Some people are hunters. Some people are gatherers. Given my enormous stash of yarn lately, I'd call myself a gatherer. But one day I got a hunger. A fever. A hunger and a fever for a cowl neck sweater that was so deeply seated in my soul that if I didn't have it--and have it the way I wanted it--I thought I would surely perish.
So the hunt for the perfect cowl neck sweater began. And I tell you what: this one gave me so much grief. The first rendition would have made even the most ardent of clowns gasp. The second one swooped up and then out with such flair, you'd think I was wearing a huge upside-down plunger on my chest.
More or less a cowl neck, and something I can't put my finger on, this sweater is exactly what I dreamed it would be: cool, sexy, close fitting yet comfy. The cowl neck sweater hunt is finally over and I'm excited.
Knit from the top down entirely in the round and in one piece in Alpaca & Silk, this pattern is suitable for an intermediate beginner who can knit in the round and pick up and knit stitches. There's also simple increases, decreases and ribbing.
Pattern Details
This Pattern has been updated (4/09) to include a wider range of sizes and for better fit overall. Choose a size approximately 2" less than your measurement for best fit
Finished Bust Size: 32 (34, 36.5, 40, 42, 46.5, 50)" chest
Gauge: 24 stitches and 32 rows to 4 inches
US Size 5 and 4 Circular Needles and DPN's (optional)
Materials
Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk, 6 (6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) skeins, Color 124; 50g+146 yds
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$6.00
I love this sweater, so much that I want to knit it now! I bought the pattern as soon as it was available, and I finally have time to start, but I have a question: right at the beg. when you talk about the inc, I' confused about the inc in the first and last sts, you say on each RS row, and then you say 2 times. I think it has to be 2x, since you have 4x for the larger sizes, so then it shouldn't read on each RS row. Am I right? And if it's 2x, or 4x, does it matter where you put them, beginning, middle, end, spaced out? Thank you for the help.
Posted by: melanie | January 08, 2006 at 09:27 AM
just purchased the "somewhat cowl" pattern. question-- why didn't you include a front-and-center photo of finished sweater? it would really increase your customer confidence to be able to really see the fit of the arms. existing pics are lovely, but would love a more practical view, too.
thanks!
Posted by: alena | January 15, 2006 at 09:46 AM
Wendy, When you refer to bust size for your somewhat cowl sweater, is 36" the band size on your bra? Or the size around the fullest part of the breast?
Posted by: Laurin | January 19, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Alena, I emailed you. And Laurin, I would say that the 36 refers to the bust size, as in the fullest part, not the band size, which can be much smaller.
Posted by: Wendy | January 23, 2006 at 08:05 AM
Hi - I am loving working on this pattern - thank you for the design! I have what may be a stupid question (this is the first top down sweater I am making...) when you say to knit until the back is a certain length before joining, you mean knit until the measurement from the back of the neck to the bottom of the piece is that measurement, right? :) THANK YOU!
Posted by: wenders | February 10, 2006 at 06:08 AM
Hi! I'm knitting SC and it's beautiful. I have the same question as melanie. On the first set of increases do I knit in the first and last stitch twice for each row or kfb for two rows only? Thanks so much for the beautiful pattern and the help!
Posted by: michelle | February 12, 2006 at 06:09 AM
HI, i've just put the arm holes on scrap and am st st down now i tried it on and am a little concerned that it will be pouchy under the arms next to the bust... are people finding that they need chest shaping?
thanks!
teri
Posted by: teri | February 21, 2006 at 09:19 PM
I'm about finished and just want to clarify - in the pattern it says to pick up stitches around the neck and knit in ribbing for about 6 inches. Isn't that too much? It looks in the picture that yours is more like 2 or 3 inches.
Posted by: dirtgirl | February 22, 2006 at 06:06 PM
Hi there!
I'm merrily knitting along on this sweater, I chose Karabella Aurora 4 for this, I've gotten a 7 st/inch guage on it, so i'm knitting like it's a size 40 in terms of stitch count after doing a little math to get the measurments to work right. it looks to be right on par so far, so I'm excited about that.
My hangup is this: when you join to begin knitting in the round, you mention that there needs to be a certain measurment, for my size it's 12". Is this measurment from the top of the neck straight down, or am i simply adding an inch and a half of work after the 10.5" sleeves split off? I just don't want to end up with a rediculously saucy sweater that I require a tank under to be decent! I'm all for showing a little cleavage, but when someone can see the bottom of my bra front, that's a little much ;)
Thanks in advance!
