As summer approaches and the days get warmer, one can still feel a crisp chill in the air in the early morning and evening – the perfect temperature for the ultimate in-between-seasons accessory, the knitted kerchief! By far the most common accessory in my wardrobe, kerchiefs and shawlettes are ideal at this time of year. Light yet still warm, small enough to tuck under a thin jacket or sweater, and a fun and practical way to add a touch of flair to any outfit.
My go-to pattern for my favourite chill chaser is The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief by Orange Flower Yarn. Available as a free download on Ravelry, this simple top down kerchief is written for DK weight yarn but can easily be modified for any yarn you choose. I’ve knit this pattern so many times over the years it’s hard to remember all the different yarns I’ve used, but my preferred yarn for this project is Cascade Roslyn.
Roslyn’s blend of 65% wool and 35% silk is lightweight and airy and provides exquisite drape. Available in twenty-eight richly saturated shades, you can make one for almost every day of the month! Roslyn contains a generous 350 meters per ball which gives you the option to make your kerchief bigger should you so choose.
A mini version of a shawl, The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief is the perfect project for first time shawl knitters. Knitters will practice both yarn over increases as well as directional lifted increases (m1r and m1l), garter stitch edging and basic lace knitting. The body of the kerchief is knit in stocking stitch meaning you always know whether you are working a right side or a wrong side row, unlike garter stitch shawls which can be harder for new knitters to keep track of rows. The simple stocking stitch fabric creates a beautiful blank canvas that offers knitters the opportunity to explore their own creativity. Incorporate more lace or stocking stitch sections, add beads, use a fun self striping or a gorgeous handpainted yarn, the possibilities are endless.
Don’t forget that most local yarn shops are still open and still offering outstanding service. Check out our Find a Retailer page to find the shop nearest to you to get your hands on a ball (or two or three…) of Cascade Roslyn for your next project.
Do you have a favourite go-to yarn from Cascade that you love for shawls? Send a picture of your finished projects in Cascade Yarns to onmyneedlesnow@estelledesigns.ca. We love seeing what you’re working on!