I was asked by Rich Hill Yarns and Dances with Wool to create a cowl pattern for their 2020 Holiday mini skeins and more Surprise Box. I love a good challenge and I had fun playing with swatches figuring out how to create a pattern that would be easy enough for a beginner and fun for a seasoned knitter.

I turned, as I often do, to short rows to create wedges of color stacked upon each other. These wedges transform into waves when the cowl is worn. Flip it over or turn it around and a whole new set of colors will pop out. You can literally pull whatever colors you want to accentuate out of the cowl each time you wear it.

This will be a great project to dive into short rows with as most of the short rows are simple with no wraps (until the very end) and you’ll quickly pick-up the technique.

I’ve always wanted to participate in a large 24-skein knitalong. I have enjoyed KAL opportunities in the past but I also know that the tea advent calendar I order each year becomes almost burdensome by day 24. The last two years I was still drinking advent tea well into January.

That’s why I was so excited that Rich Hill Yarns was offering a more manageable 12 mini-skein set.

My testers and I were easily able to knit a mini skein a day. But I know I’m not going to be able to make time EVERY day this season. This 12-skein KAL allows you to work ahead or fall behind with plenty of time to catch up and still have fun. There will be challenges and you will have plenty of opportunities to participate and win even if you fall behind.

What’s even better? You don’t have to use 12 minis. The pattern is adjustable so a 6, 8, or 10 skein set can also be used. That means Hanukkah sets and smaller gradient sets will work. All my testers made full-size cowls with 12 minis and they are all very plumpy and squishy. If you decide to use a 6-skein set you will have a shorter cowl with just as much attitude!

Testers chose a variety of color combinations. Be sure to check out the project pages of CollinViljoen, dtacker, ansteda, Katerinal1, bewolldich, LoraMitchell, svetula27, KnittingCounts, and beautyinthedawn for some great color ideas including gradient yarn, 3-4 full skeins and monochrome options.

Thank you to buzzandfuzz for your great Tech Editing skills yet again.

Suggested Yarn
Rich Hill Yarns, Platinum Sock
75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon: 463yds/100g.
2020 Holiday Suprise Set from Dances With Wool RVA
Sample Color Order: 1-Tacky Lights, 2-Canal Walk, 3-Lewis Ginter, 4-Pony Pasture, 5-Alria Theater, 6-Poe Museum, 7-The Jefferson, 8-James River Rapids, 9-Bryan Park, 10-Nickel Bridge, 11-VMFA, 12-Maymont Park

Needles
US 2 (3.0mm) circular needles or size to obtain gauge

Notions

Yarn needle
Stitch marker

Gauge
26.5 sts and 33 rows = 4” stockinette stitch, blocked

Required Skills
short rows (any method although instructions given with w&t directions)

Finished Measurements
Circumference: 38.5” (98cm)
Height: 31” (79cm)

Hints
Any weight yarn can be used to achieve the same effect although other weights/yardages were not tested