Posted by: Amber | February 23, 2006 at 06:52 AM
I read one comment that said it was most likely not a good idea to knit that pattern would be too droopy... I was planning on using Cotton Fleece (so it would be cooler for the summer), is there something that you would recomend that would be nice and cool for the summmer/early fall, or would the cotton fleece work out okay. I did a guage and that part was good (i knit kind of tight so even though it is a little bulkier, it worked well). oh and there are a bunch of us knitting this pattern right now for the sexy knitter's club.
Posted by: Kristin | March 21, 2006 at 07:21 AM
I would like to see a front view of yours, if at all possible. Thank you!
Posted by: Avivah | March 26, 2006 at 10:23 PM
I love this pattern! I'm not sure if it's too late to post this, but I would definitely be interested in this in a larger size, such as 48. But if not, I'll just buy the pattern as is and upsize....
Posted by: Norah | March 26, 2006 at 10:38 PM
Wendy(or anyone who has knit the ted Somewhat Cowl)---I have my yarn and am ready to go, keep in mind I have only been knitted for 6 months & this is my second sweater, my question is....I am a 34D(bordering DD on water retaining days) BUT I am smaller in the waist(size4/6 pant) - I want the waist/tummy area more fitted, is there a way I can decrease to make the waist/tummy part tighter but keep the top a 36 - I am doing the size 36.
ThANKS IN ADVANCE - Email me at KeanaLee@msn.com
Posted by: KeanaLee | March 27, 2006 at 04:14 PM
I bought the pattern and I have some stupid questions about the instructions right at the start of the sweater -- before I get too far to stop. Do you have a moment to email me? Thanks!
Posted by: Jenny | March 28, 2006 at 05:23 AM
Wendy--I love your blog, and I love your designs--I am much fuller in the bust than you, but after seeing savannahchick's somewhat cowl, I am thinking of giving it a go!!! Could you tell me what other yarns (ie for summer!) you think might be good for this pattern?
Posted by: Melissa Wright | April 26, 2006 at 11:15 AM
Hi there,
Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful "Somewhat Cowl" pattern - it's exactly what I'd been looking for. I can't wait to knit it up (I'm thinking in Elsebeth Lavold "Silky Wool"). Keep up the fabulous designing! Blog lurker and knit fan, Ingrid
Posted by: Ingrid | May 16, 2006 at 03:36 PM
Hi, I purchased the pattern "the somewhat cowl" online yesterday. I havn't get any confirmation email from your website. I want to know how long to take the transaction to process. Thanks.
Posted by: sauman | October 02, 2006 at 04:07 PM
Hi Wendy, I`d like to knit "Somewhat Cowl" - do you know any appropriate yarn substitutions? If possible, something you can buy in Europe, since I live in Austria! Thank you so much! Shan
Posted by: Shan | March 05, 2007 at 01:32 AM
Ok. I've done it. I've gone and ordered the pattern for the somewhat cowl. I figured this would be a really good way to learn to knit from the top down, I love the pattern, and I just got 12 lbs (that's right; 12 lbs! count'em) of rayon chenille yarn in what looks to be around a fingering or dk weight. Always nice to have extra (!!) for swatching and whatnot. :)
Posted by: Susan Ator | March 23, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Beautiful. I've chosen this pattern for my First Real Sweater. Using luscious jet black alpaca that I found at the Rhinebeck show (and they're local to me!) and am spoiling myself with. :]
Thank you for the pattern. It's lovely. And I look forward to loving the sweater for many years to come. When the Somewhat Cowl unfolds into itself, I'll send you a photo.
Be blessed, and live in grace.
Thank you.
-Katherine
Posted by: Katherine | October 21, 2007 at 04:18 PM
Can you do all your patterns in plus sizes? They are all current and I love them . It is hard to find interesting patterns in plus size and you have supplied several great ones. Please do more.
Thanks
Posted by: Lisa | November 02, 2007 at 07:30 PM
This is gorgeous, especially with the pencil skirt. You should consider designing for retail.
Posted by: knitknit | December 03, 2007 at 09:48 AM
I absolutely must make this sweater but need it to fit a 46" bust. Can you help? Also, much thanks for provisional cast on tutorial, it worked perfect!
Posted by: Colette | December 29, 2007 at 06:44 PM
I'm not sure what the hold-up is... maybe they have re-thought their stance on how this is going to actually make the company any money. Or perhaps their lawyers pointed out the liability of providing agents a platform to stick their feet in their mouth. Whatever it is, it's hardly something I'd claim as being "Well done".
www.jebshouse.com
Posted by: Jeb Simons | April 26, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Definitely would be interested in larger sizes for this one. It's lovely!
Posted by: moiraeknittoo | September 01, 2008 at 04:22 PM