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The Aspenglen Cowl

Pattern Testing

In August of 2019, I participated in my first ever pattern test. To say I jumped in with both feet is an understatement, since it was also my first crochet garment ever. Maybe someday I will talk more about that one, but today I want to introduce you all to the fantastic Aspenglen Cowl by Stacie Humble of BaaHumble Crafts. This test was in late fall of 2019, just in time for the cooler weather. You can find her shop on Etsy and her profile on Ravelry. She is also on Instagram, if you want to follow her there, just search for @baahumble. 

Let's start with the fact that Stacie is an incredible designer and is amazing to work with. She is the designer behind my first two pattern tests: The Nomad Ruana and The Aspenglen Cowl. I am also currently testing a third pattern for her which will be released early in January 2020. 

The Aspenglen Cowl




I fell in love with this cowl with the first picture she teased on Instagram, and very impatiently awaited the testing call. I have been hunting for all the velvet yarn patterns I can find ever since receiving a case of Bernat Velvet in white as a prize through a campaign with Warm Up America and Fave Crafts. Anyway... this cowl is made with velvet yarn! She also made her's in the lovely green color, which is definitely my favorite. This test was in late fall of 2019, just in time for cold weather. Well... almost in time. I actually applied for the test on a snow day from school, but what better thing is there to do on a snow day than make a cowl?

The Yarn

As I mentioned, she designed the cowl with velvet yarn in mind, and I have so much of the Bernat Velvet in white. I chose black to be my second, contrasting color since I had a partial skein of that in my stash too. Using my stash always makes me feel better about new projects anyway. You can make the cowl in a single color if you wish. She used Lion Brand Vel-Luxe and Bernat Baby Velvet, which are category 4 yarns, but the Bernat Velvet is a category 5. Luckily, I did not have any trouble using a different weight, just make sure you check gauge and know that your yardage will likely be different. 



One skein of Bernat Velvet is plenty to do the main color part, and I think you could actually make the solid color version with one skein as well. If using the recommend category 4 yarn, you need somewhere between 275 and 330 total yards, which is less than the yardage of one skein of Bernat Baby Velvet. Projects that can be made with one skein of yarn are almost as good as projects that I can make with stash yarn!

You can also use similar heavier category 4 yarn if desired. Personally, I can't imagine making it in anything but the lushness of  velvet yarn. Between all the different brands and varieties out there, you should be able to find almost any color you want as well. (If you happen to find red velevt yarn somewhere, please let me know. It is about the only color I haven't been able to find yet.)

The Pattern

The pattern is super easy to follow. She includes some photos to help out with any confusion too. The main stitch used is the alpine stitch. I was completely unfamiliar with the stitch prior to this pattern test, and it became one of my favorites very quickly. One of the first patterns in the section-a-long will use the alpine stitch and I can't wait to share it with you! 

You work the cowl in rows, seam up the back, and then wear the coziness around your neck for days. At least that is what I did and I do not regret that decision at all. I also managed to get a couple pictures, with the help of my kitty of course.



Final Thoughts

I highly recommend this pattern! It works up quickly and is suitable for everyone. If you already know (or can learn) how to complete post stitches you are good to go! Here is a link to the listing for the Aspenglen Cowl in her Etsy shop and her Ravelry shop. While you are there, go ahead and check out her other patterns! I have made 2 of the 3 (soon to be 3 of the 4) patterns she has published, and I cannot tell you enough how fun they are, not to mention how amazing the finished products are. 


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