Holiday Stashdown-Transmute Cowl

When the weather cools down I know it is time to join the Holiday Stashdown CAL again! This year I am sharing with you, the Transmute Cowl. If you enjoy this block design, check out the Transmute Square Throw for a larger project.

Transmute Cowl

What is the Holiday Stashdown?

Every Monday and Thursday from October 4 through December 16, 2021, a new free crochet pattern is shared by a different designer. Each pattern will be a one-skein project, or a stashbuster/scrappy project, so you can work from your own existing yarn stash to make a great winter holiday gift, decoration, or wrap. If you’d like to go ahead and buy some yarn just for the project, we won’t stop you! We love yarn as much as you do.

We’ve teamed up with 18 wonderful companies – AdKnits, Babé Crochet, BonnieKreger, Brown Sheep Company, Inc., Chetnanigans, EngravingForYou, Eucalan, GurumiSupply, Hooked for Life Publishing, JitterBeanMugs, KnitPal, Knitter’s Relief Balm, Kraemer Yarns, Space Cadet, SweetBrieCreations, TheCrafterWithinUs, Unicorn, and Walnut Farm Designs – to gather 19 amazing prizes for our end-of-CAL giveaway. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway in this post on Underground Crafter by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 31, 2021!

How to Join the 2021 Holiday Stashdown

  • You can join in by crocheting the patterns as you have time.
  • Share your progress and post pictures of your finished projects. Tag your projects and posts #CALCentralCrochet and #HolidayStashdownCAL on all social media.
  • If you’d like to chat with other crocheters, join the CAL Central Crochet Facebook group, or visit this thread in the CAL Central Ravelry group.
  • By the end of the CAL, you’ll have up to 22 gifts, decorations, or wrap projects for the winter holidays. 

Visit Underground Crafter to learn more about the prizes, enter the end-of-CAL giveaway, and to get links to each Holiday Stashdown CAL pattern as it is released.

Transmute Cowl

A lacy miter square is highlighted in this 1 skein project! Each square is worked adjacent to the previous, meaning that there is no cutting and joining….so less ends to weave in!

Transmute Cowl

Materials

  • H/5/5.00 crochet hook
  • Berroco Sesame light weight 43% wool, 39% cotton, 9% acrylic, 9% nylon yarn (230yrds/210m/3.5oz/100g) 1 skein #7430 Pickled Ginger

Notes

Ch-1 sp count as stitches when working double crochet 5 together; this stitch is noted as a decrease

First Block

Row 1: Ch 63, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 26 chs, dc5tog over next 5 chs, dc in last 28 sts, turn. -28 dc per side of decrease

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1, now and throughout), sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 11 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 12 times, dc in last st, turn. -12 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 11 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc] 12 times, turn. -24 dc per side of decrease

Continuing the open spaces

Row 4: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 9 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 10 times, dc in last st, turn. -10 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 9 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc] 10 times, turn.-20 dc per side of decrease

Row 6: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 7 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 8 times, dc in last st, turn. -8 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 7: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 7 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc sp] 8 times, turn. -16 dc per side of decrease

Opening up again

Row 8: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 6 times, dc in last st, turn. -6 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 9: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 5 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc] 6 times, turn. -12 dc per side of decrease

Row 10: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc] 3 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 4 times, dc in last st, turn. -4 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 11: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, [dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp] 3 times, dc5tog over next 5 sts, [dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc] 4 times, turn. -8 dc per side of decrease

Making some more spaces

Row 12: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 5 sts, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 st] 2 times, dc in last st, turn. -2 ch-1 sps per side of decrease

Row 13: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc5tog over next 5 sts, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in last st, turn. -4dc per side of decrease

Row 14: Ch 3, dc in next st, sk 5 sts, dc in last 2 sts, turn. -2 dc per side of decrease

Row 15: Ch 2, dc4tog. DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

Transmute Cowl

Next Block

Note:

Row 1 will work down the edge of the chain as well as along the edge of the adjacent block

Row 1:  Ch 33, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 26 chs, dc5tog over next 5 chs (this will consist of last 2 chains, the stitch that the chain is created from and 2 stitches working along the edge of the adjacent block), dc 28 sts evenly across edge, turn. -28 dc per side of decrease

Repeat Rows 2-15 of First block.

