I don’t know about the weather where you are checking in from, but we are having a snow day here in Texas, so it is a great time to cast on a new, quick-knit to keep you warm. I’m super excited about this year’s quickies projects; the Marianna Cowl is a great way to start the year. Knit in Rasta Fog and Amphibian colorways, it promises to be a fast project that is sure to keep you warm. I love the versatility that this design affords; it can be used as a cowl, or you can even wear it as a headband.

Please welcome Alison to the blog today!

Hi! My name is Alison, and I am excited to share my design with you.  I live on the west coast of Canada, and draw much of my inspiration from the beauty of nature all around me.  When I am not knitting, I am spending time with my husband and two sweet boys or working as a Registered Nurse for older adults.  I grew up visiting my grandparents’ sheep farm, and always want to let the natural beauty and diversity of yarn be highlighted in my designs.

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

When I was young, my Mum had a knit sweater with horizontal stitching.  I was already a knitter at that time, and I loved that design element.  When I started this design, I wanted to include stitches traveling in different directions to show the versatility of a simple knit stitch. 

My favourite part of this design is the contrast of the horizontal Estonian Braid and the basic stockinette stitch. It is simple and effective, and also complex in its own way.

Additionally, I hope makers enjoy the versatility of this garment, as it can be worn both as a cowl or pulled up as a headband/earmuff on those extra chilly days!

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?

Knitters should pay attention to tension! The stitches are fairly simple, but the beauty of the pattern comes from its uniformity.  If you are debating between two needle sizes, go for the larger one as it will make your stitches a bit looser.

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

I hope they enjoy that it is a quick, satisfying knit that they can wear or gift right away!  Also Estonian Braid may be a new technique for some, and I always love learning something in a pattern. The soft and squishy Rasta is also a joy to work with - it’s like a cloud on your needles!

4: What does your design process look like?

I like to play around with a new yarn, feel the texture and explore how different stitches come out.  Once I have a sense of the fibre, I work on an idea in my head and then work through trial and error to get it right.

5: Was there any particular inspiration you had when creating this piece?

I was inspired by the memory of my Mum’s sweater, and the inspiration it brought me as a young knitter.

6: What impact does the color of this project have on you? Did you make design choices based on the color way name?

I tried out a few colour combos with this pattern, and loved them all.  Trompo was bold and striking, while Amphibian was soft and gentle.  In the end, I chose Fog for my sample because I felt it highlighted the stitch definition and the texture I wanted to show in the final pattern. 

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

That I design because I love it!  My patterns are a reflection of my personality, and I always publish them hoping that knitters have as much fun making them as I did designing them.

Thanks for spending some time with us today Alison! Be sure to check out the pattern he4re on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marianna-cowl and to find more patterns from Alison, check out these social media profiles:

Social Media Profiles

IG: @thestitchwhisperer

Website: www.thestitchwhisperer.com

Ravelry ID: alisonbeaty

You can find the pattern:

Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marianna-cowl