Nothing makes my day like an email from Shannon at luvinthemommyhood, and the one titled, "You're gonna hate me..." was no different. I was laughing before the text even loaded on my screen! It didn't disappoint. Shannon was inviting me to participate in a quintessential Fall battle: to sew or to knit? 
Of course I couldn't pass it up! She had me instantly. But picking sides was another story.
Call me wishy-washy. Call me conflicted. This is my dilemma every Fall. I am shocked out of my summer projects by cooler weather and the realization that, yet again, I didn't get a jump on things. So then the question is whether to hurry and crank out some sewing or settle in to a knitted project? Do I invest the time in the luxury of a handknit and hope for one or two completed this season? Or do I satisfy my compulsion to cross more things off my list by sewing steadily through the months? There's nothing more frustrating than being forced to chose between two great things!
Well, I usually try to do both. And so it is with this battle. I do kinda hate Shannon ;-) because I have not one, but two projects I'm submitting! Too hard for me to pick, so I'll let you: do you sew a "City Cowl" or knit a "Country Cowl"?
Here is what you should consider. The City Cowl is sleek and a bit sophisticated in the skin print (zebra velboa). It adds some comfy warmth but maintains a bit of an edge.
If you want to really go for the glamorous look it is generous enough (17"x40") to pull up over your head. Perfect for a walk to the office, or the mailbox!
Wear it over a sweater or as an accessory to your tailored coat. It's not too bulky to tuck in around your neck and easier to manage than a scarf if you're running around town.
But, then there is the knitted Country Cowl: Put it on and it feels like the weekend. It makes you just want to snuggle into the couch and slow down. Who doesn't need that? It's like wearing a big hug. And its chunky yarn, rolled edges and textural pattern make a big handknit impact without the commitment a sweater requires.
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Plus, I've included a knitted drawcord to up its versatility. Weave it through the holes and you can wear it a bunch of different ways. It can be funky, vintage country, such as this layered sweater collar...
...or cinched under your chin country-Victorian...
...or cinched a bit looser, which may be my favorite.
Both cowls are pretty easy and won't take too much time away from the rest of your to-do list. Decided or not, you can find the full tutorials here:
City Cowl
Country Cowl
City Cowl
Country Cowl
Thanks to Shannon I can have my cowl both ways this Fall--sewn and knit. I guess I'm luvin it!
Hi Anneliese, this is my first visit to your blog and, being a follower of luvinthemommyhood, can I send you a virtual high five?!! I love all the stuff that I've seen on my wander around and have downloaded the country cowl pattern, which I am inspired to try. I'll let you know how it goes and thanks for sharing the pattern. KittyB x
ReplyDeleteBoth of your cowls are awesome! I, too, struggle with choosing between sewing and knitting. With the two precious hours to myself that I have during afternoon nap time, I have to decide whether to sit and relax and knit or to get up cut out some fabulous fabric and whip up a little dress for my daughter. Lately, things have been so crazy around here with two toddlers that the relaxing option of knitting seems to win :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a question for the ages! I am glad you are as wishy-washy as I am. Both cowls are awesome.
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