Pattern available on Ravelry.
Once in a blue moon, an idea is both born and realized in a nearly perfect, almost effortless way. Perhaps you might say it was meant to be. The notion for this particular design was concieved, executed, and published in less than two months, which, for me at least, is practically unheard of! But my muse knew just what she was doing it seems because now I get to release this pattern ON a blue moon!
Inspired and shaped by the eight lunar phases, this cowl practically designed itself! The yarn, named Lunaris, which absolutely glows with the cashmere and stellina content, drapes beautifully and feels amazing to both crochet and wear. The soft gray of Gravity is perfect for the lighter colored panels that represent the seven visible phases of the moon: 1 panel (waxing crescent moon), 2 panels (1st quarter moon), 3 panels (waxing gibbous), 4 (full moon), 3 again (waning gibbous), 2 ( 3rd quarter moon), and 1 again (waning crescent moon).
The row of trebles in each panel is created with an undulating series of stitches in groups of 1, 2, 3, and 4 to further mirror the cycle of the moon. Each shell in the edging has eight stitches, one for each phase of the moon, and color changes are continued down the center of each shell as appropriate.
And if the MATH in this design isn't enough to convince you of its phantasmagoricalness (did I just make up a new word?)...
The circular nature of a cowl just happens to be the perfect shape for a piece that represents the cycle of the moon. It allowed me to mirror the full moon sequence with a darker color so that the new moon is also “visible” in the group of 4 panels of blue. And OH that aqua blue! Moody and ghostly variations from light, cloudy segments of it to deep, almost midnight dark teal create a stunning movement of color through each row that is a beautiful representation of a cloudy, moonlit night.
The pattern itself contains both written and (color-coded!) charted instructions with stitch counts, as well as photo support for special stitches, the edging, and seaming.
Here's what I used:
Lunaris by Anzula Luxury Fibers in 2 colors (114g, 425 yds each) Fingering (1) Weight: Gravity and Aqua (approx 300 yds of each were used in the original design)
Stitch Marker(s) (optional)
Skills you’ll need to know or learn:
Gauge:
Using Lunaris, 26 sts in pattern = 4” and each panel measures approx. 1 3/8” (rows 7 and 2 – 6). After edging and blocking, the finished cowl measures approximately 8” wide and 48” around.
And although I seriously adore Lunaris for this piece, substituting another yarn with a different weight should work beautifully as well - just keep in mind the finished size differences that may occur with substitutions (Lucero would be Anzula's DK weight solution for you)! Oh and by the by, Storm was actually my first choice for my blue, but I think I like the aqua just as well if not better!
Now. If you're ready to get this gorgeous cowl around your neck ASAP, visit my Ravelry shop where the Lunar Phases Cowl pattern awaits you!
Happy crocheting, y'all!
P.S. Take 10% off for the pattern launch with coupon code BLUEMOON - it'll be good through the new moon! ;)