Spotlight on: Fall Favorites

The cool weather is upon us, and the fabulous designers we follow on Ravelry are releasing patterns faster than we can build kits on the newsletter. I thought it would be fun to highlight some patterns that have caught my eye.

1.) No Rhinebeck? No Problem! MKAL 3 by SweaterFreak

I must admit I am having a bit of FOMO over Rhinebeck. I had a hotel reservation but canceled it about two weeks ago.  Mr. Monarch and I have a lot going on, so the trip did not fit my schedule. 

I saw this on MKAL on Ravelry Tuesday evening, and I am going to participate to ease my disappointment. You just need the pattern, 350 to 375 yards of DK weight yarn with good stitch definition, and a US 5 needle to join in. Jenny of Sweater Freak Knits says, " The cowl is worked in 4 bite sized fun clues, each being different from another to keep you engaged!" This project will be simple without seaming, short rows, brioche, or cables.  

You can watch a football game or a cozy movie with An Italian Autumn Cowl on your needles. This simple project will keep your fingers busy without too much thought. You can either knit this with 700 yards of DK weight yarn or, as Francesca suggests, with 1378 yards of fingering weight held double.  

• DK (700 yards) - see the above project for suggestions
• Fingering held double (1378 yards) - Fanshell Fingering, Woolfolk Tynd, Pascuali Merino Baby, or Julie Asselin Fino 

3.) Coracle Cowl by Ysolda Teague (Please note, this pattern comes in an ebook, Knitworthy 7.)

I have clicked on this cowl three times on Ravelry. There is something about the cross-hatch pattern that intrigues me. It is so unique. Just 450 yards of DK weight yarn on a US 6 (4.0mm) needle, and this little knitting party will be on your needles. I love the winter white color.

What would I use? Perhaps Sandes Garne Double Sunday, Studio Misha Puff (I love the String colorway), or Camellia Fiber Halo DK.

4.) Rhett by Meghan Babin
This pattern is a couple of years old, but the cables and color scream fall to me.  It can be knit for a man or woman, making it an excellent gift for someone special. It is also a great place to practice your cabling skills. Knit out of Hudson + West Forge; this hat will fly off the needles.

As we like to say, fall into knitting!