I love the gentle texture that results from knitting certain simple knit-purl stitch patterns with energized singles, and I’m always on the lookout for stitch patterns that produce such an effect. I recently used stitch pattern #20 from The New Knitting Stitch Library by Lesley Stanfield and realized that, with some tweaking, it might create interesting texture when knitted from energized singles. I named the tweaked stitch pattern Cinder Blocks and used it in this cowl. The structure of the cowl is simple to keep the stitch pattern as the main attraction. I knitted a rectangle, then used a three-needle bind-off to create a flap that looks like a ruffle because of the texture of the knitted fabric.

Fiber 2.5 oz of Yarn Hollow handpainted Targhee wool combed top.

Yarn Singles; 275 yd; 2,025 ypp; 25 wpi; laceweight.

Needles US size 4 (3.5 mm). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Spare needle in a smaller size; removable marker; tapestry needle.

Gauge 32 sts and 50 rows = 4” in charted patt, unstretched.

Finished Size 20.25” circumference and 8” wide.

Spinning Notes I split the combed top into bits, predrafted these bits, and spun them randomly, letting the colors fall where they may. I spun the singles with Z-twist and short draw, using a 6:1 drive ratio and a double-drive mechanism. My goal was to create a singles with enough twist to look like a good balanced yarn if plied.