Hi!
I have a little story to share. This summer, I worked on two knitting projects, both of them following a pattern. If you've been reading this blog for a while you'll know that I don't do well with patterns, and I don't like following them. So, after much trial and error, I decided to ditch one of the patterns I was working with - a cowl pattern - and write my own.
So here it is, the Penelope Cowl! My first ever successful knitting pattern.
Penelope Cowl
- Cast on 231 stitches in the round, place marker
- Border: *knit 3, purl 3* repeat to end of round
- Wheat stitch (a 4-row stitch):
1. row 1 - purl 1. *knit 1, purl 1* repeat to end of round
2. row 2 - knit 1, *purl 1, knit 1* repeat to end of round
3. row 3 - knit 1, *purl 1, knit 1* repeat to end of round
4. row 4 - purl 1, *knit 1, purl 1* repeat to end of round
- Wheat stitch for 11 inches or as long as desired
- Border: *knit 3, purl 3* repeat to end of round
- Cast off loosely
Notes:
- make sure your stitches aren't twisted when you cast on in the round
- keep track of your wheat stitch rows to ensure that you know where you are when you pause in your knitting (I recommend tally marks)
I knit my cowl out of Purl Essence Everyday yarn in Oatmeal Heather, with 5mm circular needles. Despite being acrylic, it was really soft and easy to knit, and so far has done a very good job of keeping my neck warm. I would recommend not frowning down on acrylic yarn, but honestly, knit what your heart desires.
So here it is, I hope you like it! If you have any questions about the pattern or anything, feel free to leave a comment down below!
Also, a big thank you to my mom for taking pictures of me even though people were walking by.
P.S. The story behind the name of the cowl is that while I was desperately trying to follow the pattern I had originally planned on making I would knit about three rows then take everything out and start all over again. This process lasted a good week and my project was dubbed Penelope, who would weave her tapestry during the day and take out all her stitches at night, of course not making any progress.
