There is a story behind each pattern in this collection. A story of my depression and anxiety, of my life, and how I coped (or didn’t), and my continued search for balance and joy and love. Knitting became a major source of comfort and coping for me as I managed (or didn’t) my most recent experience of acute depression. As I traveled this path I spent a lot of time listening to the AC Newman album Shut Down the Streets. Each pattern is named from a lyric from the album and there is a corresponding essay on my blog. I encourage you to read the essays, to listen to the album, and to knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises¹

The New Wave cowl is an exploration of waves made out of wedges of short rows. You decrease at the end of each wedge so they shrink organically as the project goes on. You will end up with a long triangular piece of knitted fabric that you could wear as a short scarf, or a cowl. Wearing it like a cowl makes me feel a bit like if Queen Elizabeth I had a baby who was a steampunk pirate princess, which is kind of awesome and maybe my next cosplay. Using a tonal, variegated, or striping yarn makes the wedges stand out more. The wedges are repetitive and pretty easy to master once you make a couple. If you are intimidated by the concept of the wedge, knit Whatever you Need Me to Do first. The only difference between those wedges and these is the decrease on the last row so it’s a good way to get used to the stitch in a low commitment project.