It’s halfway through September, so that means I’m all tangled up in knitting for Christmas. So far, I’ve got three gifts complete, two of which are the result of my new favorite knitting pattern.
Ravelry is a treasure trove of free patterns if you’re willing to do a little homework. Searching with the right key words and filters will reveal some pretty great patterns. For two of the people on my Christmas gift list, I knew I wanted to make a pretty cowl that would match the hats I made for them last year, so I searched for “knitting, free, cowl, leaves.”
Within seconds, I spotted a pattern called the Leaving Cowl. Beautiful interlocking leaves and simple edging convinced me straight away that this was “the one.” Within minutes I downloaded and printed it out.
Last year, I was smart and stashed some yarn that matched most of the hats I made for gifts last year. By sheer luck, the gauge on the Leaving Cowl matched two of the skeins I had saved. Let the cast on commence!
I made the first cowl using a gorgeous Harvest Yellow, (Paton’s Classic Worsted Wool). The golden tone really enhanced the leaves and made this piece feel extra cozy.
Harvest Yellow Leaving Cowl
For the second cowl, I decided to make the edges a little more special. I pulled out another stashed skein, Grey Marble (Paton’s Classic Worsted Wool) and paired it with a skein of Plum Heather. The warm tone of the plum gave the leaves gorgeous definition, while the grey marble created a nice contrast.
Plum Heather and Grey Marble Leaving Cowl
The pattern itself is very easy to read. It provides both a chart and written out stitch instructions. I’d recommend it for knitters who feel comfortable with stitches that go beyond the basics as there a couple of tricky stitches, including slip 1, knit 2 together and pass slipped stitch over. If you’re a beginner looking for a little challenge to build your skills, this is a great pattern to push yourself to the next level.
I love these cowls so much, it’s going to be tough to let them go. At the same time, I know those receiving them will be very happy! I’ll definitely be making one for myself once the Christmas knitting madness comes to an end.
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What’s your favorite thing this week?
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c.b.w. 2014
C.B. Wentworth 
I love the harvest yellow! What a fabulous color!!
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Isn’t it awesome!! I fell in love with it the moment I saw it on the shelf at the store.
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Those are beautiful! Both colors are so perfect!
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Even though it still feels like summer outside, these colors let me pretend a cool autumn breeze was blowing outside. 🙂
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I don’t knit. My grandmother could never get it to take with me, but oh, these make me want to. And I love cowls. Anything that will keep you warm. I live where it gets cold in the winter, and these things around your neck are perfect. Marvelous pattern and gorgeous colors. Maybe I need to learn to knit…. ( I do crochet and tat)
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I just got done with another cowl that plays with garter stitch and knit stitch to create a nice texture. All you need is to be able to knit and purl. Very easy pattern – I’ll be blogging about it soon! It might be just the thing to get you into knitting.
I tried to crochet once and it was a disaster! Being lefty doesn’t help when every single how-to video is righty! 😉
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Those are lucky friends who are on your Christmas list. These cowls are gorgeous. I love the leaf pattern.
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That leaf pattern called to me the second I saw it. I might have to adapt it into a washcloth or scarf. 🙂
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It would make a great scarf!
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