Ever since binding off my brightly coloured Arika Cowl I've been wanting a neutral version for myself. My goal was to have it finished for Knit City so that I could wear it at the show and still have the original sample to display. I chose Cascade Eco to show the versatility of the pattern. My gauge was spot on but the Cascade yarn is woollier than the Kenzington and results in a fuller cowl and fringe. And because I used the undyed Ecological Wool, the cowl is actually surprisingly soft, especially after blocking! An added bonus -- you can make 2 Arika Cowls from one of these massive skeins!
I managed to finish in time for the show and wore it the entire weekend (and haven't really taken it off since -- I even wear it in the house!). I received SO many compliments on it and knitters were so excited about the unique construction and how quick and simple the knitting was.
The best part is -- Hikoo has a colour in the Kenzington that's almost identical called Pavalova. I've set to work knitting up a sample to show just how much colour can make a difference in the overall look and style of a pattern. I'll share it here when I'm done!
So, what's on your needles?
I'm working on my first seamed sweater for my husband. I do a ton of raglans but I'm trying to push myself out of my comfort zone. Love the fringe on this!
ReplyDeleteA pair of long socks and just starting an aran sweater that I ha been planning for two years. I love this neutral version and the big fringe, not that I need another cowl but I am tempted by yours.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool pattern! I love seeing the same pattern knit up in different colours and fibers, sometimes resulting in a completely new look. It reminds me of your awesome Gemini originally knit in cotton and then modified and knit in wool. I was wearing mine yesterday, it's so awesome!
ReplyDeleteYour Gemini is gorgeous Tanis -- and I totally agree, it's amazing how a different yarn can transform a pattern! I love the way my modified Gemini looks in your yarn, it's a total transformation! I get inquiries about it all the time!!
DeleteLove it! And it looks stunning on you :)
ReplyDeleteSo excited about this!! I've got some Eco+ in my stash, and didn't know what to make with it - looks like I'll be making some cowls!!!
ReplyDeleteYay!! It's a great stash buster! And I think most of us have Eco stashed away, lol, perfect! Promise to share when you're done! I'd love to see yours Robyn!!
DeleteLove this! Pattern available online? Now I am struggling with your Aubutus scarf pattern, though. I keep getting twists! Any ideas what I am doing wrong. I have been careful not to twist when joining together! Thanks! DJ
DeleteThe pattern is indeed available online! I'm so sorry to hear your struggling with Arbutus -- if you ever need pattern support please don't hesitate to email me janerichmonddesigns@gmail.com
DeleteJust goes to show how awesome the pattern is, that it looks so good in both a light, neutral colour and with a brighter, more vivid one! And Cascade Eco is top notch in my books. Can't wait to knit this!
ReplyDeleteI'm seriously having a love affair with Eco right now! It's such a perfect weight, not too bulky but knits up quickly. The skeins are fantastically generous and of course who doesn't love 100% wool :)
DeleteI have some eco in my stash and have been struggling with what do with it (leftover from a felted cat bed :) and can't wait to knit up an Arika. Thanks for this lovely pattern and for the yarn inspiration. Just one question: I never block gauge swatches. Do I have to for this project, do you think?
ReplyDeleteAs for what else is on my needles...way too many projects...it all depends upon how short my attention span is for how involved the project can be in the moment. One of these days, I'm going to post some projects on ravelry.
I didn't block my Eco gauge swatch, I think you'll be safe without :) I'd love to see your Arika if you decide to start posting your projects to Ravelry!
DeleteDid you also use 10.5 size needles with the Eco yarn? I'm not the most experienced knitter so always make patterns in the yarn mentioned in the pattern :) Just checking if you used the same size with both types of yarn.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I sure did! And my gauge was bang on :) It's a great substitute.
DeleteJust finished knitting mine with Eco yarn. I have a question. Do I sew the ribbing end to the straight edge of the cowl or to the side that sloped out? Thanks in advance for your help!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie! You'll need to seam the cast on edge of the ribbing to the side of the eyelet rib portion (not the bound off edge). If you're still unsure have another look at the pattern's schematic--there is a dashed line depicting exactly where you'll want to seam! I hope this helps! Best of luck!
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