I used the 10.5 needle for the cast-on, then swapped down to size 10 for the rest of the project. Increased the number of cast-on stitches to 170 (because I wanted to be sure of a roomy cowl).

This was my first time trying the knitted cast-on. I hope it was loose enough… It was nice not having to calculate/guesstimate how much yarn I’d need, as with long-tail cast-on.

The yarn I’m using is reclaimed from a $1 thrift store sweater-- a lambswool/cashmere blend. It was originally pink, but I wanted something warmer-toned, so I over-dyed with yellow and orange. It was on the thin side of laceweight, so I’m holding it doubled… which may make it a bit thicker than laceweight… It would be even nicer if the yarn had a bit more of a halo, but I wanted to use something from the stash…

October 7th--
I knitted 7 eyelet rounds, then proceeded to the “knit 10 rounds”. (I think 7 eyelet rounds will be more than enough width… and I was feeling ready for this to Be Done… and I like odd numbers. (g))

I’ve had this thing ready for cast-off for four or five days, now… Cast-on and cast-off are the times I am most liable to procastinate. ;o)

So, I finally decided to look at the crochet bind-off, and-- it is SO EASY! I think I have a new favorite bind-off. I found it easier to see what was happening (such as exactly how to wrap/grab the yarn with the crochet hook) in this video tutorial for the crochet bind-off.

Used a size K (6.5mm) crochet hook for the bind-off. It’s okay… I might have liked the bind-off to be slightly looser, but it’s not bad.

I’m glad I increased the number of cast-on stitches, because even as it is, it’s not especially loose when wrapped twice around my neck. Maybe blocking will give me a little more size…