Melancholia by Kacey Herlihy

Melancholia

Knitting
November 2023
both are used in this pattern
DK (11 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 21 rows
in Colorwork
US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 7 - 4.5 mm
280 - 300 yards (256 - 274 m)
English
This pattern is available for $7.00 USD buy it now

Buy 2 Get 1 FREE on ALL patterns! No code needed, simply add three of my patterns to your cart, and the discount will automatically be applied! Does not combine with other discounts.


Life is full of ups and downs, full of change and uncertainty and growth. We try to present our best self at all times, but sometimes it’s important to seek out happiness when darkness surrounds us. Knitting rhythmic stranded colorwork helps soothe my racing thoughts and helps ground me when I’m feeling lost. I designed this chart both for the process and the product, with no long floats to catch and memorizable / readable, rhythmic knitting. I collaborated with Spincycle Yarns on this project, using one skein each of my beloved Metamorphic and Dream State bases. This cowl fits and wears like a dream, and I love that the striking motif is still visible when it’s worn.

This stranded colorwork cowl is knit seamlessly in the round and calls for two contrasting skeins of DK or worsted weight yarn. I used Spincycle Yarns Metamorphic for my MC and Dream State for my CC and I highly recommend these yarns for absolute squish and added visual interest! Spincycle Yarns generously provided yarn support for this pattern.

For your convenience, two versions of the chart are provided, one with a light MC and dark CC and vice versa - use the version that most closely matches your chosen colors, but note that the same chart is used throughout the pattern.

You can knit this cowl without catching your floats. However, some testers chose to catch floats of five stitches.

YARN
Spincycle Yarns
MC: Metamorphic (DK), 50% recycled American wool, 50% merino wool, 400 yds / 366m per skein
“Grey-Orchid No. 1” 220 yds / 201 m used for sample
CC: Dream State (worsted) 100% American wool, 150 yds / 137m per skein,
“Melancholia” 66 yds / 60.5 m used for sample

NEEDLES
US 6 / 4mm 16” / 40cm circular for ribbing,
US 7 / 4.5mm 16” / 40cm circular for main fabric

NOTIONS
Yarn Needle, BOR stitch marker, 5 different stitch markers for colorwork (optional)

GAUGE
One repeat of the colorwork chart (20 sts and 21 rnds) = 3.5 x 3.5“ in colorwork pattern with larger
needles, blocked

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
21” / 53.5 cm circumference x 9” / 23 cm tall