Tuesday, November 04, 2008

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.
Habu Stainless Steel/Silk

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.
>WIP


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.
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

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.
Swagged Cowl




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.
Glimpse


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!

12 comments:

brook said...

it is beautiful!! i can't wait to make one!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your first pattern!! The cowl looks beautiful - just in time for cooler weather!! I have some calmer in my stash that would be perfect for this!!

Anonymous said...

it's AWESOME, amiee! and the colors you've chosen are so rich and saturated, how can one be anything but cozyfied. great job!
xoxo

Dawn Johnson Warren said...

Beautiful! I am a huge fan of scarfs and cowels as accessories. Maybe you'll consider putting some on your etsy shop? Hint, Hint...

Katie said...

Ooh! thanks for sharing! As you saw I'm definitely on the cowl bandwagon and I can't wait to knit this one*

Sereknitty said...

Congrats on your first pattern! How kind of you to make it available to all of us -- next up, your own book of patterns???

Anonymous said...

Great job on your first pattern! Is the yarn color accurate in the first two photos (burgundy) or in the rest (purple)?

spajonas said...

very nice!

Gabrielle said...

What a wonderful pattern, and so lovely to share it - I know there will be lots of gorgeous cowls knitted up this christmas.

I will email you too, but just wanted to thank you so much for the beautiful, beautiful vest for our little Owen - I've finally found a minute to put it on the blog so everyone can admire it!

Anonymous said...

Yay! Congrats on your first pattern- it's lovely! Bring it when we get together next! :)

cinnamongirl said...

You've sold a lot of your bags and necklaces! Yay! Call me today at home, phone is dead. Literally. Let's get the babes together?

Veronique said...

Ooh, love that stitch pattern! The slipped stitches are a great idea.
I also thought the the Habu stainless steel would be stiffer, but it's kinda cool nonetheless...