Chunky Knit Cowl Pattern

Chunky Knit Cowl Pattern
1 1/2 balls of Lion Brand's Wool Ease Thick and Quick (I used Fisherman)
A Size US 17 circular needle (12.75mm)
Yarn Needle (Used to sew in the loose ends)

Cast on 60 stitches, join with the circular needles and begin knitting in the round.
Rows 1-10 Knit all stitches.

Row 11 *Knit 3, Knit 2 together. *Repeat pattern until row is complete.
You will be left with 48 stitches on your needle.

Rows 12-22 Knit all stitches.

Row 23 *Knit 4, Knit 2 together. *Repeat pattern until row is complete.
You will be left with 40 stitches on your needle.

Rows 24-63 Knit all stitches. Or rather knit until you have reached your desired length. Mine is long enough to fully cover my shoulders and act as a hood.

Sew in ends of yarn, and block if desired. I preferred leave the top and
bottom unblocked so it would roll up just a little.

Notes on the pattern:
This was really fun to create. Of course, it was inspired by Sveta Dresher and the Sartorialist photo I blogged about.

I love it because it forms beautifully around the neck when worn as a neck warmer. I chose to give it shape at the bottom to create more interesting drape. Therefore, this pattern is a little more complicated than just knitting a tube, but worth it!

The reason I chose to use Thick and Quick by Lion Brand is because it was available to me in a pinch, and very affordable compared to other chunky yarns. It is a 20% wool and 80% acrylic blend, and it is very soft. I usually choose natural fibers, however, this time around I couldn't make it into the closest upscale yarn store in a city two hours away. Thick and Quick worked well and I was impressed with the results. I'm sure other bulky yarns could easily be substituted.

Here is the final result:
I can't wait to see your versions!

Hot Water Bottle Cozy

My friend Alison likes to send me magazine clippings she thinks I would appreciate. She's right on every time. The latest clipping I received was a picture of a hot water bottle cozy knit with oatmeal coloured wool with a cable down the front. I knew I had to try to make a pattern of my own, how hard could it be! Well, four attempts later I think I've come up with the keeper. Sadly, after four attempts I gave up on the cable, it got too complicated. Funny thing, after I finished the first version I went into the Indigo Book Store on Bay and Bloor and found the exact water bottle cozy in the clipping for $29.99! I was going to save this pattern for myself until after Christmas, but I thought maybe some of you would like to make some quick Christmas/Holiday gifts, as well. I hope you don't mind that it's not typed out. It's a small pattern, but I hope it isn't too hard to read! Plus, I thought my wonky little drawing might make you smile.

The pattern. Click on it to make it larger. Let me know if anything confuses you or is incorrect. ERRATA: Super important on the increase row right after the ribbing you should end up with 32 stitches, not 36! Anna (who is smart as a whip!) caught this math problem right away. She is right, if you start with 16 stitches and increase one for every stitch you have, you end up with 32. Now you know why I'm not a mathematician. :P Thanks Anna!

The supplies. You'll need two skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca's Bulky yarn and circular or dpn needles in US size 17 or 12.75mm.

The back with a hole for removing the water bottle. The front.

The first attempt. I need more water bottles to fill them now. I used two balls in a mustard color and one in grey to make three.

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A photo posted by ericaknits (@ericaknits) on Feb 19, 2016 at 6:52am PST