The Return of the Greyhaven Cowl

The Greyhaven Cowl design has been around for several years and I love it, but a while ago, I decided this little pattern deserved an updated format and an additional sizing option 

to add to the existing cozy neckwarmer design.

I had a lot of fun knitting several experimental prototypes and I'm happy to announce the return of the newly updated and expanded Greyhaven Cowl pattern.

I am an inveterate tweaker, and experimented with many interesting and entertaining ideas, but ultimately I kept the original stitch pattern unchanged (although I added sleeker shaping to the bottom of both sizes when I designed the Slouchy option). 

I've also expanded the pattern instructions and charts and provided a tutorial for one of my favorite bind off methods. I'm extremely happy with the fresh new pattern format.

The original Cozy size cowl is a super fast, one-skein project that's easy to tuck into a coat collar.

I love the original version, but I also enjoy that the new Slouchy size offers plenty of styling options including wearing it draped simply around the neck,

folded in on itself for coziness, 

or closed with a fun pin.

I think the larger version would make an especially nice gift presented with a pretty stick pin or brooch. The twig shawl pin shown in the photo above is from Jul, you can read more about it in this post. 

The Greyhaven design is one I did more than two years ago, originally inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of Rings trilogy (and made into movies by Peter Jackson). I'm looking forward to the release of the film version of Tolkien's The Hobbit this weekend, and I planned to have the pattern available just in time for the event.

When I designed Greyhaven, I adapted a lace stitch pattern that I thought looked rather like leaves and/ or arches - both themes which are heavily used in the LOTR movies. The stitch itself is fairly simple and easy to memorize, and the cowl is worked in the round, so requires no seaming or grafting. 

Although I knit several of the prototypes for the update in leftover stash yarn (including the natural white one shown in this post), 

the gray and plum yarn featured in the new pattern is the scrumptious Primo Worsted from The Plucky Knitter. 

You may remember that I used Primo Fingering in my Amethiste pattern, and was thrilled to be able to work with the heavier weight of this merino/ cashmere/ nylon blend.

The yarn is wonderfully soft, the stitch definition is superb and it blocks lace like a dream!

I've already worked out the matching hat and fingerless mitts, but those patterns will have to wait until later this winter, I'm going to get busy now preparing for the holidays.

Before I sign off I must first give a huge thank you to my tech editor Katherine and my wonderful crew of Greyhaven test knitters: Laurie, Julia, Kim, Connie, Paula, Gillian, Cheryl and Josefina! These ladies are super knitters and were extremely helpful in working closely with me to craft a pattern I am thrilled with.

Thanks for stopping by everyone, have a fun and safe weekend!