Gem by Helen Bingham

Gem

Knitting
April 2011
yarn held together
Bulky
+ Bulky
= Jumbo (0-4 wpi) ?
8 stitches = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch with both yarns held together
US 17 - 12.0 mm
475 - 500 yards (434 - 457 m)
One Size but easily adjustable
English
This pattern is available for $3.00 USD buy it now

This past week a very nice customer came into the store where I work, Fresh Purls, and showed us this super cute/fun/versatile cowl/hood/shawl item that looked machine knit. I went home fairly jazzed to try and make a hand knit version. Within three days I have made two and I have a third on the needles. This is a terrific stash buster since you need about 500 yards total of a worsted weight or bulky yarn. Two strands are held together throughout the knitting. The teal version uses two strands of the Paradise held together but the gray version uses a Dk weight and a bulky weight of cashmere held together. The pattern gives directions for both but the finished measurements and gauge are the same.

I have worn both pieces as a long cowl till I go outside, then I can wear it as a short poncho (hangs just above my elbows). If you have more than 250 yards of each yarn you are holding together then you could make this longer and no more shaping would even be needed. If you want to make it wider, than keep adding two stitches every other round as you have been doing.

I used a 24” circular US 17 needle but a 16” would work or a 40” and start with the magic loop method. The third one will have three strands held together….DK merino, DK linen and Fingering cashmere, silk blend. I will post photos of that when it is finished. xo