Scarf Series 6: Cocoon Stitch Scarf in Invernal

This stitch pattern is called "repeated ovals" in the Harmony Guide to Cable and Aran Stitches but I much prefer the Cocoon name that I have heard since the stitch was used in Contemporary Irish Knits under that name. I have changed the decreasing slightly from the Harmony version, to make my needle wielding easier when knitting in the flat!



This scarf uses one and 1/3 skiens of Invernal (angora rabbit and merino wool w ith some polyamide) and 4mm needles. It is a very soft yarn, but I think it shows the stitch pattern quite well.

Striped Invernal hat, Beanie the third

In honour of our mention in The Sunday Times, I have written a new beanie pattern. Here is the prototype.

I have used the luxurious Invernal angora/merino yarn, as the Rathcooney beanie was so comfortable and soft to knit and wear.

This pattern is simple to knit, with the stripes adding some interest to the body of the beanie, and a double decrease giving a geometric neatness to the crown.
I will be adding this hat to the kits available in the shop.

Beanies take over, Rathcooney in Invernal

Sometimes a particular type of knitting seems to jump the queue. With cooler weather starting, and a trip south, beanies are proliferating.

This particular beanie is from Carol Feller's Contemporary Irish Knits.

It is the pattern Rathcooney, knit in the medium size.

I've used the deliciously soft yarn Aslan Trends Invernal in Rouge, and used less than half of a 100g skein. This yarn is an angora (rabbit) and wool mix, so was very topical for Easter knitting;).

I enjoyed the details of this pattern. The cobblestone pattern is easily remembered, and shifts beautifully into a wide rib, and the added i-cord bind off is a very clean finish.
The only change I would make, should I knit it again, would be to start with a provisional cast-on, as picking up the entire edge was a little tedious.
As beanies are so quick and satisfying to knit, I have several more to show you - they are nearly as addictive as socks.

Small knit series - birthday cowl

Despite my blog neglect over summer I was knitting non-lap size things.
Here are the two versions of Diana Hanna's Birthday Cowl (free pattern on Ravelry) that I made for 2 young women who took a trip to England in December.
Version1
Aslan Trends Invernal in Raspberry

I used garter stitch as a border to decrease the rolled edge effect.
This cowl was lovely and soft, but unfortunately I found it rather large
Version 2

I knit the second one with one less repeat of the lace panel, in Aslan Trends Invernal colour Rouge, and much preferred the sizing.

I thought it was a good travelling present, being small enough to keep in a pocket, and useable to cover ears or the neck, first time overseas travellers from Australia being prone to underestimate just how chilly it can be in Europe in winter.

I received good reports of the cushy warmth of the angora rabbit/wool yarn.