Fourteen Cowl

One of my first knits (but not the first) was the Fourteen Cowl by John Brinegar.  I had come upon some Araucania Limari through some online swapping (only the beginning of my swapping phase). I was thoroughly enticed by this plump yarn in these bright colors. When I received it, I realized that uh oh it was only 61 yards. What is a new knitter supposed to do with only 61 yards? 

I did what anyone else would do: I turned to the search engine on Ravelry. Oh, the wonder of Ravelry. I don't quite remember how I found the pattern but it was like a sign. I mean, come on, it's done in the exact same yarn! It looked wonderful and warm and it just so happened to be that time of year when the weather changes drastically. It was early October here in the Midwest and went from being in the 70's one day to a high in the 50's the next. That's when I miss California.

Anyhow, this plush yarn and the Fourteen pattern came around at just the right time. It's done in the brioche stitch (which took me longer to figure out than to actually knit the pattern). I finally found instructions I could understand on the internet and got started. The yarn is a super bulky, 70% Merino, 20% Alpaca, and 10% Silk yarn. Worked up on size 13 needles, this is like wrapping a fluffy little cloud around your neck. Oh yeah, and it only took a couple hours for me to do. What more could a novice knitter ask for? 

The same day I finished I rushed off to the craft store to find buttons. Aren't these perfect?  I was in such a rush to finish this project so I could wear it. And who doesn't love a little instant gratification? 

My finished Fourteen Cowl has probably received the most compliments of any knitted accessory I've made.  It got a lot of use this past winter since it fits great under a fleece and is super-duper warm! Considering all the use, it has held up pretty well. There's only been very minimal stretching. The yarn is very soft and not itchy at all (although let me be honest, I'm not generally sensitive to yarns). This is such a quick knit and so darn cute (and so darn useful and practical). It would make a great last minute gift for anyone living in a cold weather climate.