Very recently - about three minutes before I cast on this project, I got a skein of yarn for Christmas. It was a yarn that I'd seen a friend knitting with, and I'd fallen head over heels in love with it. This friend is the clever and generous sort, and I was so clearly and instantly smitten that she'd procured a skein for me and made a present of it.
It was this lovely bit of business...
Roving Winds Farm 2ply cashmere, in what they call a "soft grey-brown". (No. She's my friend and you can't have her. I'm not even telling you who she is so you can't suck up to her.) There's about 375 yards in that wee 60g (just over 2oz) skein, and each of them is a lovely, lovely thing. I wound it up straightaway, and began to cast about for a pattern to make with it, so smitten was I with it's comely nature. I knew I wanted a cowl, since the thought of that softness by a neck was so perfect, and I perused the internet and ravelry madly to that end. I saw many great cowls as I travelled, but it turned out that I was having that pattern problem again. The pattern problem happens to me all the time, and I bet you've done it. It's where I've already made up my mind about precisely what I'm looking for. I know exactly what it is that I want, how it looks, how much yarn it takes, what needle it's knit on, and I end up not so much searching for a great pattern, as trying to locate the pattern I can see in my head.
Now it turned out this time (as it does a lot of other times) that nobody had written the pattern for the cowl in my head, and so I decided that maybe I would try to write down what I saw, and hope for the best. Now, I'm not a designer, and the occasional good idea doesn't make you one, so this -despite being a good idea - at least the way it looked in my mind - doesn't always work for me. Usually I end up with a really horrendous kindergarten level interpretation of what was in my head, because my head cares nothing for reality or the rules of knitting.
Not this time. This time I knit a tiny swatch for gauge, called Denny to see how big she thought a good cowl was (Denny is experienced in the ways of the cowl), consulted a few stitch dictionaries to see if my brain was even remotely on the planet, worked up a chart (thank you, knit visualizer) and started knitting.
Several dreamy hours and 61 rows later (that's a lie. The chart is 62 rows but I knit 74 because I had to rip out a part and change it because I was knitting a series of strange beak like structures into the thing.)
I love it. It is exactly, precisely, 100% what I had in my head, and considering the sort of place my head is, that's a miracle. The edges swoop the way I thought they would, the middle pulls in the way I wanted it to.
It's delicate and strong, feminine without being wildly princessey, and warm without bulk. I'm really, really thrilled with it.
The best part (beyond a 61 row cowl, which is pretty darned good) is that the cowl weighs this:
And the leftovers....
weigh that. Dudes. I can make three from one skein! (This makes me want to walk into a yarn shop like it's a local pub and shout something along the lines of "cowls for all my friends!" I may do that, actually.)
I may not be a designer (actually, I'm really not) but this wee cowl was definitely one of my better ideas. What a pretty thing.
Posted by Stephanie at January 9, 2009 1:30 PMOh my, I shall have to try to imagine how wonderful it feels. I can certainly see how beautiful it is.
Posted by: Susan at January 9, 2009 1:34 PMPretty pretty cowl!! Now you must share!! Pretty please? ;-)
Posted by: Roree at January 9, 2009 1:35 PMI WANT ONE!!! It's just gorgeous. And I know what you me about the princessly thing. I knit for teenage girls and I do my best to avoid things that are too precious.
Any chance we are going to see this pattern available soon?
Posted by: Karen at January 9, 2009 1:35 PMJust GORGEOUS. That would be exactly the cowl I would imagine for this yarn.
Posted by: Kristina at January 9, 2009 1:35 PMIt is absolutely gorgeous, and if you were to choose to share the gorgeousness with your faithful readers (in the form of a pattern-- we are capable of foraging for cashmere) I am sure nobody would complain!
Posted by: Joan at January 9, 2009 1:37 PMpretty, pretty, pretty. I hope you consider posting the chart. I have really wanted to make a cowl but hesitated over size and pattern. Yarn I have a plenty.
Posted by: Rachel at January 9, 2009 1:39 PMStunning! I am adding my voice to the chorus asking for the pattern!!
Posted by: liz at January 9, 2009 1:39 PMToday you are the Queen of the World. After all your recent calamities, you really deserve a day like this. I am absolutely stunned, because your cowl skills are absolutely stunning. (Yeah, I'm not the one with writer skills, that's you again.)You Rock!
Posted by: Judy in Indiana at January 9, 2009 1:40 PMWhat a fascinating pattern! It looks Sumerian.
wantwantwantwantwantwantwantwantwantwantwantwant
Oh my, that cowl is lovely. Please tell us you're going to share that pattern.
Posted by: mi at January 9, 2009 1:41 PMBeautiful. I made lace cowls for Xmas for friends. Now I need to make one for me. Love your pattern and thinks that's the one for me. Let us know if you get it written up.
Posted by: Deb at January 9, 2009 1:42 PMthat is just beautiful ! any chance the pattern will be in your next book?? Wish I had your abilities !
Kim
Posted by: Kim at January 9, 2009 1:42 PMIt's a beautiful pattern. Congratulations.
I would pay (or donate money to Doctors Without Borders) for a pattern of your cowl.
Posted by: sue at January 9, 2009 1:43 PMLOVE IT...B E A U T I F U L!!
Posted by: Carrie at January 9, 2009 1:43 PMBeautiful and must feel just delicious! I'm a fairly new knitter and can't fathom how a brain must work to come up with a pattern like that - but I'm so glad yours does. I'm happy to know there was a little fabulousness available to carry you though the scary soil pipe thing! I would have needed a BALE of cashmere I think . . .
Posted by: Michelle at January 9, 2009 1:44 PMI am absolutely in love with both the yarn and that gorgeous cowl! Absolutely stunning!
Posted by: Kara B. in Missouri at January 9, 2009 1:44 PMAbsolutely gorgeous! Regal looking in a totally non-princessy way :) I could just tell from the sneak peek you gave us yesterday that it was gonna be beautiful. Lucky girl with the cashmere...
Did you knit it in the round (I'm guessing NOT since you said "rows") or do you fasten it in the back somehow?
Posted by: Cathy in Cleveland at January 9, 2009 1:46 PMUm, excuse me, but you forgot to include the pattern link. Obviously we need it NOW!!!
Posted by: shadylady1216 at January 9, 2009 1:47 PMSo when is the pattern available? I've been searching for the perfect cowl pattern myself and have yet to make one. Am I the last knitter on earth to make a cowl?
Posted by: Chris T. at January 9, 2009 1:49 PMPretty thing, indeed! Not only very pretty, but the forecast says you'll be needing that very soon. I'm with everyone else, please post your pattern.
Posted by: Diane at January 9, 2009 1:49 PMBeautiful! Please let us buy the pattern!!!
Posted by: ConnieB in Ohio at January 9, 2009 1:49 PMAbsolutely gorgeous! And three from one skein is practically a miracle (manna from heaven, oil that burns for 8 days, loaves and fishes, three cowls from one skein of cashmere. It really fits the theme)
If you really love us you'll make the pattern available, but could you at least give the name (or names) of the lace pattern so we can try and be cunning like you and put it together ourselves?
Posted by: Becky in VT at January 9, 2009 1:49 PMOoh that's so pretty!
Posted by: Abi F at January 9, 2009 1:50 PMIt's gorgeous! You are so talented. (I know. I'm Captain Obvious with that one...)
Sarah at Blue Garter made an adorable cowl and fingerless gloves as well...I share because it is so darn pretty! (And no, I'm not Sarah. I just read her blog!)
http://www.bluegarter.org/2008/12/queen-of-shadows/
Posted by: Sandy at January 9, 2009 1:50 PMIndeed it is: a pretty thing. Good job!
Looking forward to seeing the pattern available - you've got a winner on your hands!
Posted by: Linda in NC at January 9, 2009 1:51 PMOH DANG. I was gifted with some YUMTASTIC numma numma cashmere lace.. this would be AMAZING!
Don't toy with us Harlot--- we need to COPE TOO!
Posted by: traceyinmichigan at January 9, 2009 1:51 PMI can't wait until I get to work with some cashmere! I'm trying to be very diligent in finishing current projects before I start more. We'll see how long that lasts!
Posted by: Jelayne in TX at January 9, 2009 1:54 PMBeautiful. Simply beautiful.
Posted by: Lisa at January 9, 2009 1:55 PMWhat a beautiful knit! And here I thought you had sworn off even touching cashmere because of the pricey outlay. I'd change for that beautiful yarn too.
Posted by: Heather in WV at January 9, 2009 1:55 PMOooh. That's all, just oooh!
We are about to get somewhere between 4 and 12 inches of snow, followed by temperatures some 20 degrees (F) below normal. I could really get to liking me some cashmere! (Hmmm. I do have some skeins of Laines du Nord Cashsilk at home.)
At least I'm not with my brother. He's working in Fairbanks, Alaska right now, where the daytime temperature is a balmy -45 degrees Farenheit; it gets down to -60 at night. That is dangerously cold. Gasoline, even airplane fuel, turns into jelly in engines and fuel lines at that temperature. I think my brother might need a cashmere neckwarmer right now!
Posted by: LisaDinPA at January 9, 2009 1:55 PMYou may not be a designer, but I really, really, really hope you will write up that pattern and make it avaiable. You could always ask people to donate to MSF in exchange for the pattern.
I have some beautiful 2ply cashmere yarn that I think would be fantastic for it!
Umm Harlot? If you keep that pattern to yourself- I will have no recourse but to invade Canada and free it. Please don't get me arrested.
Posted by: traceyinmichigan at January 9, 2009 1:57 PMI do so love it when the things my brain comes up with find their way out through my fingers. The sliver cashmere lining to the dark cloud of unexpected home repairs.
Posted by: evalyn at January 9, 2009 1:59 PMSo when do we get the pattern, hmm? It's absolutely lovely beyond measure!
Posted by: Chelsea the Yarngeek at January 9, 2009 1:59 PMIt reminds me of a swan for some reason. And I am adding into the cry of "share the pattern?"
Posted by: Marie Wesley at January 9, 2009 2:00 PM...count me in among the pleas for your pattern. Because it is a pretty thing, and I have fallen under its spell. (Also, totally moved to a new city where it is never cold enough to justify any of my uber-thick "real" scarves. The way of the cowl tempts me so.)
Posted by: Pix at January 9, 2009 2:01 PMOh my gosh! That is sooooo pretty! You simply must give us the pattern! Wow!
Posted by: julia at January 9, 2009 2:02 PMGorgeous!!! Can we have the pattern, pretty please with cashmere on top? I happened to have acquired some yummy yarn over the holiday that would be perfect for pretty much that item.
Posted by: Katie B. at January 9, 2009 2:03 PMIt's BEAUTIFUL!!. Please, please, please provide us with the pattern.
Posted by: Ursula at January 9, 2009 2:03 PMThat's really beautiful! And cashmere that isn't from China is hard to find. Great yarn and a great FO. Good for you!
Posted by: Jennifer at January 9, 2009 2:03 PMThat cowl is beautiful. I've never been extremely fond of cowls but this one sold me. It looks perfect on you... and the pattern is just exquisite.
Also, that yarn just goes so far! Its amazing! :)
Okay, I'm confused you have designed a beautiful cowl. You have designed it. Why aren't you a designer? What makes you a designer? How many designs must you create so that you magically become a designer? What other hoops must you jump through? Can you claim this title yourself or do others elect you to the position? Please educate me. Thank you
Posted by: Leanne at January 9, 2009 2:03 PMAbsolutely lovely. "Warmth Without Bulk"...and unlikely to overpower a slightly stumpy neck (like mine). Do let us know when (hopefully not just "if"!) the pattern is available!
Posted by: CraftyGryphon at January 9, 2009 2:04 PMUnfair! It's 71 frickin' degrees right now! I tell you, it's TOUGH being a knitter in Texas. (But if I mention to my hubby about moving to a colder climate, I'll end up in Oklahoma with my mother-in-law. Not even for cashmere!)
Posted by: Beverly from Texas at January 9, 2009 2:04 PMThat is indeed a very pretty thing! Congrats on making your vision come true in such a beautiful way!
Posted by: Josiane at January 9, 2009 2:05 PMA warm neck for less than an ounce? We can all wear cashmere!
Posted by: Marina Stern at January 9, 2009 2:05 PMWhat you've got there appears to be the Platonic form of the cowl. Gorgeousness, though I could never wear that colour. Which is, no doubt, why both yarn and pattern entered your hands/brain (respectively) and not mine.
Posted by: lizbon at January 9, 2009 2:06 PMDude, you rock that cowl. And here I thought people with longer hair looked dorky in them. I stand corrected. And now excuse me while I go stash-diving for the pattern notes that I know are forthcoming.
(That wasn't too forward, was it?)
Posted by: Kathy in KS at January 9, 2009 2:06 PMTo add to previous comment, I would gladly pay for the pattern. I like the idea of donating to Doctors without Borders.
Posted by: Ursula at January 9, 2009 2:06 PMCowltease.
Posted by: rams at January 9, 2009 2:08 PMWow, it's beautiful. It looks like you knit it flat--did you seam it? Congratulations!
Posted by: Erica at January 9, 2009 2:09 PMI didn't read the comments before me, but I'm going to assume they all read something like, "Please, please, please give us the pattern so we can all have warm, graceful, beautiful, feminine cowls for only 20 precious grams of beautiful cashmere!" Add me to the list.
Posted by: Suzanne V. (Yarnhog) at January 9, 2009 2:09 PMThat's really beautiful. I'm with all the others who would gladly buy or donate to get a copy of the pattern. Please??
Posted by: Su at January 9, 2009 2:10 PMYour cowl is lovely! It makes that yarn an excellent bargain! ;)
Posted by: LittleWit at January 9, 2009 2:10 PMThis is an amazing post! It's interesting too, since I procured for myself a skien of laceweight cashmere for my birthday and want to make a cowl out of it. This project is very inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing! It looks absolutely divine.
