The Cowlympiad? by Deborah Tomasello
Another design for the 2014 Ravellenic Games. This stranded cowl is so much fun to knit and, because it is lined with pieces of an old sweatshirt, it is warm and ecologically pleasing. This pattern is great because the knitter can decide how many motifs to knit, so the length and width choices are hers. Knit it without twists for a cowl, twist the stitches to form a moebius cowl or double around the neck for a neck warmer. The design lends itself to virtually endless color combinations. Sizes: Approx. 5"'wide ( if only knitting 36 of the 45 charted rounds) after blocking x whatever length you desire. Each repeat is approx. 3 inches long after blocking. Cover cowl has pattern 16 repeats, and measures about 49". Materials: 1 ball each of any two contrasting KnitPicks Palette. Cover uses Asphalt Heather and Raspberry Heather. Long #4 circular needle Ling fabric: fleece or old sweatshirt fabric Stitch marker Gauge: Gauge is not important here, but I got about 6 sts and 7 rounds to the inch after blocking using a #4 needle. Instructions: Using Asphalt Heather, CO 288 sts., Place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches UNLESS you desire a moebius, in which case you do want to twist the sts. (If you want a shorter cowl, CO any multiple of 18 sts.) Knit one round with Asphalt Heather, and then add the second color and begin following CHART. Work as many round repeats as you want to determine width. Cover cowl uses 36 rounds; if you want it a little wider, knit all 45 rounds. Knit one round in Asphalt Heather. BO, loosely. Finishing: Tie and trim all yarn ends. Soak and block flat. Cut lining fabric to fit and machine stitch to back of cowl. CHART:
