Nothing But Flowers Cowl by Fiona Oliver

Nothing But Flowers Cowl

Knitting
February 2025
DK (11 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in Aster Stitch in the round
US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 7 - 4.5 mm
208 yards (190 m)
One size fits all
English
This pattern is available for AU$6.60 AUD buy it now

About This Design
Several years ago, I was fortunate to experience a truly magical holiday in the breathtaking landscapes of Tasmania, Australia. I visited in November, right at the tail end of spring, and the countryside was bursting with vibrant colours. The roadside verges were a resplendent tapestry of wildflowers and colourful perennials that had escaped from nearby gardens. Azaleas blazed in brilliant hues, while rhododendrons added splashes of glowing colour everywhere you looked. The silver foliage of the majestic gum trees created a stunning contrast against an array of greens that seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see. This beautiful countryside was the inspiration for my Nothing But Flowers Beanie design.

I always intended to design a neck warmer to match the beanie, but my attention was diverted by other inspirations and design projects. I managed to knit three samples, but they ended up in the “to do later” box and slipped from my mind. Recently, while cleaning up, I rediscovered them, and my inspiration was reignited. I’m thrilled to finally present the Nothing But Flowers Neck Warmer to you—it’s been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait!

There is nothing I love more than an unusual texture stitch, and the Aster Stitch used in the body of this neck warmer is a lovely stitch for providing not just texture but also bouncy volume to the knitted fabric. The fabric produced by this stitch will keep your neck cosy and warm when the temperature starts to plummet. I’ve paired the Aster Stitch section with a smaller, tweaked version of the stitch that I have called Bud Stitch.

This design is perfect for using up bits and pieces from your stash for the contrast colour. You might even decide to take the plunge and make a Magic Ball for your contrast colour (go on, you know you want to). Alternatively, you can use your leftover multi-dyed yarns to create your own gorgeous array of flowers.

Note - This is a Magic Ball Friendly Pattern. Please read the free accompanying information booklet “Magic Ball Musings” for guidance on constructing a Magic Ball. The Construction Notes for this design also suggest the best type of Magic Ball for this pattern.

Please visit the capitalKNITS Ravelry store to check out my other Magic Ball Friendly Patterns.

Size
One size fits all teenagers and adults. The finished dimensions (after blocking) are approximately 19 cms/7.5 ins tall and a circumference of approximately 55.8 cms/22 ins.

Gauge
22 sts x 32 rows over 10 cms/4 ins in Aster Stitch knitted in the round using 4.00 mm (US size 6, UK size 8) needles and wet blocked.

Yarn
Any double knit/8 ply yarn that knits to the tension gauge. Two contrasting colours are required, one of which (the contrast colour) could be a Magic Ball.

Main Colour - approximately 95 ms/104 yds
Contrast Colour - approximately 95 ms/104 yds

Needles
4.00 mm (US size 6, UK size 8) 40 cm/16 ins circular needle or one 80 cm/32 ins circular needle if you prefer to use the magic loop technique.

4.50 mm (US size 7, UK size 7) 40 cm/16 ins circular needle or one 80 cm/32 ins or 100 cm/40 ins circular needle if you prefer to use the magic loop technique.

Notions
Tapestry/darning needle.
Stitch marker.

The Pattern

Questions?