Posted by: Cam at January 9, 2009 2:11 PMI think that making something so beautiful CERTAINLY makes you a designer!
Posted by: rose at January 9, 2009 2:12 PMOh PLEASE at least post the chart for the stitch, if not the entire cowl. That is just gorgeous and is a pattern that's been in my head, too.
Puhleeeeeeeeeze..........
Posted by: Erica at January 9, 2009 2:13 PMperfection. cloudy, luxurious wonder. PLEASE publish a pattern...my mom needs a mid-winter pick-me-up!
Posted by: Sara at January 9, 2009 2:14 PMI love your cowl and the story of your cowl. You are an inspiration for all of us. Perhaps we too could some day, some how design something that works.
Posted by: Jamar Pearson at January 9, 2009 2:16 PMCan *I* be YOUR friend? After all, good friends do pay good deeds forward .. right?? Please? Purty please with a cherry on top?
Posted by: Auntie Tracy at January 9, 2009 2:19 PMI love those rare moments (at least for me) when it all comes together.
Excellent work, it is truly a thing a beauty.
Very, very pretty, indeed! Pattern? Please? Pretty please with cashmere on it??!??
Posted by: Bryn at January 9, 2009 2:20 PMWhen I've seen cowls on ravelry I've never been real impressed. This one is gorgeous and I'd make it and wear it. Pretty but not frilly, keeps your neck warm, and would look great dressed up or dressed down. I'm not terribly fashionable but this seems to hit the target. Great work. And I too hope you share the pattern.
Regular reader. Don't post a lot.
Posted by: Susan at January 9, 2009 2:20 PMdear Harlot, the cowl is simply beautiful. How I would love to knit one! Would gladly pay or donate for the pattern or the chart.
Posted by: gina at January 9, 2009 2:20 PMI usually don't leave comments, but that is beautiful!!! Please, please, pretty please can we have the pattern??
Posted by: Karen Odle at January 9, 2009 2:21 PMNot a designer? Like you're not a writer, or a knitter, or an all-round over-achieving super fabulous person that makes me want to grovel in your shadow and aspire to having something remotely approaching your life?
Ha.
Posted by: Lise at January 9, 2009 2:21 PMThe cowl is just beautiful! I have just joined a yarn club for sumptuous yarn, and have received my first skein of Mongolian cashmere. I have been looking all over Ravelry for just the perfect pattern. I, too, want to wear this lovely soft yarn close to my face (though I've had many tell me to make it into socks). Finding just the right pattern is so hard since I've joined Ravely-so many lovely choices! Your cowl is delicate, and feminine, and a perfect marriage of yarn and pattern. Great job!
Posted by: Margaret at January 9, 2009 2:21 PMThat is a gorgeous cowl! You could totally sell the pattern (KWB would definately benefit) and at 3 cowls per skein you could spank Christmas '09 till the sheep come home!
Ya done good!
This is beautiful! Will you be sharing the pattern? Pretty please?
Posted by: Linda at January 9, 2009 2:22 PMIt's beautiful. You are a genius. Now, you just have to deposit that good feeling you have about it into the bank, so that you can withdraw it when a pattern goes, say...awry.
Posted by: lorraine Weir at January 9, 2009 2:23 PMRams MADE ME SPIT ON MY LAPTOP!
Posted by: traceyinmichigan at January 9, 2009 2:23 PMWill you share the pattern? I have a skein of Jade Sapphire cashmere in exactly that color that's just been waiting for the perfect pattern!
Posted by: Sarah at January 9, 2009 2:24 PMHoly cowl, that's beautiful!
Posted by: Molly at January 9, 2009 2:24 PMWow, that is stunning! Can I join in in begging for the pattern? I have some angora from Rhinebeck that really really wants to be that cowl...
Posted by: CityMinx at January 9, 2009 2:26 PMYou're right, it IS gorgeous! Will you share the pattern? I need to have one, too, and I have a bit over an ounce of spindle-spun cashmere that's begging to be cowled.
Posted by: Becky at January 9, 2009 2:27 PMI'LL be your friend! I mean, I'd be a REALLY great friend! I mean, I'd wear MY cowl all the time! REALLY! (In all seriousness, it is a rare and lovely thing, that cowl! You are certainly justifiably proud!) Now we will all kneel and chant... pattern, please?
Posted by: Jo at January 9, 2009 2:27 PMI never was much interested in cowls before but . . . DO WANT! Pleeeease give us a way to get the pattern! It wants to made up in alpaca, it just told me so.
Posted by: Lon at January 9, 2009 2:28 PMVery impressive. Something I would want in my queue. Just sayin' Hee.
Posted by: Aline at January 9, 2009 2:29 PMAwesome cowl! I do so hope that you post the pattern for the rest of us! I am not usually a cowl person, but that may all be changed.
Posted by: Ruth at January 9, 2009 2:29 PM"Not a designer." Hah! Looks like a design to me!
(And add me to the list of those begging for a pattern, or at least the chart. I promise, we won't rant and rave if it's not test-knit for any substitution of wool/needle size/neck size - we can adjust too!)
I have wonderful yarn (a gift no less) that this is reminding me of. I'm joining the crowds -- please share the pattern? It's lovely.
Posted by: susan at January 9, 2009 2:30 PMOh boy is that gorgeous!! Pattern? Please, please, please?
Posted by: hollyk at January 9, 2009 2:33 PMYou should PDF that pattern and sell it as a Raverly download. I'm sure most people would be willing to pay $5-6 for the pattern. It could go a long way towards house/car/washer/dryer expenses!
Posted by: PattyM at January 9, 2009 2:33 PMAnd when are you going to share with us exactly how this was made and maybe you need to show off that fancy chart you came up with, too.
Posted by: Petunia at January 9, 2009 2:33 PMI like the swoopey edges the best but if you're knitting one for me I'd like it big enough to pull up over my head on bad hair days. You wouldn't want beads with cashmere but with a lesser yarn I can see where you'd put them.
I will always think of it as the wastepipe cowl. Sorry but it will for me be forever linked with the expensive but invisible plumbing job.
Posted by: Caroline M at January 9, 2009 2:35 PMPleasepleaseprettyPLEEZ share that pattern or sell it or otherwise make it available o great designer
please?????
multitudinous thanks in advance
Posted by: Alison at January 9, 2009 2:35 PMOh....how pretty!
Can I be one of your friends? Pretty please?
Posted by: Nathalie at January 9, 2009 2:36 PMI'm curious: is the top edge the same diameter as the bottom edge? That's my one problem with cowls - they tend to roll over at the top, eventually folding almost in half. I always think they should be slightly tulip-shaped to prevent it.
Yours is really nice - especially the colour.
Posted by: Shannon B at January 9, 2009 2:37 PMOh, no! You used software to generate the chart? Oh, no! Oh, dear! How are we to be bestowed with this lovely pattern? Can you do it? Are we allowed to have it? WOULD you do it? It's just so absolutely beeee-ooooo-tee-mus! Can we bribe you, somehow?
Posted by: Iris at January 9, 2009 2:39 PMHel-LO?! We know how to find you, and we will - all of us - lie in wait for you outside Lettuce Knit in order to procure that pattern. Ooh, even better, we will buy all the yarn from Lettuce Knit, so you can not have any more, and then lie in wait for you.
Okay, we won't, but we'd really, really like that pattern! :)
Posted by: Elizabeth L in Apex, NC at January 9, 2009 2:39 PMYou have GOT to share this....I love that! I was gifted some yarn and this would be perfect! Snap to it missy! I want this pattern.... ;D
Posted by: Tammy at January 9, 2009 2:39 PMYes, yes, please let us donate to Doctors w/o Borders or pay you for the pattern. It is gorgeous and i have a lovely skein of bamboo and cashmere that i bought at Rhinebeck that so wants to be a cowl and i so keep screwing it up.
I LOVE that cowl. Amazingly wonderful beautiful job. I would never take it off! You MUST share the pattern with us :)
Posted by: Angela at January 9, 2009 2:42 PMI want the pattern, pretty pretty please and a thank you in advance, definitely positive thinking. Also, thank you for all the sharing and keeping us entertained during the winter months.
Posted by: Lissa at January 9, 2009 2:42 PMMe want cowl pattern, please please please oh pretty please!
Posted by: Violet at January 9, 2009 2:42 PMYes, it is lovely! And you should put up the pattern and I too will pay money for it. Love the idea of making it a KWB contribution.
Posted by: L. at January 9, 2009 2:42 PMPattern, pretty please?
Posted by: Shae at January 9, 2009 2:43 PMLovely pattern and it stands up nicely. Some cowls are too slouchy for the Canadian winter. Would love to buy the pattern.
Posted by: PurlCrossly at January 9, 2009 2:43 PMBrilliant. Your're ever so clever.
Posted by: LInda at January 9, 2009 2:44 PMI'll add my pleads for that pattern to the rest....pretty pretty please?
It's lovely! (I know exactly what you mean about the pattern problem.)
Posted by: susan at January 9, 2009 2:44 PMOk, that's one seriously awesome match between yarn and pattern. How wonderful to pull it out of your mind's eye and into a pattern. So up my alley, both yarn and stitches. Beautiful.
Please say this will be in the next book? And while I'm hoping, how about some matching fingerless mitts? Mmmm.
Posted by: Ro at January 9, 2009 2:44 PMI, too, will gladly pay for this pattern! I've already got the skein of cashmere in mind that I'll knit it with. :)
Posted by: Jen in MN at January 9, 2009 2:45 PMWe can has cowl pattern? Pleez? Kthxbye!
Seriously, you *must* write this one down and share it for a modest donation. If you don't want the rewards going to the Soil Stack Fund, it can go to MSF. But it would be a crime against cashmere to keep this one all to yourself!
Posted by: Laura at January 9, 2009 2:46 PMOOhh lovely! And I understand the need to make a cowl, but the 2(!) hanks of Mongolian Cashmere that Santa brought me will be going straight into a cammisole. 'Cause the closer to the skin the better when it comes to cashmere.
Posted by: Amanda at January 9, 2009 2:47 PMOh pretty pretty please can we have a pattern?!?? I was recently fortunate enough to be gifted with a gorgeous skein of qiviut in almost the same color as your cashmere and I've been searching far and wide for the perfect cowl pattern. This is EXACTLY what I had in mind. Stephanie, you are a genius.
Posted by: Heather at January 9, 2009 2:49 PMOoh, I hope hope hope you make that pattern available. I think I'll frog my quivit cowl and use the yarn for your cowl. Lovely!
Posted by: CTJen at January 9, 2009 2:50 PMYou are holding me hostage. I was just going to cast on for a cashmere cowl today, inspired by your last post. I was in the process of sorting my Ravelry faves to find a pattern. Then I get this update on my RSS feed... and I want to make THIS ONE! WAH!
PLEASE make it available for purchase/donation, and PLEASE let it be tomorrow or I am going to start snapping wooden needles. 'Cos I ain't startin' anything else 'til it is. Should I threaten to hold my breath?
Posted by: Stasia at January 9, 2009 2:53 PMOh my, that's really beautiful! Excellent job!
Posted by: mio at January 9, 2009 2:53 PMI'm a fairly new knitter myself, and looking at that beautiful cowl makes me have to check to make sure I'm not drooling. Beautiful pattern, beautiful yarn, and it looks wonderful on you. I really hope you will decide to share the pattern with us, be it in the form of donations to DWB, the Great Soil Pipe Disaster of 2009 fund, or whatever.
Posted by: Jennifer at January 9, 2009 2:55 PMOoh! Ooh! Share, share, please! You would make your readers so happy if you wrote that up for us to buy. I have just the skein of cashmere for it.
Also, thank you for this blog. It makes me happy every time I sit down to read with my cup of coffee.
Posted by: Jessi at January 9, 2009 2:56 PMThat is beautiful, and a perfect use for something as fab as cashmere. Add me to the list of people who are hoping you'll write up the pattern - I have some hand-spun quiviut that would work perfectly!
Posted by: (formerly) no-blog-rachel at January 9, 2009 2:56 PMIt's lovely!
Posted by: Viktoria at January 9, 2009 2:57 PMOkay, I never would've thought in a million years that I would want a cowl.....Guess What?
Just gorgeous, I can almost touch it.
Allison
Is there such a thing as spun honey? That's what I think of when I look at this.
Lovely, Stephanie.
Beautiful and Classic. It looks so soft.
Posted by: Léonie at January 9, 2009 3:01 PMYES! Cowls for everyone! So let us know when that pattern is ready! Thanks!!!!!!!
Posted by: Grace at January 9, 2009 3:01 PMPretty enough to make me want to go somewhere cold to wear it. Now that's seriously pretty.
Posted by: Sunnyknitter at January 9, 2009 3:03 PMMaybe it is time to put that up on Ravelry to sell !!!!
Posted by: SamLaTricoteuse at January 9, 2009 3:04 PMGorgeous! Love the way it sits. Your pattern looks fabulous, I can't wait until it's ready. :)
Posted by: Renee at January 9, 2009 3:05 PMI must say, I'd been on the fence about the whole cowl thing ... until now. That's absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait for the pattern!
Posted by: Rachel B. at January 9, 2009 3:10 PMWow, I'd be honored to knit that. Perfection. Can we have, please?
Posted by: Maryann at January 9, 2009 3:11 PMWow. I respectfully disagree with your assertion you are not a designer. And I'd like the pattern, please.
That is so beautiful. Would you consider sharing the joy...and the pattern?
Posted by: Melissa at January 9, 2009 3:12 PMWhat a lovely, elegant thing! You have outdone yourself, Steph. Beautiful.
Posted by: Carla at January 9, 2009 3:12 PMThat cowl is just lovely. Please share the pattern.
Posted by: Lynne at January 9, 2009 3:13 PMNow that you've written it down, you ARE going to share the pattern with us, right? :D
Posted by: Jem at January 9, 2009 3:14 PMBeautiful! Please share the pattern! Please!
