No fooling, it’s Confident Knitting pattern release day! I’m so pleased to introduce you to April’s pattern, the Evolve Cowl, designed by the incomparable Hunter Hammersen. Hunter’s showstopper of a cowl provides us with the perfect chance to practise this month’s featured technique, excellent blocking!
The Evolve Cowl features sinuous lines of eyelet and twisted stitches. It’s got a simple elegance that looks great under a favourite spring jacket. It’s also the perfect accessory for jazzing up a plain top for your next Zoom call! When I think of Hunter’s design, I think sophisticated texture and intriguing engineering … and I think this pattern exemplifies both of those things (wait ‘til you see the blocking tutorial).
The Evolve Cowl is worked at the round, beginning at the bottom, and the cowl’s gentle decreases are cleverly incorporated into the lace pattern. Since it starts at its widest point, you never work a round that’s longer than the first one … I love patterns like that! The pattern is written for four sizes and two length options (here, I’m wearing the size XL, in the shorter length and my shoulder circumference is 99cm [39in]), but the pattern also includes suggestions for further altering the size, should you wish. The pattern includes charted and written instructions for the lace so whatever your preference, we’ve got you covered!
Blocking is always a good idea, but when it comes to showing off lace, it’s really indispensable! Cowls though, present a special challenge. Unlike a 2D shawl or scarf, cowls are three dimensional objects. While pinning it out flat to dry will do a fine job of opening up your lacework, it’ll also leave distinctive creases down the side of your cowl that can mess with the elegant drape of your finished object. And that’s where this month’s excellent blocking tutorials come in. We’re bringing you two out-of-the-box methods to achieve blocking greatness. As always, full photo tutorials accompany the pattern, and you can find the video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We’ve also just stocked the shop up with Walcot Blocking Wires tool, if you'd like to boost your blocking kit!
The Evolve Cowl is knitted in Dusty Dimples Dusty Worsted yarn, the first of our special hand-dyed yarns for Confident Knitting. Limited supply meant we could only offer this yarn as part of our Confident Knitting Spring Kits, and while we’ve sold out of the original colourway, we have just a few left in the Alternative Choice (Noble) that includes Dusty Dimples Dusty Worsted in Amour, or check out what she’s got available in DK over in her online shop. Fyberspates Vivacious DK is the alternative yarn suggestion for this pattern — you’ll need two skeins for all sizes. It’s been used for the light blue sample above, knitted in shade Shoreline. We’ve just expanded our shade range of Vivacious DK, which you’ll find in the online shop. We’ve also put together modified Spring Kits that include enough Vivacious DK for the Evolve Cowl, as well as yarn for the Flux Hand Warmers and May’s Confident Knitting project.
We will, of course, be chatting all things Evolve Cowl and excellent blocking over in The Knitalong Hub! You’re welcome to join in with any project that’s going to require some rather excellent blocking. And if you’re ready to cast on the Evolve Cowl and haven’t already signed up for Confident Knitting, well, what are you waiting for? When you sign up, you’ll receive the Evolve Cowl, as well as the Flux Hand Warmers, and accompanying photo tutorials, delivered straight to your inbox. And you’ll receive ten more patterns, from ten ah-may-zing designers, delivered to your inbox over the next months, each with the goal of making you more confident in your knitting skills! There are eBook only or print + eBook options; when you opt for print, you’ll receive a print copy of Confident Knitting in September 2021!
All photos © Jesse Wild.