Lava Cowl

Lava Cowl

Two skeins of different shades of orange are used in this cowl. I double stranded the yarn and two shades of yarn are combined in such a way that the color gradually blends in and changes one end of the cowl to the other. (I originally wanted to use more distinct two different colors, like orange and yellow, instead of two similar shades of orange like in the picture above. It's a long story but I ended up with these two shades.)

I love lace but I don't have the patience. If you are like me, "vertical drop stitch rib" is perfect for you! Once you get a hang of it, there is no need to ever look at the pattern. It's so easy you can even knit and drive! (Just joking.)

If you have sensitive skin, mohair may be too itchy. I would use silk, or mohair blend with higher silk content. I use Wagtail which is 100% kid mohair. I was a little afraid that it's going to be too scratchy, but it feels so soft!

I did not test knit this. If you find any errors or if you have any questions, please let me know. Happy knitting! Don't knit and drive, seriously.
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Finished Measurement
Length 18”, width 11”

Yarn
Two skeins (about 150g total) of mohair with two different colors. I used Wagtail (100% fine kid mohair, baby or sport weight, 4ply, 100g/410 yards), “copper” and “soft rust.”

Materials
Place marker
Tapestry needle 

Needles
24” #7 circular needles

Gauge
24 stitches over 10cm/4in in st stitch. (Not so important.)

Vertical Drop Stitch Rib Pattern
Multiple of eight. Work in the round.
Round 1 (set up row): k2, p1, yo, p1, k2, p2, repeat
Round 2-5: k2, p3, k2, p2, repeat
Round 6 (drop row): k2, p1, drop the next stitch down to the yo you created in row 1, p1, k2, p2, repeat
Round 7 (set up row): k2, p2, k2, p1, yo, p1, repeat
Round 8-11: k2, p2, k2, p3, repeat
Round 12 (drop row): k2, p2, k2, p1, drop the next stitch down to the yo you created in row 7, repeat

Directions

• Cast-on: With two strands of color A, cast on 96 stitches. Use a stretchy cast on. I used Jeny's stretchy slipknot cast-on.
• Garter rows:
• Round 1: Join, put a place marker, and knit in the round. Be careful not to twist your stitches.
• Round 2: purl.
• Round 3-8: repeat R1-2. Four garter ridges.  
• Drop stitch rib:
• Continue with two strands of color A, work in the drop stitch rib pattern until it is 6" from the cast on.
• Cut just one strand of the working yarn of color A and replace it with a strand of color B. Now you will use a strand of color A and color B. Work for another 6" from the color change.
• Change to two strands of color B. Work until it is 6" from the color change.
• Garter rows: Work 8 garter rows (4 garter ridges) same in Round 1-8.
• Bind off: Use stretchy bind off. I used Elizabeth Zimmerman's sewn bind off.  Weave in the loose ends. Block (optional).

Variation "infinity scarf"
You can double the circumference by casting on 192 stitches and put your scarf around your neck twice. (Make sure it is a multiple of 8.)

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