Posted by: Donna at January 9, 2009 3:14 PMJust had to post once more to say that after reading everyone's pleas here, Rams said it all in one fabulously, hilarious word!!
And, I agree, you ARE a designer...isn't this like the third or fourth thing that I have read about you "designing" in the past year or so? What about Baby Yours and Mine? And I am sure there were others...I mean, you dipped your toes into the designing pool each time you "modified" a pattern, right?
Keep it up, we are rabid, I mean avid, fans!!!!
Posted by: Cathy in Cleveland at January 9, 2009 3:16 PMBeautiful! I think you should make the pattern available on Rav for a DWB donation!
Posted by: Brittany Newberry at January 9, 2009 3:22 PMOh please Stephanie--don't tempt us and then not share the pattern. That cowl is a lovely work of art! I think you should consider yourself a designer.
Posted by: Jody at January 9, 2009 3:23 PMAbsolutely beautiful! I agree, could you share the pattern in return for MSF donations?
Glad your house is back to normal!
Posted by: peneloped at January 9, 2009 3:25 PMSo pretty!
Posted by: Heather at January 9, 2009 3:26 PMHow beautiful! Oh I want one of those....
Posted by: KathrynGrace at January 9, 2009 3:26 PMOoo, I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!! Isn't that stuff to die for?? Gorgeous pattern for it, too. Nice work!
Posted by: Meredith at January 9, 2009 3:27 PMIt's gorgeous! That looks like an excellent KWB pattern to me -- a little luxury for us and help where it's needed in the world. Everyone wins! Pleeez?
Posted by: Gwen in Bowmanville at January 9, 2009 3:28 PMDANG! That's beautiful! That just popped out of your head? Dang.
Posted by: OliveLynn at January 9, 2009 3:31 PMPretties and soft, yes it is. We wants!
Posted by: Lisa at January 9, 2009 3:31 PMBeautiful-I think you just may be an undiscovered designer-remember the baby sweaters,the Blue Moon Hat,The tulip sweater???Anyway-are you going to sell the pattern,offer it to those who contribute to Dr.'s without Borders,put it out through the "Windy" yarn company(pattern so many $ if purchased with yarn) or (and rightly so) keep your own little secret??
What ever you decide, I think it is definitely a Designer Cowl".
I'm hoping that you generous nature will allow you to share that beautiful pattern with us.
When will your books be available for the Amazon Kindle?
Posted by: Elayne at January 9, 2009 3:33 PMOooh, so pretty! I absolutely adore it.
Posted by: whitney at January 9, 2009 3:33 PMThat is absolutely beautiful! Now I wanna knit something soft and pretty...you have to share the pattern! Pretty please?
Posted by: Carli at January 9, 2009 3:33 PMPattern PLEASE ! It is gorgeous, particularly for a non designer ... looks like a great knitting design to me !
Posted by: Paula at January 9, 2009 3:34 PMThat sound you hear is me sucking up to you BIG TIME! You could make me crawl up to Canada on my hands and knees, to clean your house for a month--all for that FABULOUS cowl pattern. Or to save us all time and humiliation, you can request a donation to Doctors w/o Borders AND a shipping and handling fee (which could go toward Sir Washie II). Please? Pretty please?
Truly, that cowl is stunning. Thanks for posting the photos! Now, stop teasing us...
Posted by: Susan at January 9, 2009 3:35 PMJust a question to throw out there to those who have ordered online from wholesaleyarn.com (C&W Enterprise) I ordered on Dec. 27th and the wool hasn't been delivered yet. It is coming from Canada to Maine. Should I be worried that I'm being duped? Has anyone ordered from them? Just starting to worry, don't want to worry needlessly.
Posted by: Liz at January 9, 2009 3:38 PMNow you know, having said that you made a chart for this thing that every one with any shred of persistence is going to wheedle till you cough it up and we may knit one. As I see from the comments beforeme there is some really good whinging going on in preperation for bugging you every time you emerge from your house. Insiration calls for a hefty price:) So can we have it yet?:)
Posted by: Heather lowe at January 9, 2009 3:40 PMOMIGOD!!!! PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO MAKE THAT THING OF BEAUTY! my heart is racing and my hands are all shaky-jangly with just the thought of the yarn sliding along the needles. mmmmmmmm. PLEEEEEEZE share with us!
Posted by: christine m. east of toronto at January 9, 2009 3:41 PMYou are teasing us, right? Talking about charting the pattern with no mention of whether or not you intend to share it. Consider us well teased.
Posted by: Katie K at January 9, 2009 3:42 PMps: where did you get that groovy little scale?
Posted by: christine m. east of toronto at January 9, 2009 3:42 PMImagine if 1,000 of your readers bought that pattern for $5 with proceeds going to KWB? and then they tell their friends, and so on, and so on...
Posted by: Barbara A.M. at January 9, 2009 3:44 PMCongrats on such a successful FO!
In these parts we call such a garment a neck gaiter, so much more practical than a scarf with its lumpy knot. I spun up some yarn to make one - now where did that get to? You're inspiring me to make mine!
Posted by: Kate in AK at January 9, 2009 3:47 PMWhat I love about us knitters is that we are an honest and frank bunch...frugal (shrewd?)where it counts (lux yarns (3 cowls from one skein!), budgets (after all, there must be cash for yarn!),housework (i can argue the line of slovenly if you need...),yet it is not hard to get us to part from our practices when duty calls (friends in need, yarn sales, and opportunity to give). Only knitters would volunteer the idea to sell a pattern in the name of helping others...and that is as it should be. We understand value better than anyone, I think. Get the best "yardage" you can for that pattern...I'm all for the idea of pattern sale for KWD and s&h for sir washie II - best idea I've heard yet! I'm waiting with PayPal under arrow for your decision!
Posted by: AndiN at January 9, 2009 3:51 PMSo pretty! Dare I hope that it will become a Ravelry pattern someday?
I have to say that looking at it makes me think of flowers, from roots to blossom. Do you see what I see or am I crazy? Well, anyway, it's gorgeous. Do you know roughly how many yards it took to knit?
Sounds like we all want to be in that pub when you yell! You did a magnificent job at translating the image in your head into reality. And I'm wondering too, what are you using to fasten it together?
Posted by: Jo-Anne at January 9, 2009 3:53 PMWow!!
I agree with Barbara's earlier comments..... 1000 of your fans x $5 for KWB......
That is gorgeous.
Posted by: liz at January 9, 2009 3:53 PMI would love to purchase this recipe to make a cowl for my picky aunt! She is petite and scarves are usually too long or too bulky (she believes in wearing layers under her petite coats). Please put it up for sale on Ravelry or something.... please,please,please!
Posted by: Laura at January 9, 2009 3:55 PMI'm absolutely smitten. If my brain were more creative, that is EXACTLY what it would have imagined, and not found a pattern for. So I'm wondering when we send our donation to KWB/MSF how they'll know we were bribed by your cowl pattern. (hint, hint)
Posted by: Robby at January 9, 2009 3:55 PMI don't have cashmere, but I have the perfect alpaca lace yarn for this...I cannot wait for the opportunity. Great design!
Posted by: Liz at January 9, 2009 3:56 PMOMG- so very beautiful! Way to go!
Posted by: samantha at January 9, 2009 3:56 PMThat truely is a thing of beauty and must be a joy to behold. You are right to guard her identity cause I would try to steal her for my friend.lol
Posted by: Marilyn Tonhauser at January 9, 2009 3:56 PMJust fab. Now you know you'll have to write out the pattern soon as I'm sure everyone (including me) would love to make one;)
Posted by: Kris at January 9, 2009 4:01 PMI love it when a plan comes together.
Posted by: heathers at January 9, 2009 4:02 PMOk, write it up, tell us how much it is and apply the revenues (which will be plenty) to your leaky emergency. See...everyone will be happy!
Posted by: Carmen at January 9, 2009 4:04 PMSo nice! Please publish the pattern - I'd love one!
Posted by: Laura-Lee at January 9, 2009 4:06 PMBarkeep, I'll take a lovely, understated laceweight cowl in a beautifully realized color--put it on the tab of that wee, daft Canadian woman, who is apparently having the same.
Posted by: shanny mac at January 9, 2009 4:06 PMThat is, quite possibly, the prettiest cowl I have ever seen. Would you consider making the pattern available?
Thanks!
Pattern please? *drool*
Posted by: Dana Marie at January 9, 2009 4:08 PMOooooh, that is lovely! And I totally get what you mean by searching for a pattern that is only in your head. I have wasted way too many hours looking for patterns (with a specific yarn even) that probably don't exist anywhere.
Posted by: Seanna Lea at January 9, 2009 4:11 PMPretty indeed! Is there a pattern forthcoming:)
Posted by: Jeanie at January 9, 2009 4:12 PMOh so pretty and yet non-frilly! I love it. Add me to the "Pattern Please" chorus. I know at least three women in my life, not including myself, who would love one. :D
Posted by: Sue at January 9, 2009 4:12 PMGorgeous!! I want one too... and a friend who buys me cashmere!
Posted by: Courtney at January 9, 2009 4:13 PMThat is stunning. My neck would love it I'm sure!
Posted by: sarah at January 9, 2009 4:15 PMWOW! I love it. Perfection. Are you by any chance going to make the pattern public?
Posted by: fibercrone at January 9, 2009 4:19 PMIt's perfect. And all the more so because it didn't let your original vision down in reality. I can just imagine how it feels on...
Posted by: Ellie at January 9, 2009 4:21 PM"This makes me want to ... shout something along the lines of "cowls for all my friends!"'
I think you just did!
Posted by: Julie at January 9, 2009 4:24 PMWhat Rams said.
I would love that pattern. I have a wee tiny skein of soft prettiness that would be perfect for it...
Posted by: Jae at January 9, 2009 4:25 PMmust have pattern now. must. have. pattern. now.
Posted by: Mulderknitter at January 9, 2009 4:26 PMIt's truly beautiful. I really love the way it folds so delicately when it's on.
Posted by: Victoria at January 9, 2009 4:27 PMI'm so thankful you didn't tell everyone that I gave you the yarn. You have no idea.
Posted by: Priscilla at January 9, 2009 4:30 PMpleaseohpleasephpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohplease share this pattern. :}
Posted by: Nora at January 9, 2009 4:35 PMI am in total awe of you, Queen Stephanie of the Woolly Kingdom! The cowl is just perfect. Please, please share the pattern with us all - or make it a download for KWB. I'd willingly pay for something so beautiful!
Posted by: Helen at January 9, 2009 4:38 PMOoooh, sooooo gorgeous!!! Are you going to give us the pattern, because I've always wanted to knit w/ cashmere,, but I could never afford how much it would take for one project. Or I would be afraid that the project wasn't "worthy", or I would have it on a part of my body that I would be afraid wouldn't feel the softness enough (like a hat). *Please* give us the pattern!!
Posted by: Erica T. at January 9, 2009 4:39 PMPattern details??? Someone lovely gave me cashmere for Christmas and I was having the same search issues you had, and of course I have *nothing* in my head to tell me what it should look like, until now -- and seeing that.
Posted by: Yvonne at January 9, 2009 4:39 PMYou're gonna share the pattern ....... aren't you????? If not for sale then maybe for p/hop donations? Please, it's so pretty. You see you are a designer.
Posted by: Auntie Noo at January 9, 2009 4:40 PMI have 2oz of Ecco cashmere I got for Christmas ready and waiting...waiting.
Posted by: Viki at January 9, 2009 4:41 PMYou could generate 2 million dollars for Knitters Without Borders if you sent out the pattern for that amazing cowl for a donation of any size! May I be the first in line to make that donation?
Posted by: Christine Drews at January 9, 2009 4:41 PMIs there enough for matching fingerless mitts? Just a thought.
Posted by: hillary l. at January 9, 2009 4:44 PMOh, pretty please, bless us with this pattern.
Posted by: Heather at January 9, 2009 4:44 PMYes, please, I would love it if you shared the pattern! I've been wanting to make myself a cowl...
Posted by: Carolyn Cavicchio at January 9, 2009 4:46 PMThis is just beautiful! I have been making a few cowls lately...but none that is as pretty!
Posted by: Carol at January 9, 2009 4:49 PMI've made quite a few cowls and you have it precisely correct. The pulling in at the middle is genius. I agree with Christine Drews - put the pattern up for purchase with all proceeds going to KWB.
And WHO are all these people that got cashmere for Christmas? Are they not facing an economic downturn where they live? ;)
Posted by: Carol at January 9, 2009 4:49 PMReceived some grey alpaca for Christmas and wanted to make a cowl to go with the hat I designed, but the cowl was a TOTAL failure, so I reformatted it back into a ball and will try again. So, not a total loss, since I learnrd what not to do. Your's is lovely !!
Posted by: Ann at January 9, 2009 4:53 PMStephanie
Just finished reading your cowl blog entry. It is one of the most lovely cowls I have ever seen. Not surprisingly I want to knit one. When I looked at the comments it seems like everyone else does as well.
So, how about this: write it up, sell it on-line and give all profits to Doctors Without Borders. I bet you'd make your million before you know it.
Just a thought.
joyceetta@gmail.com
Iowa, USA
Posted by: Joyce at January 9, 2009 4:54 PMBreathtaking. but I've been to too many Ren-Faires, the second picture looks like a corset cover.
I 300th the motion to let us donate to KWB (or the Squire Washie fund) for the pattern.
Today the electrician who I give Christmas presents to came. I was armed only with hope, the ability to use a circuit tester and the knowledge that I couldn't hide in the corner and knit my vest. It did not go well.
Please take pity on a fellow sufferer and put your pattern up on the Rav and $3 or $5 per knitter later, your plumbing problems will be a thing of the past.
