I am trying very hard to be mindful and present these days, but there is definitely a part of me that keeps looking at the calendar and counting down to things- whether it’s the first day of school, the courses I have left in my Master’s Program before graduation, or the days until it’s official sweater knitting season, there is definitely an underlying sense of urgency that creeps in no matter how much yoga I’ve managed to squeeze in that day! One thing that grabs the attention more than others is the time for making winter presents creeping away day by day. (It also pairs well with how close I’m approaching the limited number of days to wear knitted accessories!). Helen Kennedy’s latest pattern in our quickies program, Just Passing Through Cowl, fits for both of those! It’s a beautiful cowl that can be worked up, quickly, for a gift, or for some fall outdoor excursions (or even to protect against the aggressive AC to combat the equally brutal heat outside!). I love that Helen’s design was inspired by the beautiful modern stained-glass windows of the LA SAGRADA FAMÍLIA. The cowl really duplicates the way the sunlight poured through the glass creating a myriad of beautiful colors.

The cowl is knit in the round and features a woven cross stitch. Helen has even provided detailed photo tutorials in the pattern and links to youtube videos to help ensure that you are comfortable working this technique! Once you fall in love with this stitch pattern and cowl, make sure you check out the matching hat and sweater! The cowl is knit in Mecha, a chunky weight yarn, and you will need to choose two colors that have a good contrast to each other.

Helen graciously shared some about the cowl and her design process with us:

1: What is your favorite part of your Quickies design and why?

Definitely the woven cross stitch. I just love how it blends all of the colours in a variegated yarn

2: What should knitters pay attention to when working this pattern? Do you have any tips or tricks that will make knitting this pattern easier?

I have two tips: I recommend that knitters check their woven cross stitches as they knit them. It’s not really that tricky but when the stitches are crossed over, they occasionally get out of order and a quick check prevents any mistakes. 

There’s a photo tutorial in the pattern and I also have a YouTube video https://youtu.be/N_D4JY8mGxM

Secondly, when you slip stitches try and slip them together and close to the tips of the needles to disturb them as little as possible. This technique keeps them really tidy.

3: What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about this project?

I hope that they will enjoy the woven cross stitch, not just for the stitch itself, which is fun to knit, but for the joy it brings as you watch the colors in the yarn blend and emerge in the pattern.

4: What does your design process look like?

I’d love to tell you it’s all very ordered and intentional, but it’s just not, at least in the early stages. Sometimes, until I have settled on one design, like making a hat, and have a clear idea of how it will look, the initial process can feel a bit chaotic. I tend to be overrun with inspiration in the form of objects, shapes, colors and stitches, but slowly I come to a final design idea and then the process becomes much more ordered with test swatches and pattern writing/testing. As I progress through my design idea, I often make changes and may pause to rethink, so I tend to have several designs on the go at any time!! That way I’ve always got some knitting to hand!

5: What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?

My love knitting and teaching. I started designing a few years ago as an antidote to my day job as a Neuroscientist. Along the way I have learnt so many new and amazing techniques which I have recently started to teach through YouTube videos. I hope to share all the knowledge that I’ve gained whilst designing!

6. What beverage are you most likely to have by your side while designing? 

Coffee! Most of the hard design work is done in the early part of the day when I can focus on the tricky details, so I’ve usually got several cups of coffee to hand. Of course, when I want to knit a test swatch or test my pattern it’s usually in the late evening, so I am occasionally found with a glass of pros.

Be sure to follow Helen in the following places so you don’t miss any new designs:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/helenkennedydesigns

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/helenkennedydesigns

Ravelry ID: mommanoggin

Website: www.helenkennedydesigns.com

YouTube: Helen Kennedy Designs - YouTube