Catherine Cowl

These days, my sewing is grinding to a halt.  I don't have a dedicated sewing space, so I can't leave everything out and grab 30 minute chunks to work on a project.  So instead, I am knitting.  Even a novice knitter like me can make lovely little luxuries worth having.

Hey look!  I cut my hair!  I am going to let all the fried-up, dyed-up stuff grow out and see how I feel about grey.

Case in point, the Catherine Cowl, by Blue Sky Alpacas.  This took me forever to knit.  The needles were just 2.75mm!  It's a simple basket weave knitted in the round.  Nothing difficult about it in the least.  It's time consuming, though.  But, I could carry it around in my purse and work on it whenever, wherever.  Dentist, Ballet lessons, Swimming lessons, etc.

Here is how it looks on its own.

My only problem was Casting Off without making the edge too tight.  I did it the usual way and found I couldn't get it over my head!  Then I went online, and found methods for socks that were more stretchy.  Still couldn't get it over my head!  Do I have a big head, or what?  Finally, I did it my own way with a tapestry needle.  It doesn't look as good as I would like, but it is a small detail.

My unique, stretchy cast off method.

The nicer casting on.

I have to say that a basket weave is simple and effective.

Basket weave up-close.

I bought the materials for this at the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace a few months back.  There was a sweet small business, Mrs Moon selling luxury yarns.  This baby alpaca yarn they were selling was far softer than any cashmere which I felt that day.

I have to admit that I am sorely tempted by their naturally metallic baby alpaca / raw silk blend.  It could make a luxurious, on trend scarf for this winter.

Metalico yarn at Mrs Moon.

Knitting is such a labour intensive activity that using top rate materials makes perfect sense to me. Especially if you value your own time!