Alas, I have no pattern talents that will pay for what my electrician friend tells me it will cost to repair what happened when the morons who installed our generator did it the "easy" way instead of the "right" way. Whimper.
I believe I have a skein of red cashmere I can go pat now....
Crap. That is so nice. And I know for cowls. Yum. We need that friend to get more of that yarn, 3 will not be enough. Trust me.
Posted by: Remember your friends...like Denny? at January 9, 2009 4:59 PM...sorry.
Posted by: My fingers are really cold... at January 9, 2009 5:01 PM....maybe I need gloves too. Just saying.
Posted by: Just full of good ideas today at January 9, 2009 5:03 PMThat is a very fine cowl you've knit, lovely. There is nothing quite so nice as a warm, soft yarn embracing ones neck or face as the case may be. It is bloody cold here in Montreal and this winter I made up my mind to be properly garbed for the cold so I knit a balaclava in 4 ply cashmere. -30c, ha! only my eyeballs are at risk of freezing now.
Posted by: Ann in Montreal at January 9, 2009 5:05 PMWowzers! what a lovely design! please let me know when you get this pattern up for sale, I'd love to buy it!
now all you have to do is wait for cool weather, put on that beautiful soft wonderful thing, and head out to show her off... maybe get some nice white hot chocolate or something :)
give yourself all the credit you deserve, you may not have been much of a designer in past... but face it :) I think you might be now!
congrats!
Posted by: Jolene at January 9, 2009 5:07 PMYou are such a tease! You design a lovely cowl. You mention a chart. We see the cowl. We desire the cowl. Yet, no chart. Please tell us it will be forthcoming. Paypal is sooo easy...
Posted by: tree at January 9, 2009 5:09 PMIt's GORGEOUS. Seriously. Lovely!
Posted by: Laura at January 9, 2009 5:10 PMYes, I would donate to Doctor's without borders for the pattern too...please please please
Posted by: michele at January 9, 2009 5:15 PMFirst the awesome hat that I am even now knitting for my husband, and now this? You keep this up and you will have to start calling yourself designer, missy.
Posted by: Michelle at January 9, 2009 5:16 PMLovely cowl, really lovely! But what inspired me to comment was your hair. I know you can only see a little of it in one of the pictures, but your curls look fabulous. Those of us with straight hair are often jealous of curls. You have written of hair angst in the past, so I thought you might appreciate recognition of a good hair day.(And yes, it feels a little weird to compliment the hair of someone you don' really know, but I'm doing it anyway).
Cheers!
Can we make one? Can we make one? Please. Please. Please. Pretty please. Pretty please with cherries on top.
Posted by: Betsy at January 9, 2009 5:18 PMGORGEOUS! I hope you will consider sharing the pattern. I would SO purchase it!
Posted by: Kelli at January 9, 2009 5:19 PMYou are too a designer. That cowl is gorgeousness personified. That takes a designer, chickie.
Please write it up (the chart and a few tiny tiny words - we know you know words) and sell it to the masses. Because they're never gonna stop wishing you would. I won't and I don't think I'm unique in that. We'll probably bug you about it periodically too. Just think of the time you'd save by just caving in now and selling us the pattern.
Posted by: Ronni at January 9, 2009 5:20 PMWow that's a pretty thing! :D Good going!
Posted by: Dea at January 9, 2009 5:21 PMThough it is wonder to gasp and laugh and feel the pain of your many recent posts, it's posts like this that I love most. Splendidly done!
I'm about to leave the country and have been knitting goodbye gifts for all my friends - the one who taught me to knit has held me up though - what to make!? I do lace, she does not, but of course I don't want to get mired into a big project... I think your cowl would be perfect for her. It's stunning, simple, and gracious. As you are a knitting monument of kindness I'm going to rest assured that the pattern will indeed be posted for us, your loyal legions. Please?
Perhaps a pattern for sale to benefit KWB/TSF?
Just sayin'.
(Happy to help format, if'n yer lookin' for that sorta thing.)
I foresee great fundraising potential. ... Look at all of us, lusting mightily!
I'm going to add my request begging for the pattern. I've got just the yarn for it...something from a musk ox that demands special attention.
Posted by: martha at January 9, 2009 5:25 PMOoh, pretty! It looks incredibly soft, warm & feminine. Not prissy, though. Well done!
Posted by: Samina at January 9, 2009 5:29 PMAt the risk of being repetitive, I want to knit one, too, please!
It is simply gorgey.
So...SHARE! I may not be fancy-pants and have cashmere, but I have a lovely bit of left over baby alpaca that I'm wanting to cowl with. I made some Crofters Cowls for Christmas and am enamored with the warmth and practicality. I need more.
Posted by: Laurie at January 9, 2009 5:31 PMOh, that's gorgeous. I must join the throng of people hinting/asking/begging for the chart--I have a small but special skein of yarn that would love to become something that gorgeous.
Posted by: K at January 9, 2009 5:32 PMI dream of the day that I can even see a pattern like that in my head, much less create one. That is exactly how I want a cowl to fit and look.
Do hope you share the pattern; free or not, I'd love it.
I know that you write knitting books, so I will try hard to wait until your next book for the pattern for this even though I'm freezing now (although I have a perfectly good alpaca mobius which I love and wear all the time but I also have a nice skein of cashmere which is so much softer than the alpaca and it would be so pretty knit up like this... it's red.. red cashmere... maybe I'll go get the skein and pet it.) So I'll wait impatiently for your next book... which will have this pattern... right?
And seriously... my friends never give me cashmere... My husband doesn't even give me cashmere, tho he gives me nice knitting things like a swift... you're SO LUCKY :)
Posted by: Mary Peed at January 9, 2009 5:36 PMWow Ms Yarn Harlot I hope you are going to write up the pattern, that is absolutely stunning and sell it of course:)
Posted by: terrol at January 9, 2009 5:38 PMDearest Steph:
Please add my voice to the clamoring hoard begging that you write up the pattern.
Thanks ever so kindly.
xx
Smitten
Lovely, it makes my neck warm just looking at it.
Posted by: Patti at January 9, 2009 5:42 PMFor a non-designer, you design beautifully!
Posted by: Andrea at January 9, 2009 5:43 PMBeautiful! I am so impressed! And, yes, like everyone else, you must share your ideas with your several million (at LEAST) good friends. Pleeze?
Posted by: connie at January 9, 2009 5:44 PMI will add my voice to those asking for the pattern to be published. Please. I don't have cashmere, but I do have some baby alpaca.
Posted by: ayla at January 9, 2009 5:47 PMWhat they all said, plus....
PAT-TERN! PAT-TERN! PAT-TERN!
I am happy to buy the pattern, and would be delighted if the proceeds went to MSF.
Posted by: Lynda Sorenson at January 9, 2009 5:49 PMOh oh oh!!!
Keeling over with cashmere lust here. I LOVE the lace pattern and how its drapy enough without being sloppy and speechless (ok, near speechlessness) with the desire to pet it, or it's cousin.
I bet you'd raise some damn fine money for KSF by selling that chart, dude.
Gorgeous - I'm gonna have to go look for some of that yarn - & in that color which is fantastic. I think that thing about visualizing very specifically what one wants is a common thing. I know I've done it (in fact, your cowl is very similar to something I've thought about) & my 5 year old grandson will go on & on with great detail about exactly what dinosaur related toy he wants- describing details down to color & exact size. I have learned to ask him if he has seen the toy he is describing or if it is something he thought up (after spending hours & hours in Toys R Us & on the internet searching for a toy he described wanting for his BD. I explained that, if something can be knit or sewm, I can probably come up with a reasonable facsimile, but, otherwise, we can only get him something if someone makes it!
Posted by: Donna at January 9, 2009 6:00 PMThat is so lovely! Definitely, cowls for all your friends!
Can I be one?
:)
Posted by: Toni S at January 9, 2009 6:02 PMGorgeous! Nice job!!!
Posted by: Gina at January 9, 2009 6:09 PMHere's one more request for you to make that pattern available to us mere knitting mortals! It is beautiful and would be worth every dollar of a skein of cashmere. Well Done!
Posted by: Marji at January 9, 2009 6:11 PMAbsolutely stunning. I wish the things in my head could translate as well as you've done here. Clearly, you are a *much* better designer than you give yourself credit for!!
Posted by: MonkeyGurl at January 9, 2009 6:11 PMGorgeous! Please tell me that you are going to share the pattern! Because oddly enough the cowl in your head, that came off your needles is just what the cowl in my head looks like, but a bit better. I too have been searching for the perfect cowl and now I found it. I even have the yarn. Handspun, one ply cashmere and one ply tussah silk. And it is just the right amount for your cowl. I think it could be knitting destiny. Oh please share the pattern!
Posted by: Mollie at January 9, 2009 6:12 PMPattern is lovely! Great idea - write it up - charge a fee - do a pdf - zap! Just like that your leak - Mr Washies replacement - or parts of thereof will be paid for - - and - -we will have a lovely pattern! Deal?
Posted by: Sheila at January 9, 2009 6:15 PMBeautiful, and I agree! You must share this pattern!!!
Posted by: Mich at January 9, 2009 6:17 PMCowls for all my friends, too....maybe you should write it up and since sooooo many of us want the pattern, you could make it the knitters w/o borders...and as I scroll up I realize that others have suggested it before me...but you could name it the Borders Cowl...I'm just sayin'.
Either way, you are too clever for words. (well, maybe a few words...like "smarty pants" and "designer" or "enabler"...you choose) :)
Posted by: kate richbourg at January 9, 2009 6:18 PMOoooh that's gorgeous!
Posted by: turtlegirl76 at January 9, 2009 6:19 PMI've been saving a skein of cashmere for just such a project. Please share.
Posted by: Bobbi at January 9, 2009 6:19 PMWhere oh where is the chart?! I must have it!
Posted by: Kristin at January 9, 2009 6:21 PMOh, yes, please, pretty please, pretty-yet-strong design cowl-share.
And you say you're not a designer....
Posted by: Cath at January 9, 2009 6:24 PMI've been looking at cowls patterns. This is one of the nicest I've seen. I better get myself to the pub, just in case.
Posted by: Cathy at January 9, 2009 6:26 PMLooks like cosmic balance for the plumbing festival to me.
Posted by: Karen at January 9, 2009 6:26 PMOR you could make pretty fingerless knitting gloves to match (not that this is practical in -40 weather...) But who cares! Cashmere on hands AND neck!
Posted by: LisaTilson at January 9, 2009 6:28 PMLooks just like sky during an Oregon winter. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Megan D at January 9, 2009 6:28 PMOooohhh... so pretty! Would you be willing to share the pattern? I love the color. I have a skein of cashmere that I don't want to make just anything from.
Good job in designing it... I can't design for the life of me.
Oh...BTW, I'm glad your little water leak was just that -- little and that it did no damage to your house. Someone is smiling down on you. :)
Posted by: MissKnitter at January 9, 2009 6:30 PMStephanie,
I'm not going to be greedy and ask for the pattern, even though I want to. Now on to more important matters, who says you are not a designer? Did you not dream up the pattern from your own pretty little head? Did you not chart it and proceed to knit it? Post the picture? And might I ask how many of us are asking you to write up the pattern so that we can make our hot little knitting fingers happy by knitting this beautiful little bit of knitting scrumptiosness.
Now who is a Knitting Designer, say it out loud after me, I AM A DESIGNER!!!!!! Now I expect to see the pattern the next time I go looking for a cowl pattern on Ravelry or Etsy or What ever your choice is?
Jane From Bellevue, WA
P.S. Sorry, about being so bossy, but sometimes we all need a proverbial kick in the seat of our pants. It really is lovely
Love the cowl!!! Beautiful!
Posted by: Cindy at January 9, 2009 6:32 PMMmmm... yummy! A cowl that doesn't sag and create fibery triple and quadruple chins above a bib. I knew there was a reason I ended up adopting that orphan ball of pale gray KidSilk Night from my LYS.
And I know how you feel. I have the same problem with Christmas shopping - I know what I want, and can never find it. Maybe, some day in the future, womankind will invent a magical device to render into reality all of our fantastic ideas... until then, I'll just depend on lovely creations from talented designers like you, especially if obtaining them involves a contribution to a worthy charity...
(HINT. HINT.)
Posted by: Linda L. in snowy WI at January 9, 2009 6:34 PMPost. The. Pattern. PLEASE??? It's beyond lovely.
Posted by: Kathie Howe at January 9, 2009 6:40 PMSo pretty. So amazing. So want the pattern. Please don't make me beg...
Posted by: Trish at January 9, 2009 6:42 PMIt's beautiful, Stephanie. Isn't it awesome when something we imagine looks the same in real life as it did in our imagination. It looks soft and I'm sure will keep you very warm during this very cold winter, and many winters to come.
Posted by: Marilla at January 9, 2009 6:43 PMStephanie, the cowl is so very beautiful, absolutely lovely and stunning. Count me in line to purchase if you decide to sell the pattern. (I've also been seriously enjoying the page a day calendar and sharing the info with Bobby :^) (Ned Ludd, how about that!)(today's 'stash' helped quite a bit as he stood looking into 'the' closet.)
Posted by: marianne at January 9, 2009 6:52 PMShazzam! Gorgeous, wonderful, and I have envy. Totally awesome.
Posted by: moiraeknittoo at January 9, 2009 6:54 PMgorgeous. absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by: Debbi at January 9, 2009 7:10 PMThats GORGEOUS! And the pattern is available from..? I have the perfect yarn and will be watching this space for a pattern. :)
Posted by: teeweewonders at January 9, 2009 7:12 PMThis is beautiful. It looks so soft I can almost feel it.
Posted by: Becky at January 9, 2009 7:13 PMYes, definitely, it was a pretty thing.
