Affinity (n). - a natural liking for or attraction to a person, thing, or idea
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Hi, I’m Sarah, and I have an affinity for all things yarn. I have been crocheting for over 5 years and knitting for 2 years. I picked up crocheting during one of life’s difficult moments 5 years ago. You can read all about it on my last Hook Nook blog feature titled The Better Together Tunisian Crochet Blanket. Since starting to crochet, I haven’t gone very long without stitching something. This past year opened doors for me to sell my finished items in a local handmade shop among other talented makers in all craft areas. I have also written and released new patterns, and offered some free patterns on my blog. It’s pretty safe to say, stitching has become a natural way of life for me and I’m constantly on a quest to learn new things and develop my skills. It’s funny because the word, ‘craft’, makes me think of the cute things my kids make, but I have found my place, for now, among the crafting world.
Affinity (adj). - of or relating to persons who have the same interests
I’m not sure my affinity for yarn would have continued without the encouragement and inspiration from other makers. The maker community is strong and fierce and full of inspiration. I’ve been able to meet some incredible people through instagram who have fueled my love for yarn, hooks, and needles. Naming this pattern “The Affinity Cowl” was a pretty easy decision. It is named after one of my hat designs called, ‘The Affinity Beanie’ and uses the same stitch pattern as the brim. The affinity for the yarn I used and the dyer behind the yarn made the name of this beanie the most suitable name. Jen, @laineandlotus, is an indie dyer based out of Connecticut. Our relationship grew while I was pattern testing for her and I followed her into her journey of yarn dyeing, to where I see her passion and talents shine. So it was natural that I would use her yarn again when designing this cowl.
Please enjoy this Affinity Cowl pattern that comes from my heart, and from a place of pure love and affection for the fibre craft and maker community.
Supply List
This pattern uses category weight 5 bulky yarn.
Laine and Lotus Fibre was used in three colourways;
Colour A: 1 Basic Bulky skein in the colourway Gravel Road - 106 yards
Colour B: 1 Basic Bulky skein in the colourway Already Gold - 106 yards
Colour C: 1 Basic Bulky skein in the colourway New Moon - 106 yards
The total project is approximately 318 yards
A possible yarn substitute is Lion Brand Colour Made Easy or Lion Brand Scarfie(as chosen by my testers). A single colour cowl would work as well.
6.5 mm/US 10.5 circular needles with a 24” cable
Stitch marker
Darning needle
Scissors
Gauge
Suggested gauge before blocking:
14 stitches x 17 rows in the diagonal rib stitch in pattern = 4” x 4” square
A change in gauge will affect the fit and final yardage needed to create this project.
Final Measurements before blocking
Length: 23”
Width: 12.5”
General Instructions
This cowl uses the diagonal rib stitch throughout the pattern. It is an 8 row repeat of K2, P2 in a different sequence every two rows. You can alter the size of the cowl by changing your cast on number in multiples of four
When working the colour change rows, be sure to carry the unused colour on the back of the work to avoid gaps in your work. (see photo below) This is done as you would if you were catching floats in colour work.
On the second row of each colour change the first stitch will be slipped with either the yarn in front, or the yarn in back to create a jogless seam; instructions on when to do this will be in the pattern. NOTE: If you are using a single colour, do not slip the stitches as indicated in the pattern, but complete the row repeat as usually done.
Key
K - knit
CO - cast on
CA - Colour A
P - purl
BOR - beginning of round
CB - Colour B
ST - stitch
WYIF - with yarn in front
CC - Colour C
SL - slip stitch purlwise
WYIB - with yarn in back
Pattern
In CA, use the long tail cast on method and CO 88 stitches and join in the round being careful not to twist your stitches. Place stitch marker to indicate the BOR.
