Thursday, January 26, 2012

Accidental Cowl



This cowl was an accident...hence the name. I didn't intend to make another cowl this winter and somehow I did. 
I was actually trying to make a poncho and I messed it up. So I threw it down and left it alone for a few days. A couple of weeks ago I picked it back up and sewed the ends together. When I put it around my neck I realized that I had made another cowl. I'm really glad that I screwed up that wrap. I wear this cowl a lot. It is smaller and lighter than the others I have made and it is definitely my most wearable cowl.


To anyone who is concerned with the name and/or description: This pattern is original. The idea was inspired by a mistake (the reason why it has it's name), not by anyone else. The word "accident" is common and is a common occurrence while crocheting.  Name, materials, design, and description are original and not an idea of anyone else. The name will remain the same. Since this is a free pattern, it in NO WAY relates to any other actual item or finished item with the same name.

This cowl is so easy to make and what makes it great is the texture. I used a chunky yarn with a big hook and the drape is so nice. The stitch is not as interesting as the Soft Stitch cowl, but it is easier to wear.


The stitches are loose and open


but when you put it on, you will realize how soft and drapey it feels.


I think you'll love it too. It only took One Skein of Patons Shetland Chunky. I would not substitute the yarn for this. The yarn absolutely makes the cowl. If you don't have access to this yarn at least use chunky weight. You can't get the same softness and drape with super bulky or worsted (for this project).

This is a great beginners pattern.

Here's how I accidentally made it:

Material
Bulky weight size 5 yarn (I used Patons Shetland Chunky in Oxford Grey)
Size M or N crochet hook
Yarn needle

Measurements
7.5 inches (18cm) in width
54 inches (137cm) in circumference

Do not crochet too tightly
Work in rounds
The first Ch 2 or Ch 3 of each round counts as the first stitch.

Ch 78 loosely

Join ch with sl st

Rnd 1: Ch 2, hdc in next ch and each ch around. Join with sl st to first st of the rnd.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, Dc in next st and each st around. Join with sl st to first st of the rnd.

Rnds 3 - 8: Repeat rnd 2.

Rnd 9: Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around.

Finish off and weave ends.




What I love so much is the sheen of the yarn...that's why I recommend using it. I don't know if you'll get the same effect unless you use something comparable.

See...it's so easy.

56 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you...You're too nice, I don't feel very lovely in these pics:D

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  2. I love it! And I actually have some of that yarn and I was wondering what I'd do with it.

    Thanks for the pattern!
    Genevieve

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome, and the great thing about this cowl is it only takes one skein

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  3. I love cowls. I love anything accidental that ends up turning out perfecting, regardless of it's apparent mistake. This is a perfect example!

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    1. Yes it's true. I wear this one more than any other cowl I have.

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  4. What a wonderful accident Liz! :) I have some leftover Shetland Chunky from a shawl I just made in charcoal and gray. Perfect for this pattern. Thanks so much for sharing your pattern with us. :)

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  5. This is perfect and I love the open feel to the stitches. I think I made my Christmas cowls with too small a needle as the drape is not near as nice as yours. Great mistake!
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Meredith. I remember all of your Christmas cowls and they were beautiful.

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  6. This is so cute!! I need to make one - I have been wanting a cowl for a while now and they seem to be in style more than ever this year. Thanks so much for sharing the pattern. I had never heard of this yarn before and apparently they sell it at KMart and JoAnns.

    Best,
    Alyssa
    alyssazandi.blogspot.com

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  7. Alyssa,
    Thanks and you're welcome. I hope you love it:)

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  8. How lovely to have found you!
    I am just enjoying having a rummage through your free patterns- thank you for sharing them.
    Have a fabulous week.
    Xx

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  9. I love making cowls this way. I have way too many of them. If I'm going to keep knitting and crocheting cowls I'm going to have to start giving them away.

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  10. Lovely, I think I´ll try one myself

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  11. I tried this out last week! I didn't have the right yarn OR the right crochet hook but I wanted to give it a whirl anyway! Mine turned out much smaller, due to those things, but I gave them to my daughters to enjoy!

    I have since purchased the right stuff and am looking forward to making ones for myself. Thanks for the "accident". :) And you can read about my attempt on my post here:

    http://andrea-just-as-i-am.blogspot.ca/2012/08/from-pinned-to-practice-15.html

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  12. Do you allow for the sale of the finsihed products from your free patterns (link and credit the pattern to you and your blog site)? Thank you for sharing these patterns!

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  13. Liz - can this be knit as well? Any tips? Thanks!!
    colleen@missmanifesto.com

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  14. This is a quick and easy project, it took me a total of three or so hours. I used an N hook, so the end product came out a bit longer than what I originally wanted, however it could be folded over and turned out looking great! This would make a great last-minute present for anyone!

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  15. I made mine and the chained edge is very rigid and has no stretch, while the last row of half double crochets are nice and stretchy and loose, so it kind of looks like it widens out a bit. I'm a beginner so any guidance would be appreciated. Did I make my chain too tight maybe??

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    Replies
    1. A simple solution - use a hook a size or two larger than pattern calls for to work chain thwn which to proper hook to work pattern. I do this for all patterns that requires a chain foundation and it works perfect everytime

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  16. I am not familiar with and "H"double crochet. What is it? What do you use the yarn needle for? I'm sure these are stupid questions, but I really want to make this and can't figure out what it is for.

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    Replies
    1. It is a half double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, draw up your loop, and pull through all three loops on your hook. It is halfway between the heigh of a single and a double crochet, hence the name.