Posted by: Lorry at January 9, 2009 7:17 PMI haven't read the comments yet, but I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only one who says, "You are so a designer!" That is a beautiful cowl, and so soft looking. In the weather we've been getting in the GTA, however, I fear one needs more than a cowl. We need knitted face masks with holes for eyes and mouth, AND a cowl around the neck. And two pairs of mitts, and double socks, and...I fell into a snowbank the other day while walking my dog. I can't wait for spring.
Posted by: marjorie at January 9, 2009 7:18 PMStephanie, it's just beautiful. Congrats. I have been looking to make a cowl myself and combed through the patterns on Ravelry with no satisfaction. Yours looks just right - it hugs close in enough to do the job of keeping you warm and loose enough to be pretty.
PS. The DWB idea sounds a very good one!
Posted by: Helen at January 9, 2009 7:20 PMAlong with the rest of the world, I would LOVE TO HAVE THE PATTERN FOR THE COWL and I'm happy to pay for it.
Posted by: anita at January 9, 2009 7:22 PMWhat they said.
Posted by: twinsetellen at January 9, 2009 7:26 PMIt's lovely! Anne over at Knitspot has a very pretty one, too, if you wish to try another pattern.
Posted by: madeline at January 9, 2009 7:29 PMStephanie, it's stunning. Absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to try mine on... What? You're not knitting one for me? Oh. Ok. I misunderstood. ;) Gorgeous, though. Did I say that yet?
Posted by: pattiblaine at January 9, 2009 7:29 PMThat exact same cowl has been floating around in my head for months now (except mine is in a more deeper chocolate brown colour). I've been obsessing over cowls, and seeing yours makes me obsess even more.
Posted by: Kelly at January 9, 2009 7:32 PMTruly a thing of beauty..I'd buy, donate or give my firstborn..for the pattern..it looks beautiful on you also~
Posted by: Dianne at January 9, 2009 7:38 PMWow. I gasped in amazement when I saw the 3rd photo. Beautiful.
Posted by: KT at January 9, 2009 7:43 PMOh, that is so Beautiful!!!!!!! Although I'm visualizing it as a scarf. Please, please, please think about making the pattern public. If you sell it, you'll make some money for the truck repair ....
God, that's gorgeous. Must make.
Posted by: Janet2 at January 9, 2009 7:43 PMOhhh, pretty, pretty, pretty...mmmmmmmmmm, me love! You're a genius, that's what! Enjoy wearing that lovely, warm goodness around your neck!
Posted by: Susan at January 9, 2009 7:46 PMI know this has become redundant. But are you seriously going to tease us with the finished product and then not follow through with a pattern??
Posted by: Felicia at January 9, 2009 7:47 PMPint sized lace? Pattern please.
Posted by: Diana at January 9, 2009 7:51 PMDear Stephanie,
For my last birthday my sister sent me a 25 gram skein of Qiviuq from the Yukon, which I have been hoarding & fondling until just the right pattern came along.
If you won't publish the pattern for your local fans, please - I beg you - think of the Qiviq!!
Jan
Posted by: Jan at January 9, 2009 7:53 PMPlease, pretty pqttern, please!!!
Posted by: lanajoh at January 9, 2009 8:13 PMThis may be just the thing for that ball of quiviut I brought back from Alaska. I would love to get my hands on the pattern, or are you just teasing us? Really, your cowl is absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Nancy at January 9, 2009 8:19 PMthats gorgeous!! please, pretty please, with maple sugar on top.
like it or not, you are now a designer. Pattern, please!
Posted by: jan at January 9, 2009 8:26 PMI am *not* requesting the cowl pattern as I am not a lover of cowls - I live in Los Angeles - But I would like to know what you are doing with the leftovers. Such a wee amount of love to have sitting there.
Posted by: Darci at January 9, 2009 8:27 PMOh. See, now that is what I've been trying to decide about making for weeks. I can see that in the skein of alpaca that's been sitting in a silver bowl near the computer for a couple months now.
All of this is to say... will you please share the pattern? Paid, even?
That gorgeous cowl is amazing! I'm so jealous. You are an absolute genius, coming up with such a beautiful pattern that suits that yarn to a tee. Enjoy it! I wouldn't object if you wanted to share the pattern either. ;-)
Posted by: Kat at January 9, 2009 8:28 PMStephanie, sweetie, that lovely cowl didn't just design itself. You designed it. One who designs is a designer. You've designed many beautiful things. So what are you talking about, saying you're not a designer? Yeah you are! Are too! Are!
Posted by: Riin at January 9, 2009 8:29 PMA LOVELY cowl! Light and snuggly looking too! I too would love to have access to the pattern! I've got stash that is perfect for this - and I'm snowed in for the weekend!
Posted by: Ellen at January 9, 2009 8:44 PMPlease post pattern - I'm in a serious knitting rut - and have a lot of angora that would make that pretty cowl, as well.
Pretty please with sugar on top? Hmmmmmm?
Posted by: Jenn at January 9, 2009 8:50 PMAdd my name to the long list of folks who think your cowl is fabulous. Bravo! ~ksp
Posted by: Kelli at January 9, 2009 8:58 PMOh, Steph - it is beautiful. I certainly hope you will share your pattern sometime, or publish it in your next book!
Posted by: Sue A at January 9, 2009 8:59 PMVery very nice!! Good job.
Posted by: Donna S. at January 9, 2009 9:02 PMOkay, you've got 285+ comments, almost all of whom beg for the pattern. You'd be insane not to write it up and sell it on Ravelry or Etsy. Here's one big vote for sanity!
Posted by: twinsetjan at January 9, 2009 9:04 PMIt's beautiful!
But you do realise that everyone is going to hound you for the pattern :-)
Super cool! That cowl is beautiful. And in a weird way less than 6 degrees of separation thing... I've actually been to that farm, and spent a day combing goats for fun! Except it was a chilly day, so it wasn't actually soooo much fun...
Posted by: Tasha at January 9, 2009 9:11 PMOMG. It is just beautiful. I too join the throng wanting the pattern.
Posted by: Sue at January 9, 2009 9:17 PMBefore I comment on your beautiful cowl, I would like to let you know that Alison Hyde is very ill...please stop by her blog and see.
The cowl is stunningly beautiful. I love how BOTH edges do that scallop thing. Will you share the pattern?
Posted by: karin at January 9, 2009 9:17 PMI love the way lace looks like ass until you block it.
Posted by: marie in NJ at January 9, 2009 9:18 PMabsolutely lovely. and being made out of that magic fiber known as mmmm cashmere, i can only imagine how soft and delicious it is to wear.
Posted by: Tracey at January 9, 2009 9:23 PMMay I add my name to the list of people calling for the pattern. (You might think of giving the pattern to Lettuce Knit and let them make some cash off of selling kits! I'd buy one!)
I was surprised that you bought a front-loader. They do get clothes cleaner, and they are more efficient and they do use less water, but they don't felt well. Myfanwe feels a little bad about our front loader now, though. Ours doesn't play a song. It buzzes at us. It's like an angry boarder.
Anyway. Glad to see to see you are happy with Mr. Splashy and that you are no longer in danger of poo landing in your kitchen.
Posted by: aidan at January 9, 2009 9:23 PMExplique por favor cómo usted hizo eso!!
I'm asking what everyone else is so I thought I'd have fun and ask in Spanish lol
It really is beautiful! I'd splurge on my first cashmere just to knit that!!
Posted by: Kristin at January 9, 2009 9:30 PMCheck you out! That's a gorgeous cowl. Good job! :)
Posted by: vismajor/amysquared at January 9, 2009 9:37 PMSo so lovely!
Posted by: Jennifer at January 9, 2009 9:44 PMYour cowl is absolutely gorgeous!!!! I'd love to buy the pattern for it if you decide to write it up!!!
Posted by: Knitter Kitter at January 9, 2009 9:49 PMWhat a beauty!!! Please, please may we have the pattern?
Posted by: Damiane Lucas at January 9, 2009 9:49 PMI can just imagine how wonderful that feels against your neck. It looks so soft and warm and absolutely yummy. I don't know many knitters that would part with a skein of cashmere, even for their best friend. You're a lucky gal.
Posted by: Steph at January 9, 2009 9:51 PMWe have the same cowl pattern in our heads! I've been searching for a cowl pattern for sometime. Are you going to post the pattern? pretty please, with sugar on top?
Posted by: Sarah L at January 9, 2009 10:01 PMBeautiful. Just Beautiful. This is what life is about. So nice to have a good override all that 'bad' Happiness to you!
Posted by: Marilyn at January 9, 2009 10:12 PMNeed $$ for Knitters without Borders? Offer the pattern! PayPal, here I come! Por favor........ pweeze, please? (asking nicely may get it on this blog by tomorrow?)
ty ty,
Posted by: Barbara @ the Jersey Shore at January 9, 2009 10:26 PMMan, I sure wish I was one of your friends! The cowl is lovely. :) Very well done!
Posted by: Andrea (noricum) at January 9, 2009 10:41 PMyou are a wonder. love love love.
Posted by: Evelyn at January 9, 2009 10:42 PMYour cowl is stunning and I too would gladly donate to Knitters without Borders for a copy of the pattern. I have some beautiful green cashmere that I have been saving for just this sort of thing. I am so glad that your cowl design came out just as you wanted it to!
Posted by: Lori Hellstrom at January 9, 2009 10:50 PMBreathlessly beautiful. Please make the pattern available. I would pay, maybe another fundraiser for DWB/MSF? I am cowl and cashmere obsessed.
Julibeth
Rhinebeck,NY
Just lovely! You're so clever - makes me want to cast on for my cowl right away (and mine won't be nearly as gorgeous as yours...).
Posted by: scotty at January 9, 2009 11:05 PMSo, the pattern will be available on Ravelry, right?
Posted by: bipolarbear at January 9, 2009 11:09 PMCongrats!! Confluence between what's in my noggin and what comes off the needles is rare for me too (even though I AM a designer, and psst, so are you!). It happened for me recently with Catch:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/skrillaknits/catch
Good omens for '09, methinks...
Posted by: Cirilia at January 9, 2009 11:25 PMNow.. this is where you spread the joy to all of us devoted readers... right?
Posted by: Myriel at January 9, 2009 11:48 PMStunning. That is all.
Posted by: dana at January 9, 2009 11:50 PMYour family needs income.
The knitters of the world need this pattern.
Think: how could these two needs be met?
You could sell this pattern for some modest sum.
Do your part for the global economy, Stephanie!
That is the most beautiful thing I've seen in a fair while...please share the pattern. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease? I think the fundraiser for MSF is a great idea. :-)
Posted by: yarnpiggy at January 9, 2009 11:59 PMHah! I'll make you a trade. I have a handmade Yarn Harlot pottery pin from one of the north Idaho holiday craft bazaars. I will send it to you in exchange for a copy of the cowl pattern! In our present-day economy, barter is about all I can afford to do. (Good thing that I built up my stash in the days when my cash flow was better!)
Posted by: IdahoWoman at January 10, 2009 12:31 AMYes, yes! It's all those things and more! Will there be a pattern to share? I just happen to have some cashmere sitting around......
Posted by: Candi at January 10, 2009 12:36 AMHow beautiful! It looks just like something my mom would love, and I have leftover cashmere from lining her selbuvotter. Please please please post the chart on Ravelry!
Posted by: Dawn at January 10, 2009 12:43 AMThat is gorgeous! And so much more convenient than a scarf, with those ends that must be constantly dealt with. I just have to add my voice to the chorus begging for a pattern.
keep on purlin', and yarn-overin' :-)
Posted by: pamela at January 10, 2009 1:17 AMThat is gorgeous! And so much more convenient than a scarf, with those ends that must be constantly dealt with. I just have to add my voice to the chorus begging for a pattern. Pretty pretty please, for the pretty pretty thing?
keep on purlin', and yarn-overin' :-)
Posted by: pamela at January 10, 2009 1:17 AMOK, how many "pretty-please"s is it going to take to convince you that you need to share your pattern for the Pretty Thing? I can send you a few, and I am pretty sure that I can find more for you... ;)
Posted by: Cynthia A at January 10, 2009 1:26 AMI haven't been able to find "my" cowl either. A 20g cowl! I'll buy the pattern if you put it up on Rav Ü
Posted by: Tam at January 10, 2009 1:46 AMOh, such loveliness. You've made a beautiful, gorgeous bit of heaven to wear. It's so lovely and fits you very well.
Posted by: yvette at January 10, 2009 1:53 AMI will join the chorus...pattern please! I'd happily donate to your kitchen fund AND Doctors Without Borders for that pattern. It's a win win win situation!
Posted by: Peglett at January 10, 2009 2:08 AMSteph, that cowl is a work of art. I only hope that you will post the pattern either on Ravelry or your blog, so that we can attempt to knit it as well.
And I join the chorus and would happily donate to KWB or your kitchen fund for it!!!!
What a wonderful way to start 2009, such a lovely little thing from a gorgeous Christmas present (and yes, I envy you a friend like that!)
Posted by: Bettina at January 10, 2009 2:16 AMOoooh! You're cowl is so lovely! I hope you're going to share the pattern. I would be happy to buy it and donate to the Pipe/Kitchen fund, MSF or whatever. That is so neat. It would definitely be a great pattern to have for next Christmas. I'd be able to give myself the gift of knitting with all that cashmere, and my friends and family would get the cowls as presents. Now that is definitely what I would call a win/win situation!
Posted by: Dyepotgirl at January 10, 2009 3:54 AMHappy new year! That cowl has produced my first comment of 2009, I think. It is very beautiful and you are very talented(and you have a lovely friend). Would you like to share the love by passing on the pattern? And then we could share the love with MSF?
Posted by: Alison at January 10, 2009 5:26 AMMooooiiii, which means whow, gorgeous. Who would have thought that narrow doorways, partly deconstructioning your kitchen and the farewell to Mister Washie would clear up your mind to create this beauty. Congratulations, at least one silver lining to those clouds.
