Cabled Feather Cowl from The Studio - Done!

Hole-y cow!

Wow, this is a beauty of a cowl.  I have a few that are chunky, that only work with certain coats or tops, but I think this one would go with anything.  It walks the perfect line between cozy and elegant.  

Despite the lacework, it's warm.  Okay, not blistering Chicago winter winds warm, but surprisingly warm for its light weight--and that's impressive.  I wouldn't feel like I'd need to yank this off my sweating neck (and thereby ruin any residual chance of my hair looking halfway decent) when I was indoors.

At first I though it would be too close around my neck--it's smaller that other cowls I own--but I was wrong.  The sizing keeps it from doing that floppy thing that I never like in cowls.  It looks great on some people, but always ends up looking just plain messy on me.  This one lays just right. 

Thanks, The Studio, for your graciousness in my error, and for this truly lovely project!

Stay tuned next week for this month's "Authors Who Knit" interview...and after that, DestiKNITions travels to Myrtle Beach!

PS: We had a technical comments glitch, so I'm still collecting votes for charts vs. lists (see last post) if you want to chime in and maybe win a book.

Cabled Feather Cowl from The Studio - Day 4

Chart or List?  And a PRIZE for choosing!

Knitting patterns come in two varieties—the chart or the list.  If you’re very lucky, like we are the Cindy Craig’s Cabled Feather Cowl, you get both.  Each format has advantages and drawbacks, and most people have a preference.  Here’s my take:


Charts
Charts can convey a lot of information in a small space.  That’s handy if you’re traveling or if, like me, you take your knitting with you everywhere you go.  Charts also help you visualize the stitches—this purl sits atop that yarn-over from the row below, etc.—which can be handy to catch and fix errors, especially with repeats.  I find it much easier to get an overall view of a piece from a chart than from a list of instructions.  But there have been charts where the map key is so long I keep having to refer back to it to see what that little triangle means or whether that slashing line means make left or make right.  In this case, you’ve only got four simple stitch icons to know and the cable symbol—which in this case is visually helpful.

Lists
In most cases, they are just plain easier to follow.  Some of the “repeat from *” directions can get complicated, but there is an inherent clarity in having words walk you through the steps of each row.  I find lists easier to mark off, keeping track of what row I’m on.  Unless their are highly complicated abbreviations (not true in this case, but I’ve had some doozies that I had to write translations in the margins), there isn’t a lot of referring back to keys or glossaries.  I like written directions for cables because I’m forever forgetting which stitches go in the back and which go in the front.

I suspect if you are a highly visual person, you will gravitate to charts.  If you are a detail maven, lists might suit your taste.  Wise is the designer, however, who gives you both so that you can choose what you like.  I have often found, however, that sometimes I keep foot in both camps—conferring with charts and lists to give me the clearest picture of the pattern I’m working.

What about you, DestiKNITters?  Chart or List?  Chime in and you can win a free copy of my historical knitting novel, HOMEFRONT HERO. I’ll choose a winner from the comments next week.

Cabled Feather Cowl from The Studio - Day 3

Waving hello...

My favorite thing about feather and fan is what it does to the border.  It starts out straight like any other piece of knitting, but the combination of yarn overs and K2TOGs create this marvelously undulating wave that has always been my favorite edging.  It’s just so pretty.

I’ve done it on scarves and shawls, I don’t know why it’s never occurred to me to use it in a cowl.  There’s something so delicate about a scalloped edge up there by your collarbone.  It even looks pretty just spreading out from the circular needles like some yarn-y flower petals.  I grin every time I look at it.

I’m frustrated that I can’t

quite capture the right color of this yarn—a deep teal.  It’s as if the camera can only register it as green or blue but not the marvelous in-between color that it is.

The ingenious combination of feather-and-fan interspersed with a single smart cable gives this piece a terrific texture and just enough heft to hold up against your neck.  With just a few stitch tricks like these, an impressive accessory (and lots of compliments) are surely in my future.  Not to mention—because this is Chicago, after all, a lightweight garment that will offer a nice bit of warmth without being too bulky. 

Sure, I’m only a couple of repeats into the pattern, but sometimes that’s all you need to know you’ve got a good thing going.

