I love a good challenge. I try and choose to do things that
will not only challenge me, but also teach me something new. That is the same
with knitting. When choosing a new pattern to do, I try and pick something that
I know I can accomplish, yet has a few different techniques that I could learn.
That is why I chose Tuesday Night Cowl by Susan Pierce
Lawrence. You can download the pattern from www.ravelry.com.
There were two new techniques I learned: the provisional cast on and the
Kitchener stitch.
I have to admit that I was ready to abandon the pattern from
the start. I searched YouTube for videos on the provisional cast on As there are multiple approaches for the cast on.
Besides it taking me three hours to finally grasp the concept of it, I started
the cowl 5 times before I got it right! I would get the right amount of stitches on and then after a
few rows I ended up with extra stitches. So annoying! This is the video from
YouTube that was the most helpful: htt p://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZCYXM-39qA.
So glad I stuck with it. I love the way it turned out. I did
not stick with the gauge and needle size suggested in the pattern. My twin
brother had given me 2 skeins of Rowans Alpaca Chunky yarn in pigeon that I
really wanted to use; it is extremely soft and warm - ideal for a cowl. I used US size 13 needles with it.
The Kitchener stitch was must easier to learn. Here is the
video I used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7i5JwEReW0.
The video is from Webs’ channel. If you haven’t heard of Webs, check them out
at www.yarn.com. They have a huge selection
on everything you could want for knitting, crocheting, and spinning. And being
a New England girl, Webs is right in the Berkshires in MA. One day I will make
a road trip there, because I heard their location is amazing.
So here is the finished project. I just love it and it is
perfect for the cold New England Winters. As it looks like the snow and cold
temps will continue, I am sure I will get plenty of use for it in March.
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