Sugar and Cream Cowl

A simple Cowl with downgrading cables by Alana Dakos.  I wanted to make sure this cowl will stand upright like a wind shield and not flop down so coupled my Malabrigo sock yarn with Habu stainless steel in midnight blue. The sock yarn is what's left from my old rose wrap .

I have not blocked or steamed this cowl after casting off as I wanted to keep those cables crunched and tighter around the neck.

Winter is lingering and it is difficult to get good lighting for photos. I loved the dusky pink of last sun rays, soon those trees will be leafy again..

Old rose wrap

Few years ago I visited the knitting and stitching show in Alexandra palace, London and noticed an intricate wrap wore by lady  in the 'Loop' stall. I've complimented her and when the lady herself published the pattern I was delighted.

I mainly knit but this is  crocheted .The beauty of it is that you can join the squares as you go and the joining itself contributes to the pattern. Its all looks complicated and intricate but after completing few squares the pattern is memorised and it is very relaxing enjoyable crocheting. The old rose wrap calls for a variegated Malabrigo sock and a solid color. I think its important not to create too much color pooling so the way this yarn is dyed is just perfect for the pattern. I've chose a mix of purple and green - 'rayon vert' for the main section and then a sophisticated blue - 'cote d'azure' for the edgings and 3D roses. I've changed the pattern a bit to look more like the original version I saw but I did not add the loopy edgings; instead went for a lacy picot trim.

The pattern is so versatile , because of the buttons and button holes locations. I've tried to show some of the ways it can be wrapped- a shrug, a poncho, a scarf, a cardigan..

Very pleased with my summer project !
Keeeeeep knitting :)