Today, I am re-releasing the Sycamore Canyon Cowl. This was one of my early designs that I love so much, but I wrote and released it before I met my excellent tech editor, Bonnie Davis. I also published it before I was aware of low vision accessible patterns, so this one was in need of a little sprucing up.
So, behold, the improved and upgraded Sycamore Canyon Cowl! Below you’ll find links to buy it on all of my usual platforms, along with a little bit about the inspiration behind it, some technical details, and more.
Payhip
Here’s where you’ll find the Sycamore Canyon Cowl on Payhip.
Etsy
Here’s where you’ll find the Sycamore Canyon Cowl on Etsy.
Ravelry
Here’s where you’ll find the Sycamore Canyon Cowl on Ravelry.
About the Sycamore Canyon Cowl
This cowl was inspired by one of my favorite places. Sycamore Canyon is a state campground tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains between Camarillo and Malibu. It’s full of—you guessed it—sycamore trees.
My family used to camp there for Thanksgiving every year, and the smell of sycamore trees in late autumn is heavenly. I carry that scent with me in my heart everywhere. The canyon also has a little stream that runs through it, though by November, it’s usually dry. I spent hours there is a kid building forts among all the boulders.
The bobbles on his cowl remind me of those boulders, while the color I chose is one you often see in sycamore leaves as they turn and fall. I knit this cowl using a single-ply wool-silk blend by Malabrigo. This yarn is one of my all-time favorites, and I’ve used it for several projects over the years. I like the softness, the faint sheen from the silk, and the fluffiness of the single ply yarn.
There are benefits and drawbacks to this yarn construction for this project, though. Because it’s a cowl, I don’t have to worry too much about it getting a lot of wear and tear. That means I can use a single ply yarn without being too worried about its delicacy. However, because the yarn is a single ply, it doesn’t have as much stitch definition as a yarn with more plies might have. I liked that for this cowl, but if you’re looking for one where the bobbles pop a little more and the stitches are more clearly visible, consider choosing a yarn with more plies.
Easy Shopping List
In case you want to knit this cowl using the exact materials I did, here is a shopping list with easy links for you. These are affiliate links, which means if you choose to buy something through those links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I will always identify affiliate links for you. Thanks for supporting my work!.
Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino (unfortunately, the colorway I used has been discontinued, but there are lots of other beautiful options)
Needles: Addi Turbo 24″ Circular Needles
Sycamore Canyon Cowl Details and Specs
This pattern has been tech edited and test knitted. It includes a second PDF accessible for knitters with low vision, following guidelines from Ravelry’s Accessible Patterns group.
SIZES
One size
Dimensions: 12.75” (32.5 cm) high by 11.5” (29 cm) wide
MATERIALS
DK weight, 250-300 yds (229-274 m)
Sample shown knit in Malabrigo Silky Merino, 51% silk, 49% merino, single-ply, 150 yds (137 m) per 1.76 oz (50 g)
GAUGE
4” (10 cm) square = 26 stitches and 29 rows in seed stitch after blocking
NEEDLES
One set of 24 in (60 cm) circular needles in a size to match gauge listed above
Suggested needle size: US 6 (4 mm)
TOOLS
One stitch marker
Crochet hook, size G (4 mm) (optional)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
Techniques: increases, decreases, bobbles, knitting in the round