Mamma's Missoni Cowl (Part 1)

Early this morning (somewhere around 1am) I began knitting my mamma's Christmas present. She requested cowl that had color that would go with her wardrobe. I selected a knitted chevron cowl and a random stripe pattern so I could recreate a Missoni inspired cowl.

Since I'm posting from my iPod, you'll have to wait til later tonight for me to post the patterns and progress pics.

And it looks like I'm going to have to post about Missoni, too. Not a bad idea, actually, since everybody has seen Missoni but not everybody knows Missoni.

Til then, toodles!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch 4G MC model

Attempting to Cable the Double Infinity Symbol

Have you seen the new hit TV show Revenge on ABC? (Follow the link for a synopsis of the show.) If so, you know about the double infinity symbol. And if you don't here's a picture:

This box is totally buy-able. Click here to get info on how to do so.

As a knitter, this is a challenge and a delight! Who wouldn't want this running around the band of a hat or up a scarf or --better yet-- in a few squares on an afghan? I TOTALLY WANT THIS CABLE! This presents a problem, though, because there is no cable for it. Oh, crappers, what do I do now?

I ask Eunny Jang. She blogged about recreating simple cables here. I followed instructions as best I could by opening image in Adobe Fireworks and flipping, cropping, and coloring it.

The infinity image with individually colored cables.

I then held a piece of graph paper up to my laptop screen and traced the image as is.

I then attempted to translate this tracing into an actual graph.

And that's as far as I have gotten. Somehow from that graph I've got to make a knittable cable chart. This is not going to be easy.

The Peru Project Lapghan

I realize now that I took on too large of a project back in October, but I intend to see this one through. I will finish it. I will!

So, let's break this down. The squares are a log cabin pattern (Ravelry page here, pattern page here). There are six of them with 9 sections each. As of the date of this posting, I have 2 squares and 5 sections of a third square. That comes to a grand total of 23 sections. Seems successful except that there are 54 total sections. That's less than half. I wish I was further along, but I'll just have to take this one step (section) at a time.

So, I have resolved to switch back and forth among other projects while I'm doing this. I'll complete one section for every amount of time I spend on anoterhj project. So far, this is actually working. I've completed three of the sections since Wednesday. Not bad, but not good.

As always, follow along as we work it out.

Progress Update

I currently have three projects OTN (on the needles): Criss-Cross Cable Headband, Balck Intercostals, and The Peru Project Lapghan (not yet written about  written about here).

Criss-Cross Cable Headband:
I am about 65% of the way done with this. I like the cabling and the color, but it's a little painful on the joints. Preview pic:

Isn't it pretty? And the yarn is super soft!

Black Intercostal Mitts:

These are slowly coming along. I forgot how slippery the Microspun is on US4 babmboo DPNs!

The Peru Project Lapghan:

I started this project back in the middle of Ocotber. Of the six nine-sectioned squares, I have two complete and I am on the 4th section of the third square.

So that's where I'm at these days. How about you guys? How is your stuff coming along?

Birthday Surprise for the Bestie

My bestie's birthday is this Saturday. And while she has just requested my presence as her gift, I have decided that she needs to sport one of my knitted creations (not neccessarily one I have designed, just one I have knit). When asked what color she wanted, she said, "Surprise me!" So, surprising her I am.

The pattern of choice is the Criss-Cross Cable Headband by Mari Doroud (Ravelry pattern page, blog pattern page). It requires US8 needles, worsted weight yarn and a button. (NOTE: She also requires a crochet hook to create a loop for the button, but I am opting to knit a button placket.) This should be a rather quick knit for me, taknig no more than 12 hours total knit time.

Intercostal Mitts

It is shortly after midnight and I am beginning the cast on for Intercostal Mitts (Ravelry pattern page). These are being knit for a paying customer. I do not own the pattern. They will be knit using Lion Brand's Microspun in Ebony and using US4 bamboo DPNs. This should be a cinch since I have previoulsy knit this pattern before.

What Is a Cowl: An Explanation

The other day, someone asked me what a cowl was. I quickly consulted my American Heritage Dictionary app on my iPod Touch. The definition was as follows:

 

              1)
                a) The hood or hooded robe worn especially by a monk.
                b) A draped neckline on a woman’s garment.
              2) A hood-shaped covering used to increase the draft of a chimney.
              3) The top portion of the front part of an automobile body, supporting the 
                   windshield and dashboard.
              4) The cowling of an aircraft.

  

While the definitions are appropriate for many reasons, they do not currently answer the person’s question. If any of them come close, it is the definition in 1b. And while it is partially correct for our question, it is not completely fulfilling. So let’s explain with a picture:

 

 

 

 

 

See how it drapes around her neckline but is not attached to a garment? COWL!

 

A cowl can made as one piece, as a combined collection of motifs (squares, circles, flowers, etc), or as a short scarf whose ends are sewn together. (Of course, when the ends are seperated, it is no longer a cowl, but a neck warmer.) Cowl can be worn loose (as pictured above) or right up close. It depends on your comfort level.

 

Google or Bing or Yahoo for images and you’ll see many different versions (knit and crochet and woven and such).

 

Go ahead, I’ll wait for you.

 

You back? Good. What did you think? (Be sure to comment below.)

 

They are a fashion staple in cooler and colder climates. You can get them in all colors, shapes, sizes, and fibers! The options for fabulousness are endless, as are your wardrobe options and moments for creativity.

  

I’ll leave you with this small bit of information bouncing around in your brain. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to leave them below. 

 

If you would like to knit, crochet, or weave your own cowl, head on over to Ravelry.com and sign up.