A Knitting Quest Into Cowls – Part 2

Originally, I designed and knit a cowl that was short and worn close to the neck. It would use the same gorgeous, watery lace pattern as the Ocean Home Shawl. However, when I put it on, all the beautiful lace vanished in a crumpled heap of fabric. Disappointment didn’t last long as I decided to accept the challenge before me. To create a cowl that could fully display the lace.

This quest lead me to create three very different cowls. With the Swirling Seas Infinity Cowl I solved the disappearing lace issue by adding length.

The Snowy Seas Cowl is the second one in the series. This time I was determined to keep the original size. But could I get the cowl to stand proud while showing off the lace?

What if I made the cowl even taller and then folded it in upon itself? I gathered up the floppy cowl, removed the bound-off edge, and then picked up the stitches to begin knitting again. I was now adding a white inner layer of simple stockinette fabric.

After the knitting was done, I blocked it. I eagerly put the layered cowl on. Smiles ensued. Not only was the lace on full display, the reinforced cowl stood upright too. It was a wonderful feeling to see my design succeed.

The Snowy Seas Cowl is made to be worn close to the neck. Its size makes it easy to wear over a sweater, winter coat, or over a t-shirt to add stylish warmth. Its unisex design and suggested modifications make it a good cowl for all to wear.

Modifications for making a longer version are included. This will require additional yarn. I do not recommend knitting this cowl without the inner layer unless a floppy version is desired.

My journey doesn’t end here. The quest continues with at least one more cowl in this watery series. Each one uniquely solves the problem of how to design a cowl that will show off lacework.

Would you like to read more about this cowl or get the pattern? This pattern is available on Ravelry or Payhip.

Read how it all began | Read Part 1 | Read Part 3

---

Has your knitting every taken you on a quest? To solve a problem, learn a new technique, or explore a specific yarn or tools? Tell me your story by leaving a comment below.