Introducing : My first pattern

It is a little nerve wracking to jump into the world of pattern design after reading and befriending some of the most awesome knitter/designers out there. But here I go.

A little background on the pattern. A few months ago I went to Santa Barbara and found a lovely little yarn shop, they have an extensive supply of the Habu yarn line, including the Silk Wrapped stainless steel.

This threadlike yarn intrigued me and I bought a small cone, determined to find a use for it and not really sure what that use would be.

Well, a good sorting of my stash revealed a skein of lovely purple Calmer, almost an exact match in color. And from there I thought of combining the two, the Calmer’s softness and body with the structure the Habu would lend to the knitted fabric.

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I found a stitch pattern in an old binder of knitting instructions and the result is what I have come to call the Swagged Cowl.

Yes, I have jumped on the cowl bandwagon, they are such useful and simple pieces to knit, a great way to show off a lovely stitch pattern and I think it an interesting yarn combination. I am not sure the Habu lends as much strength as I anticipated, but I do like the finished product.

The end result proved to be a useful and pretty cowl, quick to knit and great for a Christmas gift for those that actually need to wear the things due to inclement weather. The cowl is knit in the round, with a simple slip stitch pattern that I decided to stagger to create some visual interest. This is my first attempt at pattern writing and I would love any feedback, as long as it is nice, (be nice internets) and/or useful.

Without further ado I give you:

A Swagged Cowl

Materials:

= 1 Skein Rowan Calmer (493 Plum)
= 1 Cone Habu Silk wrapped stainless steel (Violet)
= 1 set Size 9 circular needles (16 or 20’)
= 1 Stitch Marker

Holding two yarns together throughout, cast on 100 stitches and join to knit in the round. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.

Beginning Border : Knit 4 rows Moss stitch

Row 1/3 : K1, P1 until last stitch
Row 2/4: P1, K1 until last stitch

Begin Pattern Rows: Pattern consists of six row repeat that is staggered.

Row 1-3: Knit all stitches
Row 4 : *Purl 2 stitches, Slip 3 stitches from left to right needle purlwise with yarn in
front*, repeat * to *until last stitch
Row 5 : Knit all stitches
Row 6 : Repeat Row 4

You will repeat these 6 rows to form the swagged part of the pattern. In order to create a staggered appearance to the swag, follow these directions:

= Once the first repeat is complete (i.e. first 6 rows of pattern):
-Knit Row 1 of next repeat. When you reach the stitch marker, remove it, knit 2 stitches and replace the marker. This is the new beginning of the round for the second repeat.

= Once second repeat is complete,
-Knit Row 1 of next repeat, when you are 2 stitches from marker, slip these 2 stitches off the left needle, remove marker, replace the 2 stitches to left needle, place marker, this is the new beginning of the round for the next repeat.

Alternate the above instructions until piece measures 6 inches from cast on edge.

End Border : Knit 4 rows in Moss stitch as for Beginning Border…or just proceed to next step if you want a rolled edge.

Cast off in purl (I just think this looks better). Wet block, then wear or gift.

I think it looks great with this accessory…a cute baby.

Many thanks to Jeanette, my sister in law/model…and you know the drill: copyright, yadda yadda, personal use, enjoy. Smiles. Now get back to your gift knitting.

ADD: Here is your Ravelry link if you want to queue it!