Almost as If Victoria could read my mind, I had been pondering my need for a neat, little cowl and along came this cowl test-knit. Perfect timing!

Made from a single 100g skein of Aran weight yarn - this pattern is fantastic for using up that odd skein of aran - I adore single skein projects! And, it is a ‘comfortable’ one-skien project - I have a good 16m+ leftover post cast-off.

Wool: I had in stash the WYS Shetland wool in a mid-grey shade. It almost has a blue sheen to it - it is a lovely colourway. And, its reference to Lerwick - a place I dream of and threaten to visit regularly. One day…

It is lovely wool to work with, but on occasion, the wool splits - especially when working PSSOs - found myself re-doing these just to correct that annoying ply of wool that has separated. Anyhow, you do attain lovely stitch definition and it is rather soft and bouncy, post wash. And so, generally, a good purchase.

Pattern: as one becomes to expect from anything which involves Vikki and ECYs - such patterns are always beautifully (and precisely) presented with inspiring accompanying photographs - I do enjoy a pattern that gives you just that little bit more than simple instructions.

The pattern itself is really easy to follow and has a memorable pattern repeat that can easily be done whilst washing the TV. In addition, this is a speedy knit - now that Im working full-time, the opportunity to sit for hours and knit, just doesn’t present itself - but I got this knitted up in 3 evenings - about 6 hours, in total, I’d estimate.

Fit: I have to mention what a wonderful fit this cowl is. Sometimes, with cowl designs, you are presented with a design that allows you to loosely hang or loop around your neck - this looks stylish, but practically, it doesn’t quite cut it (especially on a blustery day when that extra fabric gapes and flows and does anything but stay-put). This cowl is a perfect fit - snug, but not too tight to induce a sweaty, itchy neck. The sort of cowl you can pull up above your chin and it’ll stay put. A cowl you can tuck into the collar/neckline of your coat and it does it job. I love it.

Photos: so, so…not the greatest of days. A bit overcast, a bit soggy…a bit grey…a bit unenthusiastic! I find modelling cowls a little difficult. Really, they’re best seen flat, but then you don’t get a feel for fit, this way. Always tricky, I think. Anyhow, the best for ‘right now’.