Rugged Knits Pattern Highlight: Blackberry Grove
Blackberry Grove is one of those effortless accessories that you can throw over any outfit to add cozy comfort and a pop of color.
CONSTRUCTION
- Cowl is worked top-down and uses progressively larger needle sizes to get a draping fabric and a great shape.
- It's got I-cord edgings for a clean finish. The bottom edge is worked with an I-cord bind-off and the top edge is finished by working attached I-cord at the end.
FIT
- This cowl drapes beautifully around your neck because the bottom edge is wider than the top edge.
YARN
I went with a bulky, super fluffy yarn because I was going for a soft, elegant look. Sadly the yarn I used, Berroco Kodiak, has been discontinued. Your local yarn shop may still be carrying it, and I recommend snatching up a few skeins if you can find it.
TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTING
- To get the drape shown in the sample, stick with yarns that either have some fiber content like alpaca or silk, or are loosely spun.
- If you want a look similar to the sample but can't find Kodiak, Rowan Brushed Fleece could be a good alternative.
- Fibre Company Tundra could be a great option for ultimate softness without so much fluffy halo.
- For a soft, watercolor look, try Malabrigo Mecha.
MY FAVORITE DETAIL
The cables get progressively larger just because of the needle size difference and I'm all about how the scale of the pattern changes so subtly.
GENERAL TIPS
Try working the cables without a cable needle. It's so much faster!
Be sure to use the hashtags #RuggedKnits, #BlackberryGroveCowl, and #AndreaRangelKnits when you post pics of your Lily Toes projects!
PATTERN DETAILS
Finished Measurements
27.5” (70 cm) top circumference, 40” (101.5 cm) bottom circumference, and 11.5” (29 cm) long.
Yarn
253 yd (231 m) bulky weight (#5 Bulky).
Shown here: Berroco Kodiak (61% baby alpaca, 24% nylon, 15% merino wool; 125 yd 115 m/50 g): color #7020 Crowberry, 3 balls
Needles
Size U.S. 7 (4.5 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular (cir) and pair of double-pointed (dpn).
Size U.S. 9 (5.5 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular (cir).
Size U.S. 101⁄2 (6.5 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular (cir).
Size U.S. 11 (8 mm) 32” (80 cm) circular (cir).
Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauges.
Notions
Marker (m); cable needle (cn); tapestry needle.
Gauge
16 sts and 23 rnds = 4” (10 cm) over cable patt using size U.S. 9 (5.5 mm) needle.
12.5 sts and 18 rnds = 4” (10 cm) over cable patt using size U.S. 11 (8 mm) needle.