Posted by: m.annema-luinge at January 10, 2009 5:41 AMMooooiiii, which means whow, gorgeous. Who would have thought that narrow doorways, partly deconstructioning your kitchen and the farewell to Mister Washie would clear up your mind to create this beauty. Congratulations, at least one silver lining to those clous.
Posted by: m.annema-luinge at January 10, 2009 5:42 AMMost excellent. does it have a closure?
Posted by: stashmuffin at January 10, 2009 6:25 AMWell now I have an idea. How about offering your cowl pattern for a contribution to your Knitters Without Borders fundraiser? Sounds like a win-win to me.
Posted by: Carol at January 10, 2009 6:47 AMVery pretty!!
Posted by: Fiona at January 10, 2009 7:29 AMWell, let me join the chorus! Indeed, you *are* a designer - of beautiful blog entries, of written essays and books, of patterns, of inspiration to other knitters, of proactive involvement in worldly affairs (KSF), of hope! A truly beautiful piece of art/craft. I went immediately to knit visualizer (taking your hint, I think, that we can learn to do this for ourselves too) and then to the farm page for the yarn source. I love the way you connect us to local farms (and shops). Thank you!
(And, certainly, we'd surpass the new KSF goal easily if the pattern were an (extra) inducement - much like the socks you showed us this summer with the pattern for sale in support of a entrant for the Princess Margaret walkathon for breast cancer research - I did go buy that pattern, then got a bit overwhelmed by the pattern so its in stash for now).
Beautiful cowl! With the rest you could also try to make a pair matching fingerless mittens. And you'd likely still have enough left for another cowl.
Posted by: Nadja at January 10, 2009 7:41 AMlove it. love anything that justifies the purchase of cashmere, and this may be the best i've seen.
Posted by: kv at January 10, 2009 7:44 AMI have cashmere yarn from black sheep last year, and I have been either too afraid to use it or nothing has been "pretty enough" to use it on... but it's about the same weight/yardage as yours, and thus I think a pretty cowl may indeed be what this fuzzy white yarn wants to be all grown up. Please share!
Posted by: kelly at January 10, 2009 8:05 AMThis is soooo lovely. I second the motion that this pattern should be shared with the rest of the knitting world. And as for "that designer thing" - well, English isn't my first language, so I may be on the wrong track here, but if thinking up something and making it come out exactly as you intended isn't designing, then what is?
Posted by: Private Jane at January 10, 2009 8:20 AMWow ... just wow.
On the prettiness of the cowl and the whole 3 from a 2 ounce skein.
Wow.
Pattern?
Posted by: carola at January 10, 2009 8:21 AMPretty enough to bring me out of lurkdom, and the perfect use for a yarn so soft it simply must be in skin contact. Lovely, lovely.
Posted by: Daryl at January 10, 2009 8:38 AMThat's really beautiful, Steph! I know what you mean about the pattern in your head not being what comes off the needles... Kudos on this one!!
Posted by: knitwhitties at January 10, 2009 8:52 AMPlease, please, please share the pattern. I think the idea of more donations to Doctors Without Borders is an excellent idea!
Posted by: thecrazysheeplady at January 10, 2009 8:58 AMI gotta have one! When are you releasing the pattern? Hurry, hurry, hurry, before I go insane. :D
Posted by: Nina at January 10, 2009 9:03 AMAnother voice added to the chorus of: "Please share this wonderful pattern so that we can all make cowls and sing your praises." Donations to DWB as compensation is a lovely idea that I, too, would support.
Posted by: Mary at January 10, 2009 9:14 AMwow. this is beyond lovely. i would purchase a pattern if you were so inclined to share it with the rest of us. great work!
Jen
Posted by: Jen at January 10, 2009 9:22 AMIt's lovely and perfect. Are you going to write up the pattern? You know, in your spare time.
Posted by: Sara at January 10, 2009 9:22 AMI love it!
You have to share now! ;)
It's soooooooo wonderful!
Posted by: SwedishRose at January 10, 2009 9:25 AMWhoa! It's beautiful! I didn't want to pile on, with all the comments, but the "cowls for all my friends" line cracked me up too much to leave alone!
Posted by: madmad at January 10, 2009 9:26 AMPick me...pick me- I'm your friend and I want one!!!
It will make up for the fact that the scarf I was designing for myself (yes myself) over Christmas, in almost the same colour as your cowl, is not working out the way I wanted it to...and I'm supposed to be a designer ;-)
BTW so glad that you don't have any structural damage- I was sending you good vibes to that end.
Posted by: fiona ellis at January 10, 2009 9:29 AMStill hoping pattern will appear in today's blog. Storm coming to the NE of US, have yarn (not cashmere..... yet), needles, hmm........ sounds like a winning combination to me! Lets see, at even $5 per pattern, with 300+ of us begging, pleading for the pattern..... it should cover at least part of the soil pipe and the new Sir Washie, right? Think of it....... you provide pattern, we give $$. Sounds like we'd be contributing to the GLOBAL economy, right? Pleaseeeeee.........hurry! :)
Posted by: Barbara @ the Jersey Shore at January 10, 2009 9:35 AMOhhh, how pretty! And it takes that little cashmere? Wow!
Posted by: Cathryn at January 10, 2009 9:42 AMThat is the best cowl I have ever seen. It is feminine without being prissy.
I would definitely pay $5 for said pattern, as another blogger suggested.
Please write this up! I have wanted to do a cowl for awhile and haven't found the perfect one...you seem to have done it! Why not sell it to help fun the new stack???
Posted by: Gina at January 10, 2009 9:54 AMCan we say Twist Collective on your blog? I'd love buy the pattern. It's gorgeous in a cool, subtle way.
Posted by: judy at January 10, 2009 10:02 AMBeautiful!
Posted by: CatSamalea at January 10, 2009 10:08 AMPerhaps the pattern could be made available as an incentive for donating to Doctors Without Borders. Not with a set amount, but rather with a "suggested" donation or just whatever people are able to give.
Posted by: Heide at January 10, 2009 10:08 AMA thing of extreme beauty! Way beyond my talent level but if that pattern came up online I would really try, and you would be responsible for taking my knitting ability up a few notches!
Posted by: Jenny near London at January 10, 2009 10:15 AMThat is irresistible.
Posted by: Van at January 10, 2009 10:16 AMOn the off chance that you read all your comments, have you thought about selling your pattern as a download? I would love to buy it and make one too.
Enjoy your blog!
Joanna
Posted by: Joanna at January 10, 2009 10:17 AMOh yes you are a designer. You designed it... what does that make you, hmmm? :)
Posted by: eightoclock at January 10, 2009 10:24 AMAbsolutely beautiful! And what a good friend. =)
Yet another commenter hoping you'll share the pattern. ;)
Posted by: ashpags at January 10, 2009 10:27 AMAbsolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Deb in Atlanta at January 10, 2009 10:40 AMlove love love it. I could start my Christmas knitting now - if I had the pattern. Please.
SO - have all these people put their money where their mouth is.
Make the pattern for SALE, with the proceeds given to MSF. That's about 350 donations of $10 each in my book.
Lovely!! I love how the yarn and the cowl came together. Maybe I'll listen next time some cashmere throws itself off the shelf at me.
Posted by: Janis at January 10, 2009 10:47 AMThis is beautiful - I would be very happy to pay for a pattern/make a donation to MSF if you were able to make your lovely pattern available. I can't imagine how people come up with designs like this!
Posted by: SJ at January 10, 2009 10:55 AMI have a skein of Quivet just waiting for this pattern, will you share with us soon? It is just lovely.
Posted by: joan at January 10, 2009 10:56 AMAbsolutely gorgeous! Like everyone else, I'm waiting anxiously for the pattern....
Posted by: Katy at January 10, 2009 11:01 AMPretty?? Nay.......SIMPLY GORGEOUS!!! You cannot say you are not a designer any more. This is the most beautiful, most luscious one I've seen! Wear it in good health...
Posted by: Ruth in NJ at January 10, 2009 11:04 AMWow, Stephanie, that is gorgeous. I've been thinking about trying a cowl, and yours is beautiful. I also haven't tackled lace yet; if you publish that pattern somewheres, I may have to give it a try. And the yarn is loverly, too.
Posted by: wooddragon at January 10, 2009 11:20 AMNot a designer? I beg to differ. It's beautiful.
Posted by: Cindy C in Tennessee at January 10, 2009 11:36 AMoh please share...it's exactly what I need in the frozen wastes of the UK.
Posted by: jan johnson at January 10, 2009 11:38 AMAdd me to the begging list. That pattern is absolutely gorgeous - I'd even pay $ for it. (not too many tho' cuz I'll be spending $$ on the cashmere :OD )
It is beautiful. I can already see it added to my gift list for next year. Can't wait to see the pattern.
Posted by: BearyAnn at January 10, 2009 11:43 AMSteph, that is flat-out lovely. If you draft out the pattern (you did, didn't you? You could sell it ... I would be proud to carry it in my shop.
Posted by: dez at January 10, 2009 11:46 AMI agree: please, please share. I have some very similar yarn and I'm ready to go!
Posted by: Amie in NJ at January 10, 2009 11:52 AMOK Harlot - give us the pattern NOW!!!
Posted by: Susan at January 10, 2009 12:00 PMChorus, throng, horde--whatever we call ourselves, at some point we will reach a tipping point, and you will be forced, by our sheer weight, to publish your pattern. Might I suggest sooner than later? By this point, sales could generate a whole community of houses with adequate soil pipes or a total end to medical need in the emerging world!
Posted by: The Simpleton at January 10, 2009 12:12 PMbrilliant design, classic. it reminds me of stained glass windows and chain mail (but of course softer) and the inside of sea shells. what a fine designing brain you have :)
Posted by: cecelia at January 10, 2009 12:19 PM*gasp of delight* You must, you must, you *must* publish the pattern! It's so loverly!
Posted by: MissRach at January 10, 2009 12:24 PMOh my. I'm in lust. Total, knee-weak, drooling lust.
I do hope you consider sharing the pattern with us...there's this yarn, see, at my local fiber pusher, and I've been dying for an excuse to buy it, since it's like $50 (US) for a skein.....
*BEG* *BEG* *BEG*
You simply MUST share your pattern. I HAVE to have that cowl!
Lovely!
Great job on the design!
My birthday is the 24th. . . just saying. Well, then, would you consider sharing the pattern?
Posted by: Yvonne at January 10, 2009 12:29 PMLet me be the 400th reader to say: please give us the pattern.
Posted by: Gretchen at January 10, 2009 12:34 PMOoh, that is so lovely wrapped around your neck. Beautiful!
Posted by: Tina at January 10, 2009 12:42 PMOh, I really do hope you will share!
Posted by: melissab. at January 10, 2009 1:11 PMThis is lovely! Of course, like the rest of the knitting universe, I'd love for you to share your pattern... but if that's not going to happen, would you please share the pattern stitch(es) you used... and then maybe I could try to put them together in a similar fasion... (you could save me a lot of time by sharing the pattern, you know!)
It is fabulous! What fun to have your mental image translate perfectly into the finished product!
Posted by: joy at January 10, 2009 1:16 PMLovely! It is the perfect choice. The way it lays against your shoulder is wonderful and so flattering. I'd be happy to pay for a download!
Posted by: NewJerseyLaura at January 10, 2009 1:39 PMSo beautiful, it looks completely elegant, not at all princess like.
OK I am a slow knitter, have two birthdays of friends coming up....one more plea for the pattern on Ravelry.
I'd like to add my name to the petition list of people begging you to sell this pattern to raise funds for KWB!
Posted by: Heatherrific at January 10, 2009 1:56 PMOh, Stephanie It's beautiful!
Posted by: vicky from Virginia at January 10, 2009 1:56 PMI for one would love the Harlot Without Borders Cowl pattern. I'm a little confused, though, because I can't find the $5 donation button that links me to the pattern. A mere server problem, I'm sure. I assume you'll have it fixed by next week.
:)
Posted by: Meg at January 10, 2009 2:01 PMIt is beautiful. I am highly impressed.
Posted by: Robin at January 10, 2009 2:34 PMthis is truly beautiful. As good as it gets. I'm totally sold. Publish, please. x
Posted by: georgie at January 10, 2009 2:46 PMLOVE the cowl and I second the motion for donation to doctors without borders!
Posted by: Donna at January 10, 2009 2:55 PMIt's gorgeous! Genius does strike each of us every now and then. =)
Posted by: Margit at January 10, 2009 2:59 PMPLEASE tell me you're going to put the chart out there for us. Pretty please?
Posted by: Melanie at January 10, 2009 3:20 PMVery nice!
Posted by: Nadia Lewis at January 10, 2009 3:26 PMVery pretty scarcely covers it - beautiful. And I 400th (ish) the plea to publish the pattern as a TSF fundraiser
Posted by: Carie at January 10, 2009 3:29 PMVery pretty design,even though you're not a "designer". Perhaps you will put up the pattern for sale as KWB fundraiser? It will sell like crazy, that's for sure.
Posted by: Wanda at January 10, 2009 3:33 PMit is just BEAUTIFUL! You're right... it's just feminine enough, without being over the top. I'm very hopeful that you'll make the pattern available :)
Posted by: Natalie B at January 10, 2009 3:35 PMOh My!
I've made several cowls, but this one has me drooling.
Oh please share/sell this pattern. I have been wanting to make a cowl just like this but I don't have the patience to chart something out. I lurve this though!!!
Posted by: Cheri at January 10, 2009 4:04 PMI have no cashmere--but I can get some! Please...
Posted by: Terri Cox at January 10, 2009 4:06 PMIts so pretty.
Will you make me one with the leftovers or just give us the pattern?
Pretty please with a cherry on top??
Totally, completely, and utterly enchanting. Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: Roralee at January 10, 2009 4:39 PMIt's beautiful!
Posted by: martha in california at January 10, 2009 4:42 PMSo when are you giving us the pattern, huh?