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    2. my confusion came from the fact this site is a .co.uk but what's described in the pattern is an American double crochet. In Uk patterns, YO, insert hook, draw up loop, would be the start of a treble crochet. So in this pattern, it's actually a half treble crochet.

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  17. Is this the right length to have be a hood and scarf? Please email me the answer at Siera465@gmail.com

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  18. I made lots of these for Christmas gifts and they were a big hit! Thanks for the pattern!

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  19. I made this about a month ago and wear it most days. I absolutely love it! Everywhere I go I get tons of compliments for it and have been asked if I would make a few to sell. If I offer a link to your blog and credit you with the design, would it be possible to sell the finished product?

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  20. Love this pattern! Thanks for sharing:)

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  21. I am a brand new crocheter (this is my first attempt!) I am already doing something wrong ...I have ch the 78 stitches but if I join them to work in a round it looks sooooo small ... like it wouldn't fit over a childs head. Is it not supposed to be done as a tube? I am confused can you help??

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  22. Thank you for the pattern. I just started to crochet again? A bit confuse with the terms in englis but I will manage! You have a nice blog. Félicitation! Bisou!

    Have a nice day!

    Fraisiperles
    Montréal Canada

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  23. I just tried making this last night and it's SO very easy, works up nicely and the yarn you suggested?? Sooo soft and lovely! Even my 18 year old nephew was commenting on how soft it is! One question though, while I was in the middle of round 7, I ran out of yarn. I used a 3 1/2 oz. skein and an N hook. Did I make my stitches TOO loose??

    TIA and... Merry Christmas!!
    Caroline

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  24. This is my first project... 78 stitches is it going to really get that long? My first loop is only 30" stretched. Do I continue?

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  25. Sorry to say, you will need to start over. Make sure you are using M or N hook and comparable weight yarn. Then force yourself to crochet loosely. New crocheters almost always crochet tightly and not realize it. My first crocheted project was a scarf and I crocheted so tightly it could stand up on its side. I was so frustrated I threw it in the closet and didn't touch it for 3 months until my crochet teacher/. Friend told me to loosen up dramatically. I hope this helps, Liz

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  26. Hi Liz:

    I'm sure this is a silly question but here goes....Do you put this cowl over your head and then twist it and put it over again? I obviously haven't worn a cowl before but it hangs muchs longer in the pic on the display model than it does on your neck.

    I'm wondering if this can be put on and taken off without killing my "hair-do"? Perhaps is stretches so easily that it doesn't interefer with one's hair.

    Please advise (and thanks for the free pattern),
    P. Frederick
    pamfrederick@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi, It is very long and loose. It will not interfere with a hair do. It doesn't fit tight enough to have to stretch it. Thanks and you're welcome,
      Liz

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  27. Hi Liz...I am a new crocheter and was wondering if a K hook would be alight? I don't have a larger one yet. I love crocheting and how quickly a project begins to take form. Thank you for the beautiful pattern.
    Best, Annie

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    Replies
    1. Yes you can use a smaller hook, but remember to crochet loosely. With the change in hook, if you crochet tightly, normally, then you may have to add chains to start with. Just play around with it and remember to crochet your starting chain loosely. You're welcome and I hope you like it.

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  28. Love it! Making it. Spool cute and very best easy too! Thank You!

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  29. I can't wait to make this. So glad I found your site. We are going on a long car ride so I am printing out things to make for the drive. This looks like it will make great Christmas gifts this year. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  30. I must be crocheting extra loosely, as I'm running out of yarn in row 8. Luckily, I had a skein and a half of Shetland Chunky laying around just waiting for this awesome pattern. Will love it when I'm finished!

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  31. Did you use an M or N?

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  32. I always find it useful to use foundation chain technique when you have to join a long chain
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8tp7mgnV7fs

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  33. Can you tell me the final dimensions of this cowl? Thanks.

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  34. Thank you so much for your beautiful patterns - you are my new favorite blogger!! (And it doesn't hurt that you're from NC - my family has lived in the Beaufort/Morehead City area since the 1700's!)

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  35. What's the knitting needle for? Does this cowl get twisted and put around your neck a second time

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  36. Hi. How many skeins did you use? I have 2 of the ones you used at home but am wondering if u will need more than that. If not I will have to buy more of another color so I will have enough. I'm trying to do a last minute gift and hope I will have enough time to buy new yarn if I need it. Thanks so much. :)

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  37. I've started making my cowl but only got to the start of round 5 before my yarn was out. Am I making my stitches too loose? I know the pattern says you only need one skein. I'm thinking my stitches are too loose (hoping that's not the case since it has taken a lot for me to crochet loose as I tend to crochet tightly) or my skein is smaller than the one you used??? I used a 50g skein. Let me know please! Thanks

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  38. That's funny. I just tried to make a cowl and ended up making a poncho.

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  39. That's funny. I just tried to make a cowl and ended up making a poncho.

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  40. would it make a big difference if you did all double crochet thank you

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  41. I love this pattern, but as I am crocheting I am wondering if I should be turning after each row. I review the instructions and there is no mention of turning. Just want to make sure.

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  42. I am using #5 yarn and I N needle but it still doesn't seem like it's going to be big enough. And I think that I've chained super loose. Any suggestions?

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  43. Thanks so much for sharing your pattern. I did find the wool slightly scratchy but I do have very sensitive skin. I loved the colour you chose and it fits nicely. I'm quite happy with it & it matches lots of my clothes & was quick to make. Good one!

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  44. Hi! I love this pattern:) Could you clarify something.... At the end of the rounds do you slip stitch around the entire chain or through the top stitch of the ch 2/3?
    Thanks !!!!!!

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