Cabled Feather Cowl from The Studio - Day 2

Fiber content…

Let’s talk for a moment about fiber.  With this project, there are a lot of considerations as you choose.

In this case, I’m working with Alpacas d’Auxvasse suri/merino blend, a soft, luxurious blend that is a bit pricey but worth every penny when you feel it against your fingers and around your neck. I care a lot about what a yarn feels like while I’m knitting, not just when it’s blocked and done.  I want that “ahh” factor while I work—the end product is only part of the pleasure for me.  The label cites this as a “luxury yarn,” and it is.

Because this is a cowl, and because you’re dealing with cables as well as feather-and-fan, you can’t go with something too silky here.  Not enough softness, and you’re going to feel like you’re wearing one of those plastic cones from the vet.  Too much softness, and it will look like something crawled around your neck and died there.  This blend hits it just right.  The cowl keeps its shape without choking you.

Color is important here, too. 

This teal is lovely, but it’s just on the verge of being too dark to show off the cables nicely.  There’s too much going on for anything but a solid color—it would look like a riot around your neck if you did this up in a bold stripe or a dramatic variegation.  Stick to lighter solids—but you can definitely go bold in hue if you like—to get the most of this piece.

Cabled Feather Cowl from The Studio - Day 1

If you give a mom a migraine…

Last September was not a good month for me.  Eight migraines in twelve days tends to fry the little gray cells, if you know what I mean.  During that month, I was writing about my trip to Kansas City the previous May, and the marvelous yarn stores I visited while in the city for the RT Booklover’s Convention.  

I told you about three stores.  I told you about three projects I’d be knitting and documenting.  I knit three projects, took notes on three projects, and photographed three projects.

Somehow, in my migraine-induced brain fog, I only posted about two.  At least I’m attributing said omission to a migraine-induced brain fog, because I can’t stomach the idea that my organizational skills have sunk that far on their own.  I missed posting about an entire project.  I like to think I’m better than that.

About two weeks ago as I was wrapping up my 2013 files, I realized my mistake.  After a prolonged episode of face-palming and kicking myself in the backside, I called manager Cindy Craig from The Studio Knitting and Needlepoint and begged her forgiveness.  It was one of the more humbling phone calls I’ve ever had to make, and it speaks well of Cindy that she was so nice about my gigantic goof.  I hope you’ll all be as forgiving as she was.

All of that is an explanation as to why the next episodes will be about the lovely Cabled Feather Cowl I knit from them.  I hope that my enthusiasm for the project will eventually overshadow the tardiness of my accounts.  It really is a lovely, inventive piece that deserves your consideration.

KANSAS CITY - Day 3

A little bit of everything...

Start today at a bit of retail history:  Country Club Plaza.  This upscale shopping mecca is not only beautiful to look at, but was the first shopping center ever designed for the automobile-driving consumer.  Ever, like ever in the whole world.  Opened in the 1920’s and boasting a strong Spanish feel from fountains, mural, and mosaics, it’s visually lovely.  It was ridiculously cold there for a May day on my visit, but I still had a great time wandering the fifteen blocks of posh upscale stores as well as the standard retail establishments.  Many people told me the place is decked out beyond compare for the holidays, and I can believe it.  While you can pursue whatever retail urges you may have, I found a few snack pursuits worth noting thanks to some great tips from locals:

Christopher Elbow Chocolates in Halls department store

elbowchocolates.com

Chocolate as art.  Incredible chocolate as art.  I had the counter clerk pick out her four favorites and then spent the next ten minutes in chocolate heaven.  Oh, and the rest of the store is nice, too.

Natasha's Mulberry & Mott

natashasmulberryandmott.com

I’m serious about French macarons, and I’d heard of Natasha’s even before heading into this charming little bakery.  Splendid macarons and a bunch of other things, but I was only there for macarons.

