knitting pattern

surf + sand cowl /  by jen geigley


Not long ago, Rowan sent me some new yarn from their Spring/Summer release and I've been brainstorming ideas for what to make with it ever since. I was especially inspired by Pure Linen, because it's so unique. The feel and look of it is definitely unlike any wool or cotton I've ever used and I just had to make something with it. But I also really wanted to try something with Silkystones, which is a silk and linen blend.


After swatching and daydreaming about it for awhile, I decided to use both. :)


I ended up knitting a simple, loose-knit cowl perfect for spring and summer days (or better yet, a morning on the beach.) I striped Silkystones in colorway 83/Grassland with Pure Linen in colorway 395/Arizona and I named it 'surf + sand.' I love the airy-ness and drape of this cowl and the two yarns look and feel really nice together.

If you'd like to download the pattern, it's available for free on Ravelry. Click here to check it out.

New knitting pattern: Moonstone Cushion for Rowan Yarns /  by jen geigley


Over the holidays, I participated in a Rowan Ambassador knitting challenge of sorts. Rowan invited us to come up with a design/pattern for a Pure Wool Worsted design competition. Individually, we each designed a home accessory using 3 balls of Rowan Pure Wool Worsted yarn in the colors of our choice. Which was super fun. And today, Rowan has published our designs in the Pure Wool Worsted Home Décor Online Collection, which is free to download for all Rowan Subscribers and Rowan Members. (And I'm guessing our patterns will be available on Ravelry as well. Soon!)

I chose three different colors of Rowan Pure Wool Worsted for my design – 112/Moonstone, 111/Granite and 131/Mustard. Which was a difficult decision to make, because PWW is available in 50 shades! This pillow/cushion has a modern and simple look and is easy enough for a beginner. I held the yarn double, which makes for an ultra-quick knit. I finished this pillow in two evenings. Instant gratification.


I actually feared that this design was going to be too simple to submit as a contest entry, but I honestly loved it the way it was. So I went with it. As I was knitting, I fell in love with the square panels of neat seed stitch rows. I smiled to myself as I added the mustard i-cord to the edge. I loved it. And wouldn't you know it ... it won the competition. Sometimes less is more. And simple is okay.
 
"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."  – Confucius

Download the free pattern right here.

Vanilla – a new knitting pattern /  by jen geigley

Over the weekend, I made this perfect-for-any-season slouchy cap, and named it 'Vanilla'. I used a ball of Rowan All Seasons Chunky from my Rowan Ambassador seasonal sample box that I got last month. And I must say ... I'm a big fan. I love chunky yarns as it is, but I've never knitted with anything quite like this. It's obviously a thicker version of All Seasons Cotton, but it's definitely not stiff whatsoever and has so much drape for a chunky yarn. If you've never tried it, it's unbelievably soft and smooth. Like vanilla. I can tell that this is going to be my go-to neutral hat – this soft shade (Pebble/601) will go with anything and everything.

This basic garter stitch hat is simple enough for a beginner, and a quick project that anyone can finish in an evening or two. It uses exactly one skein of Rowan All Seasons Chunky. Find the free pattern for Vanilla on Ravelry ... right here.