Repeat “Next Block” 2 more times, to have 4 completed blocks. Making sure that when working the Row 1 of both Block 3 and 4 that the edge chosen creates an overall rectangle.

Fast off. Seam Block 4 to Block 1. Block if desired.

Lisa’s Ladder Cowl- Free Pattern

A free pattern means that it is that time again, the New York Sheep and Wool Festival (a.k.a Rhinebeck)! Just like most everything else this year, it will be done a bit differently…as in virtually (find out information here).

This means that you do not have to live in or travel to Duchess County New York. You can be anywhere in the world and take classes, visit booths, and get a little hint of the New England turning leaves.

Lisa’s Ladder Cowl

For the last several years I have been teaming up with Lisa Souza Dyeworks and providing a free pattern to accompany her limited addition colorway for the week. This year is no different.  

Lisa’s Ladder Cowl

Materials

J/10/6.00mm crochet hook

Pyrenees Worsted 100% Merino wool; colorway Rhinebeck 2020; 1 Skein

Lisa’s Ladder close up

Pattern

Row 1: Ch 62, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk 3 chs, 2 dc in next ch, sc in next st] rep across 12 times, turn.

Row 2- until desired length: Ch 3, [2 dc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next dc] rep across 12 times, turn.

Block. Seam last row to row 1. Weave in ends.

Holiday Stashdown CAL 2019

I am really honored to be part of the 2019 Holiday Stashdown. This is the fifth year, that you have weeks worth of pattern to help you work through your stash and get some of your holiday gifts created, and have the opportunity to win prizes.

If you have missed any of the patterns so far, well head over to Underground Crafter and find the entire list of participants.

For my part, I have created a quick cowl, it is worked from the center out with a twist. This makes for only a few rounds, but they are longer than you would expect, since you are almost creating two rounds at once.

Sovereign Cowl

This pattern works up in a medium weight yarn, and in my personal feeling has a bit of a regal feel, maybe it is the picot on the edge, but I know I will be keeping this one myself and wearing it this winter.

Sovereign Cowl

Size: 31” around x 9” tall (79 x 23 cm)

Gauge

14 sts/ 3 full rounds                                                                                                    

Materials

Special Stitches

Picot: Ch 3, sl st to the stitch below the ch just created.

Pattern is worked center out, by working on both side of the beginning chain, and add a twist for the mobius.

The Pattern

Ch 103

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, twist chain, and working in the unused loops of the beginning chain, sc in the same loops as the first sc of the round, sc in each unused loop around, join to the first st, turn. -204sc

Rnd 2: Ch 4, [sk 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1] rep around, sl st to join to 3rd ch of turning ch, turn.

Rnd 3: Sl st to next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, [sc in next ch-1 sp, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] rep around, sl st to join to first sc, turn.

Rnd 4: Ch 4, sk 1 dc, sc in next dc, ch 1, [dc in next sc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, sc in next dc, ch 1] rep around, sl st to join, turn.

Rnd 5-7: Rep Rnds 2-4

Rnd 8: Rep Rnd 2

Rnd 9: Sl st to next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, (2 dc, picot, dc) in next ch-1 sp, [sc in next ch-1 sp, (2 dc, picot, dc) in next ch-1 sp] rep around, sl st to join to first sc, fasten off. Weave in ends, block.

Hooked on Bruges Lace! & a Free Pattern

I have been hooked on playing with Bruges Lace as of late, and wanted to share this skill.

