Tuesday 21 June 2016

BEAUTIFUL CHEVRON-LIKE ULTIMATE INFINITY COWL WITH SLEEVES

  
BEAUTIFUL CHEVRON-LIKE ULTIMATE INFINITY COWL WITH SLEEVES

This cowl with sleeves is fast becoming my most famous project. This is now the fifth pattern I’ve designed. As you all know, I do not like repeating patterns, so I always try to figure a different pattern for the cowl part. The sleeves for most are similar.  

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I was inspired by the Antonia shrug /wrap for the first project that I made of this type.  I am now using a little bit of a tweak and changing the way I have made my infinity sleeved cowl.

As I work on this wavy zig-zag pattern, I’ve written down my notes that I share with you.



Materials used : Today I’ve used about 200 gms of our lovely 4 ply OswalCashmilon acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook

Size made :  34” chest
Optional : a marker.

Stitches used : Using U.S terminology
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

Foundation Single Crochet : fsc : To refresh your skill on the fsc, please view this video https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA 

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice.  One dc made. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

Whipstitch to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the whipstitch at https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the embroidery needle and whipstitch to get an invisible join at https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the single crochet at https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

Here is a sizing chart for general neck sizing

Here is a sizing chart for general body sizing

Abbreviations used :
ch : Chain                           sp(s) : Space(s)
dc : Double crochet            hk : Hook                                                     
st(s) : Stitch(es)                  sl-st : slip stitch
sk : Skip                              sp : space
rep : repeat
fsc : Foundation single crochet  


Instructions
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.
In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement.  This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project.  

Quick analysis of what we’re going to do here today.  We start with a row of fsc and then work our way side to side to make a large rectangle. Now here’s where your creativity comes in.  There are several ways you can decide to wrap this around your body – so the two sides of your wrap will be the length of your arms from shoulder(s) to wrist(s), and the centre part is what will go around your chest. 

For the centre of the cowl, I’ve used the wavy pattern. 
For the sleeves, I’ve used a different pattern, so if you’re choosing a different pattern for the sleeves, the come along with me on my creative journey.

Check this video to see the four ways you can use this superb creation.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKNxf3RuaBQ

If you have other ideas on how we can use this, do let me know.. and we’ll add to this treasure.. this absolutely lovely wrap around cowl shrug pattern.

So calculations : One and a half times your round chest plus two arm lengths.  This is the length of the rectangle we’ll make.

Width : We will work up and down the fsc we’re making which is the width of our chest piece, but if you make this part too wide, then you’re actually increasing the round arm as well – so remember this when you’re working your calculations.


Now here are our tweaks :
1.       I’m planning on using the wavy pattern just for the center of the project and using a plainer stitch for the two arms, so I will be working three pieces in this project – One chest portion and two sleeve portions
2.      I will work the three pieces separately and then join them together.
3.      I am not going to write pattern separately for the chest and the sleeves.  I am writing the wavy zig-zag pattern down, and you could make the whole project in the same pattern.
4.      If you decide to make the sleeves separately (as I have), you will follow instructions through to the end and see what I have done.
5.      Finally, I’m going to add a tightening set of rows around the end of our ‘sleeve’ ends – so you could actually work whatever width you want, as the sleeves are going to fit eventually.

So, enough talking.. hooks in hand.. and let’s go.





Our stitch count is in multiples of 22 + 1.

Start : with fsc in multiples of 22 + 1.  Turn.

Row 1 : dc in the 1st fsc ; 
*(ch 1, sk next fsc, dc in the next fsc) ; 
rep (to) 4 times ; 
[ch 5, sk next fsc, dc in the next fsc] ; 
rep (to) 5 times* ; 
rep *to* till end.  Turn.

Row 2 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
*(skipping the ch-1 sp, dc in the next dc) ; 
rep (to) 3 times ; 12 dc in the next ch-5 sp ; 
rep (to) 5 times* ; 
rep *to* till end.  Turn.

Row 3 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
*(ch 1, sk next dc, dc in the next dc) ; 
rep (to) 4 times ; 
[ch 5, dc in the next dc] ; 
rep (to) 5 times* ; 
rep *to* till end.  Turn.

Row 4 : Rep Row 2.

Row 5 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
*(ch 1, sk next dc, dc in the next dc) ; 
rep (to) 4 times ; 
[ch 1, dc in the next dc] ; 
rep (to) 5 times* ; 
rep *to* till end.  Turn.

Row 6 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
(ch 1, dc in the next dc) ; 
rep (to) till end.  Turn.

And just like that we’re done with this lovely wavy zig-zag pattern.  Repeat Rows 2 to 6 till your project is 1.5 times the round chest measure ; ending with a Row 5
OR
As I said before, if you decide to work this pattern through the whole project, then you will work this shelled pattern for 2 sleeve lengths plus 1.5 times round chest measure.

