Projects
First Knitter: Waffle Cowl with (or without) Blooms
As I work on a project my mind swirls with yes, and. What other projects do these colors, patterns, and yarns inspire me to consider?
This time, while making and studying another set of patterns and samples for our beloved Field Guides, I was reminded how both sides of the Waffle Pullover stitch pattern are equally beautiful. The knitting is straightforward and simple to track; two rounds of garter in one shade followed by two rounds of slipped stitches in the other. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
This project has been all over with me: camping, on the train, to the Furever Tree in Central Park, and for endless miles as a passenger while on various glorious adventures.
As I reached the point where a particularly lovely shade of dark coral was revealing itself in the Freia, I swapped the predominant color from Scarlet (the solid red) to Wildflower (the ombre).
This happened to occur at ⅔ of the completed depth. I imagined many beloved art teachers nodding approval at this serendipitous use of the rule of thirds.
For my sample, I used:
Color A: 2 skeins Modern Daily Knitting Jane, shown in Scarlet
Color B: 1 Ball Semi-Solid Sport by Freia Fibers, shown in Wildflower
Needles to achieve a stiffer gauge than called for in the Waffle Pullover and a needle 2 sizes smaller for the bind off (see note).
Blocked Gauge: 24 stitches and 48 rounds = 4” (10 cm).
At the above gauge the finished size is 22”(55.75 cm) around and 14” (35.5 cm) deep.
Adjust stitch count to any even number to change the circumference.
Although gauge is not super critical—at this gauge the cowl has some stability and holds a fold nicely. If you want a longer/wrap-able cowl, loosen your gauge for drape, and buy more yarn.
I chose the long-tail cast-on. The first row mimics garter and extends the border by a ridge, which is echoed at the bind-off.
Directions:
Cast on 130 stitches with A.
Knit 1 row.
Work the first row of the pattern as a row, joining the work in the round.
Begin with round 2 of the pattern.
Use the pattern for the Mosaic Pattern for the Sweater Body on page 17 in Field Guide No. 29: Mosaic.
With A — work rounds 1 and 2
With B — work rounds 3 and 4
Be consistent about crossing the yarns on the wrong side.
Nearly consistent
After 28 repeats and approximately 9-9½ ” (22.75-24 cm), continue in pattern alternating the colors to work rounds 1 and 2 with B, rounds 3 and 4 with A.
With B— work rounds 1 and 2
With A — work rounds 3 and 4
After 14 repeats and at 4½ – 5” (11.5 – 12.75 cm), change to smaller needle and with B, work rounds 1 and 2, then round 1, bind off purl-wise with the smaller needle on the following round.
Note: I didn’t know why my usually even bind-off was flared, except that yes, I do—it’s because rounds 3 and 4 are slipped and therefore tighter than the garter rounds. Using this smaller needle will alleviate that flare. That said, sometimes a cowl might fit better if the bottom edge is a little looser.
I made several flowers using my pattern Bloom Where You are Planted (for a discount use code JaneBlossom) from the remaining ball of Freia.
Plain or adorned, this cowl is warm and cozy and a great pop of beautiful colors. The hardest part will be choosing which shades to pair.
Want a little more procrastination? The MDK homepage is a total rabbit hole.
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This looks like fun! Especially with those flowers….Thank you, Nell.
Ah, Nell, thank you for this. Usually I’m a dull colors (“subtle”) type, but your reds and their partners look so fantastically bright and warm – perfect for those of us just barely sensing end of winter here in Maine. Thanks for the inspiration (and I love those flowers!)
Looks fun to make, and beautiful! May become a stash buster for me…
Thank you for the inspiration.
Perfect example of what we all love about knitting: the ability to make it your own. Love your addition of flowers!
Thank U Nell!
This will make a great travel project and a lovely way to delve into the new field guide.
That is so cute, Nell! Must make this!
Very sweet! Thanks for the pattern and tips.
Cute!! We need some flowers right about now!
Thank you so much for this pattern, Nell…it looks like a really great way to ease into the other projects in the Mosaic Field Guide!
Nell! I loved knitting the hat. Nell’s flowers are deceptively easy to make and I had not thought about adorning my other projects with them. Getting ready for Sarah’s spring of blossoms!
Omg, Nell, you are always so inspiring! This is lovely!
Why oh why did I decide to use just stash THIS year?!! I think I’ve found a solution. During Covid I cleaned closets and used the “backward hanger idea” to help declutter my ‘wardrobe’ and it really helped!!! Then when we could get out and shop I used the “buy one donate two idea”. That has helped for sure. Now for yarn I’m going to use the “buy but donate equal yardage” idea. I found a great place here called Spare Parts. All craft supplies. So now what colors of Jane do I need?!!!
Great fun!!! Thanks!!!!!
I love how you shifted MC in the middle. This is a great way to use up partial skeins. Thanks for the tip to go down 2 needle sizes for BO.
Simply lovely, Nell! As a weaver, waffle weave is a favorite of mine, and now I will knit it♥️ A perfect mindless knit to keep in my car for when I need to keep the fingers moving! Thank u!☺️
Nell, once again, voilà!–you’ve designed another garment combining art, skill, inspiration and now even flowers, just in time for spring. Love your beautiful waffle cowl and the colors you chose–it will be fun and satisfying to knit and especially to wear!
Love it!!! I find long tail is sometimes too tight for cowls, so I now use German twisted CO aka Old Norwegian CO (in Germany it’s called CO. )
Nell, beautiful!!! I love your choice of colors…and your shift in color arrangement. Thank you for your tips!!