Happy Thought(s)

"The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings." – Robert Louis Stevenson

In keeping with Mr. Stevenson's poem of the same name and sentiment, I offer this – my Happy Thought cowl – a cozy garter stitch collar with a sparkle of buttons for fastening snugly.  This sculptural piece, spawned from the collar of Brooklyn2, is worked flat, top-down, fitting close at the neckline and gradually increasing towards its base at the shoulders.  Play with color, yarn, and buttons – you'll find this to be a quick, satisfying, stash-busting project with lots of possibilities. I've worked out 3 with gauge variations to get you started.  Enjoy!

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (when buttoned up)
One size: 11 - 11½"/ 28 - 29.3 cm height by 18¾ - 19½"/ 47.8 - 49.5 cm circumference at top edge, tapering to 29 - 30"/ 73.8 - 76.3 cm circumference at bottom edge (variations due to yarn selection).

 

VERSION 1

MATERIALS
Yarn
Shown in Osprey wool by Quince & Co. (100% wool; 170 yds per 100g skein);  color – Delft #108; 2 skeins, or for comparable yarn, approximately 295 yds/ 270 m.
Needles
US9 / 5.5mm or size to obtain gauge
• 1 24"/ 60 cm circular
Notions
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• (3) 23 - 25mm buttons (25mm shown)

GAUGE
18.4 sts and 38 rows = 4"/ 10.2 cm in Garter stitch

 

VERSION 2

MATERIALS
Yarn
Shown in Moonshine by Juniper Moon Farm (40% alpaca, 40% wool, 20% silk; 197 yds per 100g skein); color – Sun Haze #30; 2 skeins, or for comparable yarn, approximately 325 yds/ 298 m.
Needles
US7 / 4.5mm or size to obtain gauge
• 24"/ 60 cm circular
Notions
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• (3) 23 - 25mm buttons (25mm shown)

GAUGE
20 sts and 40 rows = 4"/ 10.2 cm in Garter stitch

 

VERSION 3

MATERIALS
Yarn
Shown in Owl by Quince & Co. (50% American Wool, 50% American Alpaca; 120 yds per 50g skein); color – Snowy #300; 3 skeins, or for comparable yarn, approximately 265 yds/ 245 m.
Needles
US7 / 4.5mm or size to obtain gauge
• 24"/ 60 cm circular
Notions
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• (4) 21mm buttons

GAUGE
19 sts and 40 rows = 4"/ 10.2 cm in Garter stitch

 

SKILLS REQUIRED
Long-tail CO, decreasing (k2tog), increasing (kfb, yo). 

8 page PDF includes instructions, photographs, schematics, and definitions for relevant abbreviations.

You'll find this pattern for sale on Ravelry.