Spiral Bruges Cowl

Bruges Lace is a crochet technique that essentially has you crocheting a ribbon, a narrow strip, and attaching it to itself to create a simple lace that looks much more involved. The patterns often have a high row count, but that is because the rows are only a few stitches each, in some cases only 5 stitches.

A “ribbon”

As you can see in this photo the “ribbon” is only a few stitches, and then there is a long turning chain. This long chain is used as a joining point when working the “ribbon” back on itself. This approach lends itself to any design that you can draw in a continuous line.

When you have a “turn” in your line you need to work longer and join multiple long loops together to form a “bend” in the ribbon.

Joining sides of “ribbons”

I encourage you to give it a try, and to get you started I have a free cowl pattern.

Spiral Bruges Cowl

Work a ribbon, and then join on one side to spiral around and create this fast and eye catching cowl. The ends of the ribbon are highlighted with simple shells to finish this highlight.

Finished Size

31″ circumference, 12″ Tall (79 cm circumference, 9 cm tall)

Gauge

5 sts (the width of ribbon, not counting ch-5 loop)= 1 1/2″ (4cm), 6 rows =4″ (10cm)

Materials

* Lisa Souza Yarns Max medium weight 50% Bombyx Silk/50% Merino Wool yarn (219 yrd/3.5oz)

* K/10 ½ /6.5mm crochet hook

Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sk next ch, 5 dc in next ch, sk next ch, sc in last ch, turn chain over to work in unused loops of beg chain.

Beginning Row 2, turn and work on the other side of the chain

Row 2: Ch 5, dc in unused loops of first st, dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next st, dc in next ch, dc in unused loops of last st, turn.

Row 3: Ch 5, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 4-50: Rep Row 3.

Row 51: Ch 2, sl st to ch-5 loop of Row 2, sl st, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 52: Ch 5, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 53: Ch 2, sl st to next adjacent ch-5 loop, ch 2, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 54: Ch 5, dc in next 2 dc sts, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc sts, turn.

Row 55-248: Rep Rows 53 & 54 ninety seven times.

Row 249: Ch 2, sl st in next adjacent ch-5 loop, ch 2, sc in first dc, 5 dc in ch-1 sp, sc in last dc, fasten off. Weave in ends, block.

Stacked Ladders Cowl- Free Pattern

I find that there are times when designs just fly off my hook, while the other times I cannot even bring myself to pick up that hook. Fortunately I have been living in the world of the former and not the latter as of late. As a result I have a new free pattern available for you!

Stacked Ladders Cowl grew out of my playing with a skein of Anzula Croquet yarn. The yarn is light weight and a 50/50 blend of Superwash Merino and Tussah Silk. It honestly is a luxurious yarn to work with, it is so soft and even what I would call billowy or lofty, while still being quite structurally strong.

This Cowl takes only 1 skein, and is a quick project, so it is perfect to check out a “new to you” yarn while creating a gift for yourself or someone special.

It is a light, airy design that is a great transition piece for fall or spring. If you are not a cowl fan, it is simple enough to just work it as a scarf.

This design is worked up with a large hook, but if you do not have anything quite this large, use the largest hook you feel comfortable with, you will be happy with the results.

Stacked Ladders Cowl

Materials:

  • Anzula Croquet light weight 50% superwash merino, 50% tussah silk yarn, (230yrds/210m/114g) sample colorway Madam
  • L/8mm crochet hook

Ch 34

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sk 3 chs, (ch 3, sc in next ch) 8 times, turn.

Rows 2 and 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, (ch 3, sc in next sc) 8 times, turn.

Row 4: Ch 6, dc in next sc, (ch 3, dc in next sc) 7 times, turn.

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in same st, (ch 3, sc in next dc) 7 times, ch 3, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch, turn.

Rows 6 and 7: Rep Rows 2 and 3.

Row 8: Rep Row 4.

Rows 9-100: Rep rows 5-8. Fasten off. Seam Row 1 to Row 100 while weaving in ends.