off). If you'd like to read the original pattern post, please visit the link below for more information about the yarn, the pattern, or to see the photo tutorials. www.kerryrobb.com/2015/06/the-ravine-cowl.html
CONSTRUCTION
The Ravine Cowl is knit in the round on a circular needle. It uses a cable cast on, seed stitch in the round, and a stretchy bind off. The bind off I recommend is Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off (JSSBO); please visit the link to the blog post for more information.
Ravine Cowl
TOOLS&SUPPLIES
· 1 (2) skeins of Hinterland Ravine · One 24"(32") circular needle, size US 10/6mm · One 24"(32") circular needle, size US 11/8mm · Several stitch markers · A tapestry needle Please note: Many parts of this pattern have been changed for simplicity's sake. See blog post above for beginner's instructions.
GAUGE
Measure both before and after blocking for accuracy: Before blocking: 13 sts and 24.5 rounds per 4" After blocking: 12 sts and 25.5 rounds per 4"
FINISHED COWL DIMENSIONS
All measurements listed below are for the unstretched cowl size; keep in mind that the cowl will stretch a bit when worn, increasing diameter while reducing cowl height slightly. Measurements were taken after blocking:
Small: 29" diameter, 8" tall
A single-wrap cowl, this is just the right size for slipping around your neck when you need a bit of warmth. The small cowl adds a little bit of texture to any autumn outfit, without overheating you on those not-too-cold days. The small size cowl is shown in white.
Large: 52" diameter, 7.5" tall
A perfect length to wrap around your neck twice. With more warmth than the small cowl, the large size really shows off the rustic beauty of the Ravine yarn. The large size cowl is shown in tan. Directions will be given for the three sizes as follows: S (L).
A NOTE ON THE CAST ON
I recommend the cable cast on for this pattern. It gives a tidy and firm edge, though it's important to be sure your CO stitches aren't too tight Please use a needle at least one size larger for your cast on. If using JSSBO, please use the same size needle for the BO as you use for the seed stitch knitting. For more info, please visit the linked blog post.
DIRECTIONS
Using your larger needle (US 11/8mm) and the cable cast 0n method, cast on 86 (156) sts. Note: When joining in the round using a cable cast on, I recommend swapping the first stitches on each needle tip, and then dropping the stitch on the right needle tip. See blog post for more details. If you'd rather use a different CO method, subtract one stitch from CO numbers. Seed stitch in the round is knit using an odd number of stitches.
Join in the round, making sure the stitches aren't twisted. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round. For pattern, knit the following two rounds: Round 1: \*K1, P1\* around to last stitch, K1 Round 2: \*P1, K1\* around to last stitch, P1 Continue in pattern, knitting these two rounds repeatedly until cowl is 9"(8.5") in height. Once cowl is at desired height, use JSSBO for a stretchy bind off edge. Weave in ends and block your cowl, waiting until it's completely dry before wearing. For more information and tips, including notes on blocking and a special trick I use for JSSBO in the round, please visit the blog.
