Lime Kiln Cowl

The Lime Kiln Cowl pattern shows you how to knit 5 or 6 colors of yarn into a gradient, blending gradually from one color to the next. I originally wrote it to use a coveted set of mini-skeins in my stash, but it also works great to use up leftovers you have from other projects! I also included the option to use up a whole 100g skein if you have one that you’ve been saving for the perfect project! I wanted to design a cowl pattern to fix some of my common gripes with other cowls that I’ve knit: 1. This pattern doesn’t have a wrong side! The cowl is knit in a long tube and then the two ends of the tube are seamed together, so that even when the cowl slouches down, you aren’t ever going to be able to see a “wrong” side. 2. Often I find that cowls are too slouchy and they leave my neck exposed to a cold breeze! So, this cowl comes in two sizes: A) more of a buff-style that hugs close to the neck, while still being stretchy; and B) a slightly looser, slouchier option that you more commonly see in cowls (in case that’s the style that you prefer!) KNITTING NEEDLES US 2/2.75 mm, 16" circular needles SIZES A (B) A: 19" around, meant to be more of a buff style, tighter on the neck B: 25" around, meant to be more of a slouchy style Finished height: * 5-color (both sizes): 8", * 6-color (both sizes): 7.5" * 1-color: 8" (size A), 7" (size B) YARN 5 or 6 colors of fingering weight yarn OR a single skein of fingering weight yarn I wrote this pattern to work with mini-skein kits of either 5 or 6 colors, so there are instructions in this pattern for both. Alternatively, you could use fingering weight leftovers from your stash! OR this is a great pattern to just keep knitting until you use up a whole single skein! I know I’m not the only one with a pile of single skeins waiting around for a project. OTHER TOOLS AND SUPPLIES * A second set of needles for grafting the ends together: US 2 or similar size (US 1- US 2.5 would work) * Scrap yarn for provisional cast on * Stitch marker * Tapestry needle * Size C/2.75mm crochet hook 5-COLOR YARN REQUIREMENTS * Size A: 100g/450 yards total (75 yards of colors A & E, 100 yards of colors B, C & D) * Scrappy green & gold sample: Color A - Madeline Tosh Merino Light; “liquid gold”, Color B - Shibui Knits Birch in “Pollen”; Color C: Skagit Woolenworks Wanderlust in “Kinnikinnick”; Color D: Brooklyn Tweed Loft in “Bird book”; Color E: Madeline Tosh Merino Light, color unknown * Size B: 120g/510 yards total (90 yards of colors A & E, 110 yards of colors B, C & D) * Gradient blue sample: Cashmere Bliss Whimsical Colors Gradient Kit in “Jade Waters” 6-COLOR YARN REQUIREMENTS * Size A (sample 3): 100g/420 yards total (70 yds of each color) * Neon orange -> green sample: Super Glo Fiber Super Sock mini skeins (87 yds/20 g each) - Watermelon, Fibe Vibe, Good Luck Babe, Smorange, Crescent Ballroom, Dry Heat * Size B: 120g/552 yards total (92 yards per color) * Dark rainbow sample: Schmutzerella Yarns Morphing Mini Skeins in “Let’s Do the Time Warp Again” SINGLE-COLOR YARN REQUIREMENTS * (either size) 100g/420 yards total * Red sample (Size B): Machete Shoppe Simple Sock in "Omena Red" TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR GRADIENT YARNS This is a great pattern for using up leftovers if you don’t have a mini-skein set! Your fade will look most seamless if: * Your yarns are variegated instead of solid  * OR if each yarn is just a slight shift in color from the one before You can achieve an even smoother fade if there is a common color in the variegation between each pair of consecutive colors.