Round 1: K2, P2 - repeat for entire round
Round 2: Repeat Round 1
Round 3: K1, P2, K1 - repeat for entire round
Round 4: Repeat Round 3
Round 5: P2, K2 - repeat for entire round
Round 6: Repeat Round 5
Round 7: P1, K2, P1 - repeat for entire round
Round 8: Repeat Round 7
Round 9 - 24: Repeat Rounds 1 - 8 (two more times)
Round 25: Repeat Round 1
Round 26: Repeat Round 2
Round 27: Repeat Round 3
Round 28: Repeat Round 4
Round 29: Repeat Round 5
Round 30: Repeat Round 6
*Reminder to carry unused yarn on the back of the work on each round during the colour changes*
Round 31: In CB, P1, K2, P1 - repeat for entire round
Round 32: WYIF SL first ST, K2, P1 - Repeat P1, K2, P1 for the rest of the round
Round 33: In CA, K2, P2 - repeat for entire round
Round 34: WYIB SL first ST, K1, P2 - Repeat K2, P2 for the rest of the round
Round 35: In CB, K1, P2, K1 - repeat for entire round
Round 36: WYIB SL first ST, P2, K1 - Repeat K1, P2, K1 for the rest of the round
Round 37: In CA, P2, K2 - repeat for entire round
Round 38: WYIF SL first ST, P1, K2 - Repeat P2, K2 for the rest of the round
Round 39: In CB, P1, K2, P1 - repeat for entire round
Round 40: WYIF SL first ST, K2, P1 - Repeat P1, K2, P1 for the rest of the round (break CA)
Round 41 - 64: Repeat Rounds 1 - 8 (three times)
*Reminder to carry unused yarn on the back of the work on each round during the colour changes*
Round 65: In CC, K2, P2 - repeat for entire round
Round 66: WYIB SL first ST, K1, P2 - Repeat K2, P2 for the rest of the round
Round 67: In CB, K1, P2, K1 - repeat for entire round
Round 68: WYIB SL first ST, P2, K1 - Repeat K1, P2, K1 for the rest of the round.
Round 69: In CC, P2, K2 - repeat for entire round
Round 70: WYIF SL first ST, P1, K2 - Repeat P2, K2 for the rest of the round
Round 71: In CB, P1, K2, P1 - repeat for entire round
Round 72: WYIF SL first ST, K2, P1 - Repeat P1, K2, P1 for the rest of the round
Round 73: In CC, K2, P2 - repeat for entire round
Round 74: WYIB SL first ST, K1, P2 - Repeat K2, P2 for the rest of the round (break CB)
Round 75: Repeat Round 3
Round 76: Repeat Round 4
Round 77: Repeat Round 5
Round 78: Repeat Round 6
Round 79: Repeat Round 7
Round 80: Repeat Round 8
Rounds 81 - 96: Repeat Round 1-8 (two times)
Rounds 97 - 102: Repeat 1 - 6
Bind off all stitches loosely.
Consider binding off in the pattern of Round 7 but it’s not necessary.
Weave in all ends.
Blocking is recommended to relax stitches. If using hand dyed yarn, a wet block is suggested and laying it to dry with the final measurements length: 24” and width: 13.5”.
If I can encourage you, in your affinity for whatever craft you’ve chosen, I would ask you some questions. What fuels your love for what you do? Is it fueled by a passion to make and create? Is it fueled by the likes and follows? Is it fueled by getting that follow notification from a larger presence in the crafting world? Is it fueled by who notices you, how many patterns you sell, or who tags you in their posts and stories? Would you still make, create, design if no one was watching? I so often see the burn out, the feelings of competition rising above the feelings of satisfaction in just creating. Seemingly to forget how insanely talented we are for taking some string and turning into beautiful things! For me, I post what I love, I create what motivates me, and I find purpose in my own journey. I don’t want to lose my love for this craft that basically provides a comfort for the challenges of life. This is not to say that any of this comes easy for me. There is hard work, there is frustration, and there are a lot of time outs for ideas/thoughts/opportunities that are unattainable given my life circumstances. I can’t say it doesn’t bum me out a little when a post flops, or a pattern doesn’t do as well as I’d hoped - but I do look at what I’ve done, after all the work, and still feel so much pride and joy that I have made something unique and special to me. So, post what you love, make what you love, and find a way to fuel your passion and to keep going - in whatever capacity you are able. Are you wondering what makes you any different than the other crafters out there? May I suggest what sets you apart is the person you are - YOU! There is no one else like you, and what you have to offer is the most unique and truly special gift there is to those around you. Find those people who share the affinity you do, and truly want to see you become the best version of yourself, both as a maker and as a human being. And then also, share your love and light with others, encourage them, and it will surely shine back on you.
I would love to connect with you! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Website and blog, and YouTube.
