DIY: Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern by Amy Christoffers

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Lilac Wine is a free cowl pattern by Amy Christoffers. It’s so simple that she says it’s barely a pattern at all, just a recipe.

Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern

To make mine, I cast on 180 stitches using a tubular cast on. As this was the first time I did a tubular cast on, I used this tutorial from Purl Soho. It was tricky but I can see how it adds subtle structure to the edge.

Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern by Amy Christoffers

I then knit 1×1 before a sewn tubular bind off (using this tutorial from Andrea Rangel). Again, another new skill!

Since the Lilac Wine cowl is just a 1×1 rib, I wanted to make my Lilac Cowl a bit more interesting. I have 400 m of 100% alpaca from G’n’R Alpacas that was mushroom-dyed in four colours. Tomiko and I went on a fibre-farm tour last summer. We had collected card and names of farms from different fibre festival booths, and then decided to visit them! G’n’R Alpacas is between Toronto and Collingwood, an area of Ontario that we visit often. The owner showed us around her farm and we got to meet the alpacas! They are so cute, especially when they wear their fluffy afros!

I used just 200 m total of the four colours. To ensure the colours transitioned nicely, I faded the colours from pure white to pale grey, oyster pink, and then pale pink. However, it also looks beautiful in one colour. I used about 200 m of sport-weight yarn, but you’ll have to adapt the pattern if you use yarn of a different weight. I’m sure a laceweight would be divinely ethereal, while a worsted would undoubtedly be super cozy.

Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern by Amy Christoffers

Since this cowl is 100% alpaca, it is exceedingly soft and warm. I like to wear it on really cold days, like when the windchill makes it feel like -20 C. If it’s super cold, I also like to wear my alpaca Marrakech Hat! This cowl is also long enough that I can stick the bottom edge in my coat and keep the top edge over my face.

Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern by Amy Christoffers

This is a great travel project because once you’ve done the cast on, there’s no real pattern! I took this as my project when I went to one of the Toronto Knitters’ Guild meetings. It’s also great to knit in front of the TV or when listening to a lecture.

Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern by Amy Christoffers

The free Lilac Wine cowl ‘recipe’ is available on Ravelry or on her website.

Meinhilde's Signature, Kiku Corner

20 Replies to “DIY: Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern by Amy Christoffers”

  1. I love this scarf! As a cowl scarf you don’t have to wrap it twice like an infinity one.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  2. Lovely cowl, looks cozy and warm!

  3. Hello! What a lovely cowl. The knitting looks so nice and soft and it a gorgeous neutral color. Thanks for linking up today. ~smile~ Roseanne

  4. What a pretty cowl, and you model it well! I’ve never done much knitting, so a tubular cast on sounds a bit intimidating. I do like the simplicity of the pattern, however. I might have to look into it. Thanks for sharing!

  5. What a cute scarf! It looks so cozy and love that it’s a cowl neck.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

  6. What a beautiful cowl! I think the “simple” patterns often turn out to be the most elegant! Just lovely.

  7. This is beautiful! My daughter recently learned how to knit, I’ll have to send the link to her 🙂

  8. Wow! I love this cowl! Thank you for bringing it to my attention! (and welcome to Unraveled Wednesday!)

  9. I’m not a knitter (I quilt) but I can see how the tubular method would make this more durable. Sure turned out lovely! Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.

  10. Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life says: Reply

    Lovely! Looks soft and snuggly, just the ticket for cold winter days.

  11. Oh cute! I love cowls! I wish I knew how to knit.

    1. You can do it! I just learned one and a half years ago!

  12. I have no idea how to knit, but you made that look easy. I love that you can tuck it into your coat and pull it over your face too.

  13. This cowl looks so snug and comfy! I love using alpaca yarn. Thank you for sharing at this week’s Encouraging Hearts & Home Blog Hop!

  14. […] DIY: Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern by Amy Christoffers  […]

  15. This is lovely and it looks warm and comfy too! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

  16. This is so pretty and it looks really cozy and warm. I almost always have something on to keep my neck warm during winter. Cowls are perfect because you don’t have all the bulk of an oversized scarf. I love the ombre effect you created on this one. So pretty. Thanks for sharing and linking up with me.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  17. […] DIY: Knit Lilac Wine Cowl and Free Pattern by Amy Christoffers at Kiku Corner […]

  18. So cozy! thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling sunday!

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