Posted by: Sarah at January 10, 2009 5:09 PMBeautiful! Add me to the list of knitters willing to donate for the pattern.
Posted by: Louise at January 10, 2009 5:15 PMCowls for all your friends?
Sell us the pattern and we'll make them ourselves! I'm just saying!
Posted by: greenbaymichk at January 10, 2009 5:34 PMFantastically gorgeous. Loves it, i do. =)
Posted by: meg at January 10, 2009 5:56 PMThat cowl is gorgeous. I have the perfect yarn in my stash to make it, too. I think you're selling your designer capabilities short. Just because you aren't a prolific designer doesn't NOT make you a designer. Think of all the wonderful one-hit wonder songs out there...just because the band made it big with only one hit, does that make them any less musicians? I don't believe it does. And you've designed more than one hit in your career. Please think about publishing this pattern and charging for it...at $5 each, with your readership, you could probably pay off your recent renovations, or your new washer and dryer and have a chunk of change to donate to KWB. Just sayin'. I know I'd buy one. :)
Posted by: Lisa at January 10, 2009 6:01 PMThat is soooo pretty, please please consider writing it up - would be very happy to make a donation for it (KWB fund raiser ??)
Posted by: Judy at January 10, 2009 6:01 PMMany women and some men are taught to not give themselves credit for what we know and what we do, and then few others give us credit for our brains and work, either (except for holidays that are promoted by greeting card companies).
Knitters knit. Writers write. Designers design. If you need others to dub you a designer, it's been done here, but it may feel even better to cop to it for yourself.
And I will be brat enough to say that your generosity and creativity are remarkable; you owe nothing to anyone. Whether you publish the pattern or not, you constantly encourage readers to value their abilities and creativity, which can not be weighed on the same monetary scale as washing machines.
Your cowl is awe-inspiring.
Posted by: Anne O'Nymous at January 10, 2009 6:04 PMLovely, lovely, lovely!
And yes, I want the pattern too.
Posted by: Melissa at January 10, 2009 6:17 PMIt's gorgeous! One of the loveliest cowls I've seen so far.
Posted by: Monika at January 10, 2009 6:40 PMAnd you are sharing this pattern with us when????
Posted by: knittingnurse at January 10, 2009 6:59 PMThe sock pattern book is here: http://ourtownusa.net/yarnyard/kroy.htm
Lots of yarns listed, then books. I looked it up because I need to make those socks!!!
AND the cowl!
You could pay for the new washer and dryer and the other household repairs in just a few minutes, it seems...and give the excess to Doctors Without Borders! Just one question...not being totally familiar with cowls, I thought they were joined in a round...is it really just a tiny scarf? And how does it stay on?
Posted by: Debby at January 10, 2009 7:12 PMBeautiful. Just beautiful.
Posted by: Judy G. at January 10, 2009 7:47 PMPattern, pretty please!
Posted by: Barbara at January 10, 2009 8:03 PMI'll add my voice to the clamor for the pattern because I have the exact same problem you had: beautiful yarn (quiviut) that I wanted to knit into a cowl, but couldn't find the pattern I could see in my head. Now I've seen it!
Posted by: Gail at January 10, 2009 8:11 PMNot a designer??!!! Girl, you are deluding yourself. Your "designs"--cowl, baby sweaters, etc.--are more than professional level. We are not worthy! Love the cowl. Enjoy it.
Posted by: E. engman at January 10, 2009 8:13 PMSadly, I have looked up every URL listed here for "Classics in Kroy" and they are ALL sold out. I even wrote Patons and asked them to reprint it. The power of the Harlot!
And that cowl is unbelievably beautiful.
Posted by: geniaknitz at January 10, 2009 8:21 PMI have some Jade Sapphire souvenir yarn that needs to be that cowl!
Posted by: LeighB in ATL at January 10, 2009 8:25 PMOh, and may I add - several people suggested as many as 300 or 350 people might buy the pattern if you publish.
Not so! Double that, triple it, quadruple it!
You are the woman who can sell out the world's entire run of any yarn or pattern you mention! Within hours.
Pretty, pretty please with whipped cream and sprinkles on top?
Posted by: geniaknitz at January 10, 2009 8:31 PMIts after 9pm on Saturday evening. Knowing Harlot doesn't usually post after 9pm, I must give a ':(' at this time. Steph, pls don't disappoint your knitting buddies. I have needles and yarn ready, but no pattern. Hurry pls.........
Posted by: Barbara @ the Jersey Shore at January 10, 2009 9:07 PMAs so many have asked already-Please, please, please pattern. Gotta run and see what the noise from the cat doings is.
Posted by: Ann at January 10, 2009 9:38 PMYour cowl is so beautiful. I would love to make it for my friends. Charge us for the pattern and we could all help you pay for the all the expenses you have had to endure.
Posted by: Julie at January 10, 2009 9:52 PMBeautiful-now cough up the pattern we all want to make one-or do you just want us to keep begging? How can I get any knitting done if I have to keep reading the comments? Thanks for sharing the photo and the delightful vignette....
Posted by: Genevieve at January 10, 2009 10:16 PMLovely! Frankly, it's perfect. Can I have one too?
Posted by: sandy at January 10, 2009 10:31 PMPlease, Stephanie, post the pattern? Please?
Posted by: Diana in Ottawa at January 10, 2009 10:56 PMi have been wanting to knit my first cowl. no pattern i peruse on ravelry comes close to this. i thought by now i would see a link to the pattern. but since i dont, please please i BEG of you to make it available. and let us know, when , where, how, we can get it..BEAUUUUTIFUL...
Posted by: shelly at January 10, 2009 10:59 PMComment number 5,466,211 says:
I would love to purchase this as a pattern, and I think that 50% should go to Medecins Sans Frontieres and then 50% should go to all the craziness in the McPhee household these past few months.
We beg. Please share the pattern and help with the economic downturn!
Posted by: Kristina at January 10, 2009 10:59 PMthe knit visualizer; how much did you pay it to make the pattern for you? no really what did you do? envision your stitches and put it in a visualizer? how does this knit visualizer work?
Posted by: shelly at January 10, 2009 11:05 PMI might be in love! I will join the others with my plea for the pattern!!!
Posted by: Summer at January 10, 2009 11:41 PMOh my. Beautiful.
I too will toss in my "please".
My mother is not someone I regularly knit for, it's not usually worth the effort for her pickiness... but this, this she would LOVE and I already know and have the perfect yarn for it!
Please, please, please?
Has anyone asked yet if you'll be sharing this pretty thing? (looks at 400+ comments) Oh, maybe they have. I'll donate to the "keep the house from crumbling around you" fund. Or the KWOB fund. Or any fund.
You're so right about searching high and low for the pattern that lives in your mind. It happens to me. And I generally assume that if it lives in my mind it must have visited someone else's mind before me. It's a happy thing to find out the first person wrote it down (well).
Posted by: Laura at January 11, 2009 12:38 AMPS That person is often Barbara Walker, thank Heaven.
Posted by: Laura at January 11, 2009 12:39 AMThat is so absolutely beautiful that I can't even express it. Elegant and beautiful and so soft I can feel it from here. Well done and enjoy.
Posted by: Dianna at January 11, 2009 12:50 AMI'd like to join the chorus of "please may we knit that"'s. Yes, yes, please. What a wonderful piece of work!
Posted by: Melanie at January 11, 2009 1:23 AMI have some Buffalo yarn from Rhinbeck that's been in my Stash. Please make the pattern available.
Posted by: jackie at January 11, 2009 2:33 AMIt's gorgeous. Please share your pattern (even for sale!) with us.... we all promise to say "Thanks, it's by Stephanie" when we get the compliments. :)
Posted by: deborah at January 11, 2009 2:43 AMYour cowl is gorgeous! As someone who's recently been hooked on cowls, I would love to have you share the pattern with us. Thanks!
Posted by: Katie at January 11, 2009 3:04 AMI smell some math coming on. If the 400 people who just asked for this pattern each paid you $5 for it... that's $2,000. That's a good way toward paying for the plumbing and appliance-related emergencies, no?
You're already a designer, and I think this is a good time to go pro.
Posted by: Marina Stern at January 11, 2009 3:06 AMI'd certainly be willing to buy the pattern as a fundraiser for MSF... let's do it!
Posted by: Chrissy at January 11, 2009 4:40 AMBELLO!..Just BEAUTIFUL! You're a humble DESIGNER! Maybe you will have it in your heart to write up the pattern for all of us to knit while watching the snow storm here in the Northeast! How truly peaceful and relaxing that would be! Wishing you Joy in this New Year and much gratitude for all your inspirations! Gracias, Bruny.
Posted by: Bruny at January 11, 2009 6:52 AMI went to the Roving Winds Farm website to satisfy my desire to be a shepherdess. Sounds like a wonderful operation full of hard work, with much thought put into the selection of breeds.
Please do share the pattern, I did buy 2 oz of qiviut to spin.
Thanks, Kelli
Posted by: Kelli at January 11, 2009 7:22 AMStephanie, please make the pattern available. I too would be very happy to either donate to Medecins sans frontieres for it or pay for the pattern so that the McPhee bills are not too onerous.
I have never seen a lovlier pattern and it would make wonderful Christmas knitting for this year (my mom would love it).
Posted by: Bettina at January 11, 2009 7:49 AMoh! just lovely. I hope you will make the pattern available - and I heartily endorse the idea of a fee to support Knitters without Borders.
can't wait to knit this one - I have a skein of quivet that was given to me as a Christmas present - and have been cuddling it and wondering what it wants to be in the end - and I think this is it!
waiting anxiously
Lea
Posted by: Lea at January 11, 2009 7:57 AMHrmmmm. Over 400 comments on this posting about who will buy the pattern for your beautiful imaginings. I'm broke, but I'd buy the pattern too. Yep, you could make a killing.
So...you've had 3 whole days....where's the pattern!?! *I keed, I keed*
I can wait until Monday...... ;-)
That is really pretty! Good work. You might not be a designer but you surely know how to design beautiful things - I haven't forgotten those gorgeous baby jackets either:-)
Posted by: A-L at January 11, 2009 8:55 AMMe too, please.
Posted by: Jeri at January 11, 2009 9:14 AMMe too, Me too. It's Beautiful. Going to go thru the stash now looking for just the perfect yarn so when you get the pattern up I am ready to go. I would like mine a little bigger and droopier so it hangs farther down in the front.
Posted by: ~Ahrisha~ at January 11, 2009 9:54 AMMany, many people would be willing to pay for this pattern. And if you don't need the money (say, for home repair) you could always give it to KWB/TSF. Just sayin'. We would love to know how to create such beauty under whatever circumstances you see fit. (PleezePleezePleeze)
Posted by: paulanancy at January 11, 2009 10:46 AMPLEASE might you share the pattern!:) Pay or free I don't care, I just want it. Cowls are good for the weather we have here, yet they are all too big for me, frumpy, too girly or just downright ugly. I love the color of yarn and this pattern. It's what I'VE seen in MY head!:)
Posted by: Julie Swaim at January 11, 2009 10:46 AMIt is truly spectacular...it is snowy and beautiful in Maine right now. Cashmere is the preferred way to travel. It is light, so so soft, and warm.
No I do not sell cashmere, but I have friends that have a cashmere farm...perhaps you should contact them with your pattern.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Bonnie
Oh yes, please, the pattern! Even in my finicial woes I think I could find something to aquire this lovely thing. and I have the qiviut yarn my dear daughter brought me from Alaska. Perfect for it!! Please????
Posted by: Snargle Mom at January 11, 2009 11:53 AMThat is beautiful. Makes me wish I was one of your friends ;)
Posted by: Kim at January 11, 2009 12:00 PMI don't know if you reply to these things or not, but I'm gonna try anyway.
I too have naturally curly hair. And a big head. Add the two & you have, well hat, headband & cowl issues.
My question (I assume of course that you have a big noggin') how big do you need to make a cowl so that it passes over your head, without demolishing your hair and still sits nicely on your neck? As demonstrated in above pictures. Having to pin a 1 piece cowl sort of defeats the purpose to me . . and this . . this is freaking perfect!
Cheers
Posted by: Kathryn at January 11, 2009 12:19 PMOh, Stephanie, score!
I'm with you, very rarely does reality ever come close to what I envision in my head.
Usually, to my utter chagrin, reality bites. So congratulations on a well executed plan, it's lovely, really.
My god, isn't that lovely! I'm yearning for the pattern ... -- and looking at the Roving Winds Farm's Website - I must say that you have wonderful and generous friends!
Lots of greetings from a fan of yours on the other side of the ocean - knitting away in Germany.
Posted by: Maria at January 11, 2009 12:35 PMI got that exact same skein of yarn for christmas too! Your cowl is lovely, its starting to get me thinking about what I will knit...
Posted by: Beth at January 11, 2009 12:53 PMMy new roomate just can't understand why I started screaming and freaking out when she tossed my most precious ball of yarn from the freezer in the kitchen to the middle of the living room floor! Please tell me that you understand and that I am not crazy!
Posted by: littlemissyvixen at January 11, 2009 12:56 PMI know it's a couple of days later since the posting, but would you please have the pattern published? You should get money for such a pretty little piece of fluff.
Posted by: Duffy at January 11, 2009 1:01 PMPlease please please publish this pattern!
Posted by: Sarah at January 11, 2009 1:20 PMBizarre the way I was in the cowl mode when I read your post-I just finsished a bulky one of my own free form design (trust me-nowhere NEAR yours)in Blue Skys Alpaca and am not sure about the outcome. The gods of blocking better be with me. Anyway-my first thought was for you to have the pattern as a donation to KSF-and I just saw that others feel the same. Totally fabulous pattern-even if we have to buy it and then kick some cash to KSF, it would be more than worth it. Good way to start the New Year, just saying.
Posted by: jane at January 11, 2009 1:24 PMI see (color-wise) a little "gray-thing" going on... no?
