Two of my three projects for Loopy Academy’s 2nd Semester of Freshman Year are cowls. I love working on cowls, they are relatively quick, are not fussy as scarves can be, and provide the right amount of warmth right at your neck.
This semester had a felting requirement, one I was not terribly interested in. I simply have not had a lot of success in the felting portion of a felted project. In my opinion, the stitches would felt down a bit, but not enough. I am pretty pleased with my Black and Blue Cowl project though. I used Kauni Wool 8/2 Effektgarn, slightly more than half a skein. When I tossed it in the wash, I also threw in a few pairs of jeans and towels and just let it run as a regular load of laundry. That seemed to do the trick! On the left is the “before” picture, on the right is the “after” – you can see it did shrink up a bit. I am relieved as I can still fit it over my head! It is quite dense and a bit scratchy, so this is not likely to be my everyday cowl, but certainly one I would wear outside shoveling, winter hiking, or waiting for the bus.
Striping, without using a self-striping yarn, was another project requirement. I used Cascade 220 Aran to crochet a Rickrack Ripple Cowl. This was my first time to work with Cascade Aran, and not the last – I would consider it again. It was super squishy and soft with great colors too.
My third project for Loopy Academy is just about done as well. I have a thumb gusset to finish and ends to weave in. Here’s to a crafty weekend!
What a sweet and patient model! They look great!