fringed.

I have to start off this post by saying that this project is very ‘cool’ – perhaps the coolest thing I’ve ever knit?! Although there was the Esjan shawl … oh, and the completely oversized crochet scarf from a few many years ago …

So maybe these trendy knits aren’t so foreign to me?!

An oversized cowl with fringe to boot was still a huge step out of my comfort zone. I took the plunge after seeing the designer’s version at Knit City.

Jane was wearing a cream version with a white long-sleeved t-shirt, which is one of my staples in the winter. She looked awesome in it and I thought, If I can find my favourite colourway of Malabrigo bulky-something, then I’ll make that.

Guess what? One of my local yarn shops had just been able to bring it in! It’s like it was meant to be!

Pattern :: Arika Cowl by Jane Richmond

Yarn :: Malabrigo Rasta in Laguna Negra

Needles :: 8.00mm circulars

I made some modifications as I was using super-bulky yarn, rather than just bulky. I cast on 2/3rds of the stitches instead, kept the lengths recommended and only used 2 strands for the fringe.

I think the key to this pattern is its simplicity. There are no short rows or fancy shaping. Can I admit that simple was all my brain could handle after Spinzilla this year?!

Here in Vancouver, we experience a lot of rain. Probably 10 months of the year? Does that sound about right? Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating but it doesn’t get particularly cold here except for a couple of weeks in January or February.

Most of us live in year-round appropriate rain jackets or at least have a collection of them in our closets! I often don’t need a heavy sweater underneath my jacket but I often need something around my neck and I think this will be a fun, easy-to-wear accessory!

I absolutely love this and considering it only took a weekend to completely finish, I’m thinking about another one already.

How about you? What are you working on this fall that has you fired up?

Happy knitting,