I am usually a very strict one-project-at-a-time kind of a gal, but every once in a while a yarn is just so tempting and beautiful that it just happens to come home with me and goes directly onto my needles or hook. And that is precisely what happened with our latest special reserve yarn, Diadem DK. I was still in the middle of my last crochet cowl (in Diadem Fingering) but I just could not help myself!
This yarn is so lovely with a wonderful drape, I knew it would be perfectly suited for something gift-worthy. And with the holidays sneaking up on me, I had just the excuse to break my one-project rule.
I wanted something with a classic appeal and I also was looking for a stitch that was reversible while being repetitive and easy. I settled on doing half double crochet through the back loop worked back and forth (essentially making a scarf), then I seamed the sides together to create an infinity cowl.
This is actually my second version! I used one ball of Gold and one ball of Argent in Diadem DK. I loved how much the first cowl turned out (which will be gifted away in a few short weeks!) that I knew I needed to make one for myself. In this case, indecision was what led me to make this version in two colors. I really like the striping effect that happens when it’s worn doubled up.
Here is a little close-up of the crocheted stitch that I used. It is slightly deceptive, as at a quick glance – one could think it were a ribbed knit stitch. Not only does the half double crochet through the back loop work up quickly, but it can also lean feminine or masculine – making it a very versatile technique during this time of year when our needles and hooks are working feverishly away!
Here is a little summary of my cowl:
1 ball each in Gold and Argent, Diadem DK
US I-9/5.5mm crochet hook
Stitch: half double crochet through the back loop
Finished size: 8.5″ tall, 52″ circumference
To start, I simply worked a foundation chain that was about 50″ in length.
I simply worked back and forth lengthwise until I ran out of yarn (though I made sure to switch colors at the end of a row). Then, I worked across the row in the second color until I ran out of yarn. Not only is this cowl super soft, but it worked up extremely quickly – definitely a weekend worthy project. And the yarn itself has the loveliest sheen to it – which I think works great with the metallic shades that we hand-selected for this special reserve.
All in all, I know I made the right call making one for myself too (and I can’t wait to share my first cowl with the recipient)! What are your plans or project inspiration for Diadem DK?
