I couldn’t be more jazzed to announce this. In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be starting The Great Cowl KAL. Currently, there are 4 patterns being edited and photographed, and a fifth sample being knit. I’ll be posting preview photos as soon as I have them, but this post will contain yarn info, as well as project timelines and difficulty levels. The Great Cowl KAL will start at the end of January.

The Great Cowl KAL is an innovative new way to share patterns with you all, without doing a scary and expensive mystery KAL. They are regular patterns: you’ll get preview photos and all the normal information that comes with my patterns. The difference is you’ll have a chance to compete for prizes, including free patterns for everyone who completes the challenge.

Yup, you read that right: free pattern(s) for everyone who completes the challenge. How many free patterns you get is up to you!

This is how it works:

• Patterns are posted on a pre-set schedule. The amount of time for each pattern varies based on complexity, etc.
• You don’t have to do all of the patterns, you can jump in whenever you want. Consequently, you can also skip patterns if you want.
• Pattern #1 is free. All subsequent patterns can either be purchased, or earned by completing the KAL Challenge.
• Everyone who completes a pattern and submits proof will receive the next pattern free.
• Participants who complete all 5 patterns by a set date and submit photo proof will receive a special prize.

Nifty, eh? It’s a fun way for everyone to get free patterns and share their beautiful FOs. You could, in theory, get 5 free patterns if you knit them all, plus the super secret special prize at the end.

Now, I know I can’t just throw caution to the wind and spring a frightening number of projects with very specific yarn and needle requirements on you without warning. That’s just cruel. So here’s the info you’ll need.

How to sign up

Join the Ravelry group! I’ll post updates there when the patterns are available on the blog. If you prefer, you can sign up for the mailing list – see the column on the right of the screen.

Yarn & pattern info, plus timelines

Pattern 1: Flurries Cowl (free)
A little bit of a unique project combining stockinette worked in the round, and brioche worked flat. Designed to be worn in frigid outdoor temperature, but it also won’t cause you to overheat on public transportation.

• Yarn: Approximately 100 grams sport weight yarn, variegated is perfect for this. Solid is ok too.
• Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) 16″ circular, and US 8 (5.0mm) 16″ circular
• Notions: 1 stitch marker, 8 small buttons (between 0.5″ and 0.75″ in diameter) & darning needle
• Timeline: 9 days

Pattern 3: Weeble Wobble Cowl ($6, or free)
Comprised of stockinette and garter stitch with short rows, this infinity cowl incorporates unique shaping to add some zest to a simple project. Very easy to work, and is ideal for that luxury skein of fingering weight, or that wonderful variegated yarn you’ve been hiding from me.

• Yarn: Approximately 120 grams (410 yards) fingering weight. You will use all of this. Smaller skeins of ok, just knit fewer stockinette rows.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) circular needle (I always use 16″, but you could use a 20″ or larger for this)
• Notions: 1 stitch marker, darning needle
• Timeline: 12 days

Pattern 4: Perpetually Persistent Cowl ($6, or free)
A break from the larger projects, this quickie cowl provides tons of warmth and a fun cable ribbing. This pattern is an all over cable/rib texture. The super bulky yarn provides a satisfying knit, and makes me hate living in freezing cold Chicago a lot less (I really do love it here, swear!). Variegated is ok, but nothing too crazy.

• Yarn: Approximately 100 120 grams of super bulky – I used Malabrigo Rasta (1 skein os 120 grams).
• Needles: US 17 (12.75mm) 16″ circular
• Notions: 1 stitch marker, darning needle
• Timeline: 4 days

Pattern 5: Blueberry Scowl ($6, or free)
The home stretch! This pattern is quite a bit larger, and is a convertible infinity cowl/scarf combo. I’d recommend a tonal semi-solid for this one, but you could use a variegated and be just as happy. Buttons are key here! This pattern utilizes ribbing and brioche.

• Yarn: Approximately 200 grams worsted weight yarn
• Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) needle – I’d recommend circular due to project size.
• Notions: 2 stitch markers, 3 buttons (approximately 1″ in diameter) & darning needle
• Timeline: 18 days