2018: Frozen Pond Cowl

The colors and abstract images in the Frozen Pond Cowl from Interweave Knits Gifts 2018 make it seem, to me, more like a painting than a knitted accessory. Translucent blues, grays, and greens create a backdrop for linear, brown shapes that suggest, without being literal, bare trees against a darkening winter sky. The bottom half of the cowl mirrors the top half like an icy reflection. Two-color, brioche-rib bands at the top and bottom provide the frame for the “painting.”

While the overall effect may look complex, it’s actually pretty easy to knit. The charted colorwork pattern is worked circularly, so there’s no need to work the stranding on wrong-side rows. Additionally, the chart repeat is only 8 stitches wide and, even though the chart contains 5 colors, you never have to use more than 2 colors on any given round. The split brioche-rib bands at the top and bottom are worked back and forth in 2 separate pieces, making them a manageable size if you’ve never worked 2-color brioche stitch before.

The cowl is worked from the top down, with increase rounds before and after the chart that give the cowl a gentle A-line shape to make it sit comfortably on the shoulders.

There are many reasons to love the Frozen Pond Cowl, but the best reason is that while you’re knitting this piece of art, you can learn a few new skills at the same time!

Pattern Details

DESIGNER Paula Pereira

DIFFICULTY Intermediate

FINISHED SIZE 23″ circumference at top, 29″ circumference at bottom, and 11½” high.

YARN Malabrigo Yarn Silky Merino (51% silk, 49% merino wool; 150 yd [137 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #429 Cape Cod gray (MC), #434 redwood bark (brown; A), #412 teal feather (B), #410 spring water (light green; C), and #413 Ankara green (light blue; D), 1 skein each.

NEEDLES Sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 6 (4 mm): 16″ circular (cir). Adjust needle size if neces- sary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS Marker (m); stitch holder; cable needle (cn); waste yarn for tubular CO; tapestry needle.

GAUGE 24 sts and 24 rnds = 4″ in Colorwork patt on larger needle.

Knits Gifts 2018: Make Your Way to Christmas