Off the Needles / Eco Arika
Ever since binding off my brightly coloured Arika Cowl I've been wanting a neutral version for myself. My goal was to have it finished for Knit City so that I could wear it at the show and still have the original sample to display. I chose Cascade Eco to show the versatility of the pattern. My gauge was spot on but the Cascade yarn is woollier than the Kenzington and results in a fuller cowl and fringe. And because I used the undyed Ecological Wool, the cowl is actually surprisingly soft, especially after blocking! An added bonus -- you can make 2 Arika Cowls from one of these massive skeins!
I managed to finish in time for the show and wore it the entire weekend (and haven't really taken it off since -- I even wear it in the house!). I received SO many compliments on it and knitters were so excited about the unique construction and how quick and simple the knitting was.
The best part is -- Hikoo has a colour in the Kenzington that's almost identical called Pavalova. I've set to work knitting up a sample to show just how much colour can make a difference in the overall look and style of a pattern. I'll share it here when I'm done!
So, what's on your needles?