If you are working this pattern all through in this wavy pattern, then once done, you will fold your completed project in half, and join the two sides from each end till the length needed for the sleeve.  The sleeves are the ends of this project and the centre of this project is the part that wraps around the chest.

Fasten off and weave in all ends and you’re done with your lovely wavy / zig zag cowl with sleeves.

IF however, you’re making plain sleeves as I am, then carry on with the instructions here.
1.       As we’re working a chest portion with the shelled pattern only, then you will work 1.5 times round chest measure in repeats of Rows 2 to 6 , ending with Row 5.
2.      If changing yarn colours, then fasten off Colour 1, and attach whatever colour you intend for your sleeve here. 
3.      We’ve ended with Row 5, so work sc in the dc and ch-1 sps to add up to the same number of stitches as you started with.  So say you started with 45 sts, at this end, you will have your dc and ch-4 sps, so just ensure that you work a total of 45 sts in these ch-sps and dc.
Once you have your sc at this end, and your fsc at the other end, you are ready to start your sleeves.

Once you’re done with this section, you will re-attach your sleeve yarn for the other side at one end of your start fsc row and repeat these sleeve instructions.


SLEEVES :


For this portion there are several options offered , so major decision time.

Single crochet back loop only (sc-blo) : Here is an easy video tutorial 

Round 1 : sc-blo in the 1st sc and in each sc till end.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st sc.

Optional : Place a marker in the sl-st if  you decide to reduce and scale the shape down a bit, as I have.

From here on I worked an sc in each sc all around, but did not join at the end of each row, so that we work in continuous rounds without the little join at the end. 
Now it does not really matter if you want to join with a sl-st at the end of each round – I just prefered not to.

If you do decide to work in rounds without joining, please place a marker in that 1st sc as we will need that 1st sc a little later in our pattern.

Note for decrease if working in a round without joining : At the end of each round one st before the marker, I have done a hdc 2-tog in back-loop (just to keep the pattern) over the next 2 sts. This works if you are not joining and are working in continuous rounds. Do remember though to move your marker each round so that you will keep the decreases neatly in a row under the armhole.

Note  for decrease if not working in a round and joining with sl-st at each round : At the end of each round two sts before the marker, I have done a hdc 2-tog in back-loop (just to keep the pattern) over the next 2 sts. Do remember though to move your marker each round so that you will keep the decreases neatly in a row under the armhole.

Yet again, just continue till you have the shape just right for the arm you are working this project for.

Finally, I worked this repeat till I had a length about 4” shorter than needed from the shoulder to wrist.  I have decided to work the last 6” in post stitches in such a way that if needed the recipient could pull it over the palms and have fingerless gloves (of sorts).

The 2” ‘extra’ therefore will not be an issue (i.e I started this paragraph saying I would repeat till I was 4” short, and then worked 6” in post stitches, so these 2” will be part of the fingerless gloves)

So if you feel  like doing this then, work till you are about 3-4” short of the length needed from shoulder to wrist.
  
Next Round : sc in the 1st sc and each sc all around, and join with a sl-st to the 1st sc.

From the following round on we will work in post stitches.  

Front Post Double Crochet : fpdc : Post stitches are stitches worked around the post of a stitch of the row below.  
How to work the fpdc :  yo, hk into sp between posts of st from row below – going from back of stitch, around st and into the front of the st ; yo, pull yarn through the sps (3 lps on hk), (yo & pull through 2 lps) twice.  One fpdc complete 

Next Round : fpdc in the 1st sc ; dc in the next sc ; 
(fpdc in the next sc ; dc in the next sc) ; 
rep (to) all around, and join with a sl-st to the 1st sc.

Next Round : fpdc in the 1st dc ; dc in the next dc ; 
(fpdc in the next dc ; dc in the next dc) ; 
rep (to) all around, and join with a sl-st to the 1st dc.

Rep the above round for the final few inches, till your sleeves are of the length you need (i.e either till wrist or till the end of your thumb - for the fingerless gloves).

Fasten off and weave in ends.  We’ve completed one side of our sleeves.

Re-attach your yarn on the other side of the shoulder bit (i.e in my case the end of the grey rectangle) for the second sleeve.
Work all the rounds of pattern for the second sleeve as well.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing :

I’m thrilled at what we’ve made here today.  This is a really oft-repeated pattern, but with a simple twist and tweak, we’ve created something different.

Give yourself a big pat on the back as this one has really been yet another great project .. and so different from the others we’ve worked on together.. and once again, totally worth it, I’m sure you’ll agree.

And that’s done.. yet another project brilliantly executed ! 

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Have a great day and see you soon. 

Here are some of my earlier neckwear creations.  



















































































































AND for our four legged pals.. some fancy neckwear at



Here are some of my older  bolero / jacket / vest creations.  Have fun with these free patterns too








































and here are some tops.. that a bolero would look swell over..


















































































  





































































































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