Love it all!
I don't know Steph, 468 people groveling for your pattern? You may have passed over that magical threshold into Designer Land.
Posted by: fibercrone at January 11, 2009 4:09 PMPUUUULLLEEEZZZZZZ can you write up the pattern? It is so, so gorgeous and I'm dying to make one straight away - - I'm willing to pay $$$ for it.
Posted by: WendyT at January 11, 2009 4:55 PMSo if all the 470 people begging for that delicious cowl tuck five dollars in an envelope for the pattern that you e-mail back to them that means $2,350 towards household repairs. Time and intellectual property mean money. Now doesn't that sound like a good idea? Do you have PO box? Please??
Posted by: lisa Von Drasek at January 11, 2009 4:55 PMPlease can you write up the pattern? It is so, so gorgeous and I'm dying to make one straight away - - I'm willing to pay $$$ for it.
Posted by: WendyT at January 11, 2009 4:55 PMThe cowl is beautiful please can you write up the pattern it is so georgeous you cannot show us something so nice and not! pretty please! willing to pay either to you or knitters without borders
Posted by: taraquilt at January 11, 2009 5:10 PMOooooo, seriously. Need. That. Pattern. Please? (oh, and nice job! :) )
Posted by: Bliss at January 11, 2009 5:44 PMDear Ms. McPhee:
I've never posted a comment on your blog before because I've been entirely intimidated by the sheer number of comments that you receive and I, #1: doubt that you have the time to read all of the comments unless you give up knitting, and
#2: didn't want to add to the to the time needed to read comments in case you really do read them all.
I'm not really posting a comment now, although I do LOVE the cowl and, just like 474 other people, hope that you will post the pattern. I writing to tell you about a coincidence that happened.
I received a copy of one of your books for Christmas and took it with me as I accompanied my husband on a business trip weekend to a luxury hotel near the Atlanta Airport. Because it was Distaff Day weekend and I was giving up a spinning party with my local guild, I took my new travel wheel with me and spent part of the time watching a spectacular view of airplanes landing and taking off while I spun during my husband's business meeting. It made me feel like I was part of a timeless, universal sisterhood of spinners. I also took a short break to read your story about the time you lost a ball of sock yarn in an elevator in which you were no longer riding...remember that one? I laughed at loud. The irony gods heard me.
After my husband's meeting, he invited me to join him in the hospitality room four floors below our room. I grabbed my handbag and a little drawstring bag which held my current knitting project, a chevron patterned scarf using two different colors of Jitterbug sock yarn (at $20.00 a skein!), along with a little booklet I was also reading about the history of spinning. When I reached the hospitality room, I politely visited with others for a moment or two, accepted a glass of wine and sat down. Everyone else, and their wives, were all engrossed in watching a football game on the big screen TV. Since I'm not an avid (or any other kind of) football fan, I reached for my knitting and discovered that my little drawstring bag held the small booklet on spinning history and NOTHING ELSE!
I racked my brain. Had I knitted that afternoon and neglected to replace the project in the bag? No, I had spun and read all afternoon. Where was the yarn, needles and the almost finished scarf? I jumped up and grabbed the next elevator to the 7th floor. When I got out of the elevator and rounded the corner, I saw that someone had dropped a scarf on the floor. Then I noticed one Harmony straight knitting needle (which was also a Christmas present) sticking out of it. Then, I notice that two strands of yarn were stretched out leading a path down the hallway. I grabbed up my three fourths knitted scarf and one needle, and started gathering up yarn. I followed it down two hallways and retrieved the other needle along the way before I finally reached what was left in the two balls of yarn.
So, I don't know if I am luckier than you or jinxed by you. But my experience did prompt me to finally attempt a correspondence with you. I have enjoyed reading your books and your blog. You are inspiring millions of knitters to unite in public and I applaud you.
Posted by: Shari at January 11, 2009 7:01 PMI can't get this design out of my head...!
Seriously, I have been thinking about it all day. Add me to the chorus please.
Wow, one gift that leads to three gorgeous bits of cashmere lace... *drool*
Posted by: Christina at January 11, 2009 8:07 PMOh, my goodness. I'm struck speechless. The cowl is ***so*** gorgeous. I'm hyperventilating.
I want to add my name to the expanding list of -
Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please?
Just think of the donation total for KSF/MSF if you were to link a donation to acquisition of the pattern. Think of the good it would do for the whole world...
dee near Berkeley
Posted by: dee near Berkeley at January 12, 2009 12:03 AMi agree with dee near berkeley, which is exactly why i turned on my computer at this hour. i was going to propose all the procedes go to your causes, this would be a lovely gesture to all these gracious adorers - i am among them!!! i can't wait to see whht results in 479 comments!!!
Posted by: kimberley at January 12, 2009 1:30 AMPlease publish the pattern! I have 25g of cashmere that I didn't know what to do with and now this is all I want to knit! As many many others above have commented, this pattern would make a few $ for KWB/McPhee renovations!
Posted by: Jo at January 12, 2009 8:33 AMYour cowl is really gorgeous. The weather is freezing. Please, please, please share the pattern.
Posted by: Pat at January 12, 2009 8:44 AMOh great. Now I have to knit a cowl! And I don't have any cashmere! Hmmm...I do have some alpaca/silk top in the closet.
I'm glad that your idea turned out so lovely! And the color is perfect for you :~)
WANT. PATTERN. Have cashmere. Pretty pretty please??? We'll all even pay for it and it can all go to KWB!
Posted by: mardi at January 12, 2009 9:17 AMYes to posting the pattern with a donation link. If for some reason you don't want to share it, can you share what size your friend thinks a cowl should be.
Don't know if I told you I won one of the baskets from your visit to Knitwitz in Jacksonville, Florida. I think it is because I went in on the last day and donated the last ($16) of a credit I had to Doctors Without Borders. I wanted Kathe to be able to clear her books. She insisted that I take more coupons. So now I have some yummy yarn that would make a perfect cowl. Would be happy to donate again.
Posted by: Karen at January 12, 2009 9:26 AMWow, that is incredibly beautiful!
Posted by: Jennifer at January 12, 2009 10:51 AMPlease, write up a pattern and sell it too! Just think of the remodeling you could do.
I love it!
Posted by: VA at January 12, 2009 11:14 AMPlease, write up a pattern and sell it too! Just think of the remodeling you could do or the dent in the $1000000 for KWB!
I love it!
Posted by: VA at January 12, 2009 11:15 AMThat pattern, that yarn gorgeous together. II would also like the pattern....unfortunately I will not be able to afford it.
Posted by: Barbara S. in VA at January 12, 2009 11:30 AMYou are an inspiration to the designing knitter inside all of us, who wants to shine their light no matter how bright or how long the flame has been burning!
Posted by: JennyBeth at January 12, 2009 11:31 AMIt's lovely!
Posted by: ksfishgirl at January 12, 2009 11:31 AMPattern... pretty please... I have a fabulous itty bitty skein of luxurious alpaca that would be so perfect for this pattern. I've been seaching cowl patterns for ages and well... this is the one. Please?
Posted by: Jody at January 12, 2009 11:35 AMLove the cowl. Have 2 suggestions for you (and I haven't read all the previous comments to see if they've already been suggested).
1) sell the pattern for a nominal fee and call it the cowly appliance/kitchen recovery fund.
2) sell the pattern, with proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders. You'd make lots of knitters happy to have the pattern, and be raising money for a great cause, which would make you & lots of other people happy to.
You know, just in case you were caving to all the patterns pretty please pleas.
LOVE IT!
LOVE IT!
Is the pattern going to be available at some point???
Posted by: Teish at January 12, 2009 11:48 AMAck! The first time I saw it on Friday, I thought, how incredibly beautiful, I want one. I came back today to gaze on the beauty, and now all I see are centipedes. Ack!
Posted by: Annie at January 12, 2009 12:24 PMIt is one of those types of patterns that the idea of casting on makes you feel like a child on Christmas morning! So excited!!! Please draft up that pattern - - it is so gorgeous.
Posted by: WendyT at January 12, 2009 12:25 PMBeautiful pattern. My suggestion is to charge for it and call the pattern "New Washer and Dryer".
Posted by: Laura J. at January 12, 2009 12:39 PMSeriously. With 500 comments, I would guesstimate about 450 of those are unique posters. Set up a Ravelry download (which you can use off-Rav, too), and charging a few dollars will certainly buy you some yarn! ;)
$3 for the pattern will net around $1,350. $4 will net about $1,800. And $5 will rake in somewhere around $2,250.
Srsly. What on earth are you waiting for??? I just wish I had your readership!
Posted by: MissRach at January 12, 2009 1:18 PMOOOOOOOh! Does it have lovely, vintage buttons, too? Or is it just a pullover?
Posted by: Amy in Loozyana at January 12, 2009 1:33 PMI'm going to encourage the idea of selling the pattern with proceeds going to DWB. I knit a couple of cowls from a pattern found in "Knit 2 Together" by Tracy Ullman and her friend Mel, but I would like this one as well since the yarn is much finer. Very pretty, good for you! so talented.
Posted by: danana at January 12, 2009 1:59 PMBeautiful cowl! I can't wait to see the explosion of friends favoriting* this thing on Ravelry!
*I'm trying to introduce this into the lexicon, a la kinnear. :)
Posted by: Vanessa at January 12, 2009 2:10 PMOooh, that is beautiful! I've been thinking cowlish thoughts lately also...so you ARE going to share this pattern, yes? Pretty please with sock yarn on top?
Posted by: Steph B at January 12, 2009 2:22 PMO.M.G. That is absolutely beautiful. Very, very clever of you to manage the 'mind to needles' trick. I wouldn't know where to start.
I'll buy the pattern though :)
WOW thats so beautiful. Hope you plan to share your pattern!!!!
Posted by: Gina at January 12, 2009 3:32 PMMy first comment EVER! This is one of the most beautiful knitted cowls I've seen - and I've been looking for just the perfect one. Please make the pattern available. I know at least 12 people in my group alone that would purchase it. Thank you for your inspirational books and blog.
Posted by: Evelyn at January 12, 2009 3:41 PMThat is a simply stunning cowl. Please share this pattern. I have some suri alpaca that would love to be this cowl.
Posted by: Anniebananie at January 12, 2009 4:28 PMLovely! Please share the pattern. Now, when will the suspense end about that beautiful pink reversible cabled scarf from last month?
Posted by: lucien at January 12, 2009 4:36 PMthat is so beautiful,can I please have a pattern..
Posted by: mary ann de roberts at January 12, 2009 5:21 PMAll I could do for the first few minutes after seeing "the cowl" was moon over it and moan softly. I think my heart slowed down a few beats...really.
Posted by: Denise~ at January 12, 2009 8:10 PMDe-lurking to say, this is beautiful and the pattern is perfect! I wish I could touch it! Thank you for sharing. Hope we see this pattern in the future!
Posted by: Carol at January 12, 2009 8:38 PMUgh, it's so beautiful! Amazingness.
Posted by: Ashley at January 12, 2009 9:44 PMI can't stop looking at this, it's so pretty! No, it's not just pretty, IT'S ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!
Posted by: Ness at January 13, 2009 12:06 AMGorgeous - I, too, would love the pattern :)
Posted by: Octopus Knits at January 13, 2009 1:10 AMI want one! I want to knit one!
(cross that)
I want to knit dozens of this cowl! Please!
Posted by: Ana at January 13, 2009 6:58 AMI LOVE it! I just finished a lace scarf for my Mum's birthday out of cashmere, and a cowl for my Mum-in-law our of Alpaca/silk!
I would also love to have this pattern!
Me too! I want one too! Need any more test knitters?
Posted by: Jessica at January 13, 2009 8:55 AMAbsolutely beautiful! I would love to knit this as well.
Posted by: Melissa at January 13, 2009 9:58 AMWhat a tease. I want a pattern ; )
Posted by: Sweetbabu at January 13, 2009 12:17 PMWow. I definitely want to be you when I grow up! Wonderful design Stephanie and gorgeous yarn (thank you friend Stephanie's Friend!!).
Posted by: Daniele at January 13, 2009 12:44 PMPlease, please....soon? Congratulations on designing the most perfect thing on earth.
Posted by: Sharon at January 13, 2009 12:44 PMThat is the most perfect cowl I have ever seen. I too have been looking for a pattern for one just like that. What I see in my head never, ever translates onto paper, let alone yarn.
Dying for the pattern. Is it done yet? (lol)
Posted by: LisaK at January 13, 2009 2:14 PMGorgeous...and I SO want that pattern. I've been drooling since I saw the first teaser picture of it in progress.
Posted by: Mary Ellen at January 13, 2009 2:25 PMFrom Germany, and my first blog entry ever. My eyes bulge, and I am dying for the pattern! Oh yarnharlot, please listen to the pleas of the many and share the pattern with us! It's intricate, beautiful and I can't come up with another adjective in the English language to describe me feelings and my longing!!!
Posted by: Letha Böhringer at January 13, 2009 3:26 PMLove it! Can I volunteer to be a test knitter? Pretty please? I'll give up sleep and housework until I have it completed . . . and only break for childcare duties.
Posted by: Margaret at January 13, 2009 5:15 PMJust started to tune in to your blog and love it!!! It is a great ending to a rough day at work.
Posted by: Heather at January 14, 2009 6:00 PMMust have that pattern! It's gorgeous! Let us know when it's posted somewhere!
Posted by: DawnK at January 15, 2009 12:23 PMWhat a lovely creation! You should be so proud of yourself to design and knit such a beautiful cowl. Please add me to the list of the fellow knitters that would love for you to share the pattern so that we too can enjoy having our own beautiful cowl to keep us warm.
Posted by: Terri at January 20, 2009 4:23 PMOh, how beautiful! And I have the perfect skein of cashmere waiting if you decide to share this loveliness.
Posted by: Janelle at January 23, 2009 11:04 AM