When you’re ready for lunch, head to a KC favorite:

Classic Cup Cafe

301 W. 47th Street

Kansas City, MO 64112

www.classiccup.com

While this was certainly not the day for it, my sources laud this place as one of the nicest (but not particularly kid-friendly) outdoor dining experiences in the city.  It’s an acknowledged power lunch or snazzy brunch spot, so eating at prime times can involve a wait, but it was quietly bustling and casually elegant during my mid-afternoon visit.  I especially appreciated the fireplace on this frigid day.  Everyone has their favorite meals, but make sure you have the bread pudding.  It’s hard for a non-chocolate desert to catch my fancy, but this one sure did.

When you’ve scratched all your retail and sugar itches, it’s time to head just a little bit west for today’s yarn fix:

The Studio Knitting and Needlepoint

1121 W. 47th St.

Kansas City, MO 64112 United States

(816) 531-4466

http://www.thestudiokc.com

Manager Cindy Craig’s reputation, vision, and knitting skill give this place it’s unique charm.  A true craft evangelist, Cindy works hard to make every customer feel welcome.  She strives to “give no one a reason to quit knitting,” removing barriers and pouring on the encouragement.  A customer in the store while I was there boasted, “There’s nothing Cindy can’t solve!”  The store is a series of homey rooms, each one stocked with projects and fibers that make for enticing wandering.  Like all the good yarn shops, there’s a big table filled with customers hanging out and sharing their craft and lives all the time.

As you can imagine, Cindy is big into education, offering “Quarter Master” classes that cover a different topic each quarter.  I love that you can earn discount points for meeting your class goals!  According to those in the know, the Studio’s winter retreat is not to be missed!

Here are some projects you’ll want to consider:

The Reunited Scarf

Designed by staff member Susan Andrews and available on Ravelry, I love the nice balance between lace and substance in this scarf.  I also like the size--I prefer my scarves on the big and wide side.  I’ve not yet tried entrelac lace, but it looks intriguing.  While I’ve got some yarn in my stash just perfect for this, Cindy recommends Anzula Cloud.

Celebrate Color Scarf

By far my favorite in the store, this big, bright garter-stitch scarf of Cindy’s own design does what the name says: celebrates color.  You’ll need 8 different colors of whatever fingering you choose, but Cindy recommends Claudia Handpainted fingering.  “Choose colors that don’t necessarily match, but multi-colored yarns that have a least one color in common with another skein.”  If it were me, I’d get some staff help to select my 8 to make sure I loved the results.

Playful Stripes blanket

Another Ravelry pattern that takes simple stitches to an eye-catching new level, this Meridith Shepherd design utilizes four colors of Berroco Weekend or any worsted weight yarn.  I thought it would make for a great baby gift, a cozy throw for someone you want to comfort, or bit of home for a new college student done up in school colors.

Cabled Feather Cowl

While I love feather and fan for a shawl, I’ve not yet done a cowl with that design, so I'm glad this project will be our knit-along from The Studio.  Another exclusive pattern, this should knit up warm and soft in Missouri-based fiber Alpacas d’Auxvasse suri/merino blend.  Looks like great gift knitting--even if I plan on gifting my own lovely self!

When you’re done here, you’ve got two very different options to finish out your day:

Go upscale and lady-like at:

Andre’s Confiserie Suisse

5018 Main Street

Kansas City, MO  64112

816-561-3440

Andreschocolates.com

Swiss decor.   Chocolate.  Ladies tea.  What’s not to love?  Okay, the cowboy in your life might not appreciate this place, but you sure will.  Folks rave about the quiche and desert is always included--how can you beat that?

Want to get a little more down and dirty?  I’m pretty sure it's against the law to leave Kansas City without eating barbecue, and my choice was

Gates Bar-B-Q

Several locations

www.gatesbbq.com

Folks behind the counter yell (and I do mean yell) “Hi may I help you?” when you enter, and the in-your-face-helpful charm just goes on from there.  Greasy, messy, wonderfulness.  I ate something heavenly called “burnt ends” that probably would have given my cardiologist fits.  Sure, it’s not for everyone--and most locals are loud about their opinion on where to go for BBQ, but I’m glad I went here.

You know what?  If I had the time, I’d do both Andre’s and Gates--just not in the same day.  But that’s what DestiKNITions is for; to send you on an adventure beyond your yarn.

Next up, I cast on the Arroyo shawl from Yarn Shop and More.