Entrelac Cowl with Energized Handspun Singles
By Deb Erikson
This cowl is one possibility of using different colors of roving, or Sushi Batts to create your own "Noro-type" energized yarn. The finished cowl weighs 1.7 oz.
FIBER:
2 oz. Mix & Match hand-dyed Coopworth/Romney roving Or I set of Sushi Batts (2 oz) both from DebsFibers at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DebsFibers The following pictures illustrate using the roving.
SPINNING:
First tear off sections of roughly the same length and arrange them in the order of spinning that pleases you. The longest I used of the dyed Coopworth/Romney of the example are about 18 inches of roving, the shortest are about 12 inches of gold roving - because a little bit of gold goes a long way. Look at the example and you can manipulate the length of the color changes by how long you keep your roving pieces. This is where you can create whatever you desire. Divide your fiber into two piles, one for Z-twist, one for S-twist. I fill one spindle with Z-twist singles, the second with S-twist singles, but of course, you can fill two bobbins on your wheel. My singles have sufficient twist and are about sport weight. Here is a pic of my singles that may help you determine the yarn grist and twist. I've also included pictures of a set of Sushi Batts, and one batt being spun.
Yarn Size/Twist Sushi Batt Set Sushi Batt attenuated/being spun
KNITTING:
I let the yarn rest on the spindles (bobbins) for a few weeks to allow the energy to become a bit dormant before knitting so the yarn is a little easier to handle. The yarn will energize again when soaked in water after the cowl is completed. I spin half of it S-twist, and the other half Ztwist. I alternate using those two yarns, one per row of rectangles. CO 90 stitches using #7 needle (American size) Use a larger size needle than you would expect. You want the energy and yarn to be able to move. Join in circle. If you have never knit in entrelac before, you might want to look at some youtube tutorials - therearemany!
First Row of Triangles (S-twist Yarn)
Each triangle is 6 stitches. There are 15 base triangles in the first row. Row 1: With right side of work facing, K2 Turn work (or work backwards) at the end of each row in the triangle Row 2: Slip 1 stitch purlwise, P1 (these are the same 2 stitches you knit in row 1) Row 3: K3 Row 4: Slip 1 stitch purlwise, P2 Row 5: K4 Row 6: Slip 1 stitch purlwise, P3 Row 7: K5 Row 8: Slip 1 stitch purlwise, P4 Row 9: K6 Repeat until you have completed all 15 base triangles.
First Row of Entrelac Rectangles (Z-Twist Yarn)
With wrong side facing and new color, pick up 5 stitches purlwise along side of first triangle. (Start at the tip of the needle and pick up the first stitch from the top edge of the triangle), purl 1 stitch from adjacent triangle on the left needle. Row 1: K6 Turn work (or work backwards) at the end of each row in the triangle Row 2: P5, p2 tog (consuming one from the left needle) Repeat these 2 rows until you have consumed all of the stitches from the left needle. Continue and pick up 5 stitches purlwise along side of next triangle and repeat, creating the next rectangle. Continue around the cowl until you have knit a rectangle on one side of all triangles.
Second Row of Entrelac Rectangles (S-Twist Yarn)
With right side of work facing, pick up 6 stitches along the long side of the rectangle (starting at the tip, closest to your needle). Knit 1 stitch from left needle, pass previous stitch over this (so you just have 6 stitches ready for this rectangle. Row1:Pb Turn work (or work backwards) at the end of each row in the triangle Row 2: K5, then K 2 together - consuming 1 from the left needle (or slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch from left needle pass previous stitch knit stitch over this one. Use the dec you like) Repeat these two rows until all stitches from left needle have been consumed. Third Row of Entrelac Rectangles (Z-Twist Yarn) Same as First Row Fourth set of Entrelac Rectangles (S-Twist Yarn) Same asSecond Row Final Set of Triangles (Z-Twist Yarn) With wrong side facing, pick up 5 stitches, P 1 from left needle Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, K1 Turn work (or work backwards) at the end of each row in the triangle Row 2: Slip 1 purlwise, P2 Row 3: Slip 1 knitwise, K3 Row 4: Slip 1 purlwise, P4 Row 5: Slip 1 knitwise, K5 Row 6: Slip 1 purlwise, P6 Row 7: Slip 1 knitwise, K6, K2 tog Row 8: Slip 1 purlwise, P6, slip 1, p2 tog, psso Bind off. Soak cowl in water, press out water between towels, lay flat to dry. Wearandenjoy! Deb Erikson is DebsFibers on Ravelry.com deb@debraerikson.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/DebsFibers For more information about energized yarns and entrelac, please search out Kathryn Alexander's articles and DVD from Interweave Press.
