Ceci Cowl

Ceci is back! And this time, she’s showing off as a simple yet elegant two-color cowl. You might remember the beaded flower stitch from Ceci T’s integrated necklace — that same fancy stitch that looks far more complicated than it really is. It plays with elongated stitches that are wrapped to create little bundles, with beads nestled between the flowers to highlight the negative space. Just a touch of bling to make the yarn shine.

I designed this cowl for my cruise to South America, and I couldn’t wait to introduce my intrepid knitters to this 100% Argentinian wool. It is a single ply merino from Patagonia milled and naturally dyed by the extraordinary team at Huanaco. Cecilia and her husband Lean have developed a tantalizing line of Argentinian yarn that is traceable from farm to the skein. It is heaven in your hands and my favorite travel find ever! I urge you to treat yourself to this unique and scrumptious yarn.

Working with beads is optional; I used Size 6 Japanese Seed beads to bring those delicate flowers to life, adding just the right sparkle to make Ceci truly sing. Ceci Cowl is equal parts effortless and extra and turns heads with every stitch.

MATERIALS
MC (main color)- 123 yards [112 meters] of fingering weight yarn 
CC (contrast color)- 81 yards [74 meters] of fingering weight yarn 

Yarn I Used: 
Huanaco, Merino De La Patagonia Single; (100% Merino wool); 
415 yards [379 meters]/ 3.5 ounces [100 grams]); 
MC: Peidra del Aguila CC: Selva
Ndl A- US Size 4 [3.5 mm] 16 inch [41 cm] circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
Ndl B- US Size 5 [3.75 mm] 16 inch [41 cm] circular needle, or one size larger than needed to obtain gauge
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Optional- 282 Size 6/0 Glass Seed Beads (approx. 25 grams)
Tool for placing beads- super floss, .75-1 mm steel crochet hook, or a Beadle Needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approx. 9 inches [23 cm] high by 21 inches [53 cm] around at the top and 23 inches [58 cm] around at the bottom 

GAUGE
26 stitches and 32 rnds = 4 inches [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch, blocked on ndl A