Introducing One Step Ahead – one pattern, 2 knits! With a simple stitch and row count adjustment, you’ve got a cowl for the neckline, or a wrap for the shoulders. Tapering cables worked in the round are shown in wonderfully soft aran alpaca. Both cowl and wrap are fun, quick knits, and perfect for taking off the seasonal chill. Enjoy!

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Cowl
29¼“ / 74.3 cm circumference at hem tapering to 20½” / 52.1 cm circumference at neckline; 9¾“ / 24.8 cm height
Wrap
45¾” / 116.2 cm circumference at hem tapering to 32” / 81.3 cm circumference at shoulders; 11” / 27.9 cm height

MATERIALS
Yarn
Shown in EXTRA Aran yarn by Blue Sky Fibers (55% Baby Alpaca/45% Fine Merino; 218 yds / 199 m per 150 g skein); color: Butter Cream #3510;
Cowl – 1 skein, or for comparable yarn, approximately 190 yds / 175 m;
Wrap – 2 skeins, approximately 400 yds / 365 m.

Needles
Cowl
US8/ 5mm or size to obtain gauge
• 1 16”/ 40 cm circular
US7/ 4.5mm (one size smaller than above)
• 1 16”/ 40 cm circular (for trim)
Wrap
US8/ 5mm or size to obtain gauge
• 1 24”/ 60 cm circular
US7/ 4.5mm (one size smaller than above)
• 1 24”/ 60 cm circular (for trim)

Notions
• Stitch markers
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle

GAUGE (after blocking)
• 18 sts and 28 rows = 4”/ 10.2 cm in Stockinette Stitch
• 19.2 sts and 28 rows = 4”/ 10.2 cm in Cable Rib

SKILLS REQUIRED
Long-tail CO, circular knitting, cable knitting, decreasing (k2tog), and blocking.

5 page pdf includes pattern instructions, photographs, tutorial links, and definitions for relevant abbreviations.

And just for fun, here’s a link to the source of its name.