ode to the cowl.....

Cowls are the winter solution to warm.  Simple as that.  They stay put.  They can cozy up and keep your nose warm.  Or they can simply hang loose and pretend to be a scarf. And they can't fall off and get lost, which is an added bonus.  If it's a really long cowl, you can wrap it around your head AND your neck if you are in a big hurry and escape without grabbing a hat.  (ask me how I know this.)

As much as I want to nab a shawl or a scarf when I run out the door....I almost always grab a cowl.  

You can knit them with fingering wt yarn and close to your neck (like the 3-colored cashmere cowl of Joji Locatelli).  You can use leftovers like Favorite Things pictured above (thanks Rob, for modeling) or wing it like this.  You can knit it in GREY!!! (this really IS my favorite!) or Gradient-grey (!!!) or in bright colours like albers or pine-bough.  (maybe those are my favorites.)  There are mindless cowls like raya that make great quick gifts or lacey ones like imogen that aren't mindless or quick.  

You can knit them in the round.  You can knit them flat and seam them.  Can you tell?  I! Love! COWLS!!

Guess what is on my needles now?

 

How did you guess?

Added bonus.  One size fits all.

 

 

                          * * * * * *

I'm sort of between books at the moment....just finished rereading Anna Quindlen's Still Life with Bread Crumbs and loved it even more the second time around.  I'm going to cruise around yarnalong at Ginny's today to find my next book!

Comments

[AsKatKnits]

That red cowl is beautiful! And, I think it is perfect for dear Freddy!

[Laura G.]

Not only do I agree with you about cowls, but love your dog!! I have a spaniel too. Also, thanks for all the cowl pattern links. So many to choose from once the Christmas knitting is done.

[Eileen]

Love the cowls, especially the one {stranded knit} that uses up stash!

[Jacqueline Webb]

They can also double up as a Freddy jacket if you pop a couple of leg holes in.

[Alina]

The cowl looks so Christmas appropriate :) Cowls are always so relaxing to knit!

[Kat]

I also love cowls (and putting cowls on my dogs)! They're such great accessories-I really do feel bad about not using my shawls as often, but cowls are so quick and easy and versatile!

[karen]

that is my favorite photo of freddy yet! your daughter is so pretty (assuming that is your daughter....). Love cowls and wearing them!!

[Linda]

Gorgeous cowls!!

I'm re-reading Still Life with Breadcrumbs at this moment - and I too am enjoying it more the second time around!

Linda in VA

[steph@woolythyme]

yes, that's my girl!!

[Juliann]

Up until recently, I have never needed a cowl but I am on the other side of that overheated season so I am looking forward to a cowl or two this winter.

[Tien]

That last picture! What a heartbreaker! Love the red colorwork cowl. I might have to dig up my pinebough and get it done after reading this post :)

[Ann Denton]

I think that I would like that. I can't wear turtlenecks (too Hot) or heavy sweaters but a cowl might work. I will give one a try! Thanks and Robin looks gorgeous!

[Gale Zucker (she shoots sheep shots)]

Agree about the cowls! Shawls wrapped around my neck are more dramatic but cowls are just right every day. Love your Favorite Things , that has been in my queue forever!

[ellen]

Your love of the cowl is real. I can feel it. Fun pictures. and you know we love Freddy in a cowl, Freddy as is.

[Vera]

Love your cowl in progress...and your favorite things...and all the others! I better finish up some Christmas knitting so that I can knit a cowl for moi! And Freddy in/with the cowl? Perfect!!

[Caffeine Girl]

I love cowls, too. Wearing them and knitting them. I'm often too warm, so I don't wear them as much as I'd like -- but I keep on knitting them!
I love the red and white one. Might have to make one for myself!

[Tahnee]

Couldn't agree more, cowls are absolutely fantastic and I LOVE knitting them.