Emphasis Cowl

This is a pattern for a cowl made with one skein of Noro Iro. The simple texture emphasizes the color changes. It is stretchy enough to pull over your head.

Dimensions: Length 9 inches, Circumference 23 inches (approx)
Gauge: 3 stitches per inch

Materials

Size 11 (US) 8 mm circular needles. (approximately 24 inches long)
Noro Iro, 1 Skein
I used Color #63

Directions

This cowl is knit in a simple offset rib pattern with rows of stockinette in between.
Measure at least 72 inches from the end and tie your slipknot here for the long tail cast on. Each cast on stitch takes about an inch of yarn.

Cast on 68 stitches using long tail cast on. I cast on fairly tight, as the edge needs some stability.
Join in the round and place marker at beginning.

Round 1: K2, P2 till marker
Round 2: Repeat Round 1
Round 3: Repeat Round 1
Round 4-6: Knit
Round 7: P2, K2 till marker
Round 8: Repeat Round 7
Round 9: Repeat Round 7
Round 10-12: Knit

Repeat these 12 rows until yarn is nearly gone.
Cast off tightly in knit.

Finishing

I recommend blocking this by soaking in some water with a bit of hair conditioner. The Iro has some debris that will come out in the water, and the yarn will bloom. Lay flat and scrunch to dry, shaping ridges.

National Flag Scarf

This is a pattern for a fun scarf made with colors from any national flag. The colors in Hometown USA by Lion Brand are perfect for many of the countries. This is somewhat ironic, but hey, going global can be fun!

Dimensions: 75 inches x 5 inches
Gauge: Probably not that important, but about 15.5 stitches per 4 inches in garter stitch.

Materials

Size 13 (US) 9mm circular needles. (approximately 47 inches long)
Lion Brand Hometown USA, 3 balls, pick your colors.

I used Pittsburgh Yellow (A), Cincinnati Red (B) and Oakland Black (C) to make the German flag.

Directions

This scarf is knit longways in garter stitch.
Measure at least 175 inches from the end and tie your slipknot here for the long tail cast on. Each cast on stitch takes about an inch of yarn.

Loosely cast on 160 stitches with color A, using long tail cast on. In such a chunky yarn, the cast on row nearly becomes a row of its own.

Knit 6 rows.
Join B, knit 8 rows.
Join C, knit 6 rows.
Cast off.

Wave your scarf around during the World Cup.