Francesca is a new yarn this season from Lana Vida. A luxurious blend of fine merino and baby alpaca, Francesca has a cable construction that gives it crisp stitch definition and a wonderfully soft and cushiony feel.
Francesca yarn - coral, taupe, pink, and purple
Francesca’s palette contains soft neutrals and rich, bright colors. The coral and pink are warm and bright, a perfect next to your face. The taupe is a beautiful neutral that will easily fit into your wardrobe. The purple is bold and beautiful.
Francesca yarn - light blue, natural, taupe, bright blue
The light blue Francesca is a lovely winter shade and the natural is fresh and crisp. The bright blue is eye-catching and exciting – perfect for a cold winter day!
The Darby Cowl in natural Francesca
Speaking of cold winter days – and we’ve had plenty lately here in Philadelphia – the Darby Cowl is ideal for looking stylish and keeping warm. Made with 2 hanks of Francesca, it has fantastic texture from a simple knit-purl stitch pattern.
The Darby Cowl, doubled for extra warmth
Wear it long indoors when the office gets cold then double it up for extra warmth around your neck when you head outdoors.
Here’s how to knit your own Darby Cowl:
DARBY COWL
SIZE
one size, approx 6 inches tall and 40 inch circumference
MATERIALS
2 skeins Lana Vida Francesca yarn, shown in natural
32-inch circular needle, size 11, or size to achieve gauge
GAUGE
3.5 stitches per inch in Stockinette st, although gauge is not critical for this project
PATTERN
CO 150 sts. Join in the round being careful not to twist.
Round 1: *K2, P1; repeat from * to end.
Round 2: *K1, P2 ; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures 6 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern. Weave in ends.
Enjoy!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I was just looking for a quick gift to knit for a christmas present! thankyou
The cowl looks great – simple and elegant – but what about that sweater? Is it handknit? It’s very beautiful!
Amber’s sweater is beautiful! It’s not handknit, but it could be!
Oh good! You’re welcome!
I love the colors you grouped together! I had to find something that used all four of the blues/naturals – they knit up wonderfully as a scarf and hats, see here:
http://web.me.com/andrea.hungerford/On_Blueberry_Hill/Blog/Entries/2010/12/19_Winter_Blues.html
or on Ravelry (user name BlueberryHill)
Thanks!
This yarn is great and I generally don’t like chunky yarns – pattern as well – must be seen to be appreciated.
I just finished this with Sheep Yarn Two in Aqua. Amazing! I am going to make another for a friend.
I bet it’s beautiful in Sheep Two! Good for you, Tiffany!
If I want to make this cowl half the circumference, how many should I cast on? Is it multiple of three? I am short, I think this cowl would be too bulky for me.
Yes, Pepe, it’s a multiple of three. I don’t know if I’d go all the way down to 75 stitches – maybe 90?