cashmere & silk

Hey there Knitters,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I certainly did. During my Holiday, I ran a 5K Turkey Trot setting a new PR. I cooked some really good food. I hiked the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls. I ran my 12 mile training run in preparation for my half marathon that I am running December 1st. And last but not least, I found the time to finish my latest cowl. 

This pattern is called the Super Soft Merino Fluted Cowl, found on Purl Bee. The yarn they used for this cowl, was their very own Super Soft Merino. However, I had some skeins of Malabrigo Rasta yarn in Laguna, in my yarn stash so I used that.

Malabrigo Rasta is a super soft chunky Merino wool. This is one of my favorite yarns. Although, it was not as draping as the Super Soft Merino, it still made a good substitute for this cowl.

By using a super bulky yarn and size US #17, 32-inch circular needles this cowl knitted up very quickly. The pattern used the Fluted Fabric Stitch working in the round.

Altering Measurements

The original cowl calls to cast on 196 stitches, but because I am only 5’1, I only casted on 136 stitches. So keep this in mind - you can alter the pattern measurements by casting on any number of stitches as long as they are multiple of four.

The patten tells you to continue knitting in the round binding off once the cowl measures 15 inches wide. Again, because I am petite I ended my cowl at 12 inches instead of the 15 inches the pattern called for. 

Comparing Yarns

The pattern also calls for 6 skeins of Super Soft Merino which is 100% Merino Wool. Weight 100 grams. Length 87 yards. I only used 3.5 skeins of Malabrigo Rasta because although it too is 100% Merino Wool, it’s weight is 150 grams, and it measures 90 yards in length. Malabrigo Rasta is much more chunky compared to the Super Soft Merino. 

Final Notes

This cowl is by far one of my favorites to knit and to wear. The pattern is simple, but looks complex. Because the yarn is super bulky it knits up quick. The yarn itself is beautiful. Each skein being unique with its own dye lot. It is soft and made up of the highest quality of Merino wool. This cowl is elegant and stylish, warm, soft, cozy, perfect for days like today, when the air is a chilly 40 degrees, with the chance of snow flurries. 

Photos

The Yarn. Malabrigo Rasta in Laguna.

The Fluted Fabric Stitch. This is what the right side looks like. 

The Fluted Fabric Stitch. This is what the wrong side looks like. 

Me wearing the cowl, showing of the length and measurements. 

I am all wrapped up in The Fluted Cowl.

I love this cowl. Chunky knits are the best winter accessory. 

So what do you think?