Dots and Dashes Slip Stitch Cowl and Free Pattern

I'm often asked where I buy my yarn, especially now when all the yarn stores near me are simply GONE.  Of course, all is not lost, since there is the wonderful Ravelry feature of Trade or Sell and it is easy to find great yarn at 'reducing my stash' prices. Far be it from me to let a bargain slip through my fingers, and so here is a sample of the newest yarns I got from Ravelers willing to share. Mostly Malabrigo, in Rastita, Silky Merino, Arroyo and a few bits from my own stash. This light blue Silky Merino was dyed by moi last week. I gathered colors together that are a bit of a departure from my usual palette, as one must venture forward for the thrill of new ideas.

 

Using the slip stitch pattern again to test out how well colors combine, and to have the experience of using the new yarns in small amounts to see how they knit up. So yummy. If you are a new knitter or an old hand like me, it really pays to use really nice yarns as the knitting is so much more enjoyable and then the finished product is better too. Why did it take me this long to figure this out? 

I included a shawl pin which is totally unnecessary, but fun to make anyway. What I love about cowls is that they are a scarf that doesn't fall off into the puddle and then get walked on. Such a good solution. ... And in this case, because it is knit from multiple sets of yarns, placing the favored color where it is most pleasing is an easy choice.

So I encourage you to dig out a bunch of orphan balls and try this simple pattern to experiment with yarn and color. It works with pretty much any weight of yarn. Suggestions: Merino or merino and silk in Sport or Dk and size 5 needles, or Worsted/Aran with size 8 needles. Fingering with size 3 needles.  Only one color is used per round, making this a very relaxing knit. When slipping stitches, take care not to pull working yarn too tightly behind the slipped stitches. If you don't knit, you can purchase this one (including pin) from fibermania at g mail dot com for $40 including shipping. Email me. SOLD

Here's the pattern

Dots and Dashes Slip Stitch Cowl

Glossary:

MC main color

C1 color #1

K knit

P purl

Sl 1 slip one

WYIB with yarn in back...WYIF with yarn in front

The Slip Stitch Dot Pattern

Rows 1 With MC, K all sts.

Row 2 Purl

Row 3: Switch to C1, *K1, Sl1 WYIB; rep from * to end.

Row 4: *P1, Sl1 WYIF; rep from * to end. 

Rows 5 With MC, K all sts. 

Row 6 Purl

Row 7: Switch to C1, *Sl1 WYIB, K1; rep from * to end. 

Row 8: *Sl1 WYIF, P1; rep from * to end. Rep Rnds 1-8 for pattern.

The Slip Stitch Dash Pattern

Rows 1 With MC, K all sts.

Row 2 Purl

Row 3: Switch to C1, *K2, Sl2 WYIB; rep from * to end.

Row 4: *P2, Sl2 WYIF; rep from * to end. 

Rows 5 With MC, K all sts. 

Row 6 Purl

Row 7: Switch to C1, *Sl2 WYIB, K2; rep from * to end. 

Row 8: *Sl2 WYIF, P2; rep from * to end. Rep Rnds 1-8 for pattern.

Alternate your beginning stitch with sl2 so that the purl bumps are offset. It will be obvious which stitches to knit as they are the previously slipped stitches and appears longer.

This close-up shows the three garter stitches, with dots and dashes in alternation.

The main color is always knit in stockinette while the dots and dashes are in garter, or knit on the front and then again knit on the backside resulting in the purl bump appearing on the front side.

Begin:

Cast on 56 stitches, and keep first three and last three stitches in garter to prevent rolling.

Knit five sets of Dots pattern and five sets of Dashes pattern, in two colors. Change yarns after two sets of Dots and Dashes. Knit until desired length, at least 24”-40" depending on yarn choice. Wet block flat before seaming. You will be glad you did. Sew ends together using Mattress Stitch.