Over Easter weekend, we were up north at my parents place where the snow was still plentiful and my parents could watch Lila and James while we took photos in the backyard. We waited all day for the light to be just right, and seeing these photos reminds me that when we rush to just get the photos done, it’s never as awesome as waiting for the right light. Of course, getting the right light is easier when the grandparents are on hand to look after the little ones while we pop outside!
Ravelry project page can be found here.
Pattern: Arika Cowl by Jane Richmond
Yarn: Ancient Arts Yarn Big Squeeze Bulky in ‘Frolic’
Needles: 6.5 mm (US 10.5)
Mods: None.
Notes: The Arika Cowl is such a fast knit, I think it took me longer to put the fringe on than it did to actually knit it. I love the construction, it’s clever without being complex. This knit does require a bit of seaming and actual blocking, but I’m not adverse to either of those. I love how the thick ribbing around the neck gently gives way to an open lattice work. It’s got a lot of style. I’ve been seeing a lot of wonderful Arika Cowls popping up all over Ravelry, and it seems to look good on just about everyone. There is something classically interesting about fringe- it’s never so trendy it’s on everything, but it never goes out of style, either.
I’ve got a lot of love for the Ancient Arts Big Squeeze Bulky yarn, it was so much fun to knit with, and is squishy soft around the neck. It feels wonderful! And I’m really happy with my colourway choice- Frolic looks like a forest full of beautiful cool greens and hints of earthy redwood. Just like the blue spruce and cedars behind me.
I’m a huge fan of how snow on the ground reflects the light- it’s nature’s photoshop. And while it’s bloody cold standing outside in the snow with no coat on, it only takes 5 minutes (after that, my nose turns pink anyway). Some people do polar bear swims- we do outdoor winter photos. Then back inside for cuddles and hot drinks!
Oh I love it for every possible reason! It’s almost like a mini poncho! Too cool, too pretty, and just so incredibly fabulous! Well done.
Oh, Julie! You look so so lovely! What a beautiful cowl! The color palette is just perfect for you.
If only grandparents could always be on call for photo shoots! The natural bokeh in these photos is amazing.
What a lovely cowl and such a clever pattern, to make it look like it’s perfectly wrapped when it’s actually seamed into shape!
The cowl is beautiful, and these photos are stunning! Totally worth standing outside in the snow for a couple minutes 🙂
The cowl is gorgeous and I also love your sweater! Did you make that too?
Hi Karen, Sadly no! It’s a store bought maternity sweater. I’m still not back into my pre-pregnancy clothes yet. 🙁
My second son, Sam, is just a few weeks younger than your James, and my doc keeps telling me to worry less about taking the weight off right away as the body needs time to heal and resources to feed a growing boy. She also tells me that I won’t really know how my shape is settling until hormones relax a few months after I stop nursing, and that the last of the weight might well stick around until then no matter what I do.
All of which is to say that you look wonderful. Truly. Congratulations.
It’s beautiful!
“Some people do polar bear swims- we do outdoor winter photos.” haha, SO true, though!
What gorgeous photos, and that yarn looks scrumptious. Beautiful cowl, Julie!
Wow, your new knit is lovely, as are you! xo
Fantastic photo shoot. You are so lovely. The cowl is awesome. I like how it lays and that back piece seems to give pretty good coverage for the back of the neck. I was wondering…how did you block it since there’s that circular piece that goes around the neck? Does it lay flat on the mats?
Hi Stefanie, You block it before it’s seamed, which opens up the mesh really nicely!
These photos are amazing! The cowl is lovely, too.
Your photos are lovely! And the cowl is as well! I saw a youtube podcaster wearing one of these in a grey color, and it was alright enough of a cowl, but in color – oh it look so much better, ha! Funny how that works, though! The cowl is the perfect size, though, to be warm and cozy, and yet not be in the way or make anyone appear to be swimming in fabric xD
Love it. Not going to make it but I still love it!
It was worth the wait for the perfect light, stunning photos! Looks like a beautiful surrounding in any case, especially with the snow and the sunset. And the cowl is gorgeous too of course 🙂
I love the color and construction so much! It looks like the cowl covers just the parts that get chilly for me despite the warmest winter coat (and boy does it ever still feel like winter in Toronto this week!) – back of the neck and any exposed chest area, all without adding bulk near the shoulders. You guys captured the light so well, totally worth braving the cold! And you look both stunning and totally slim, post-baby or otherwise!
Oh my gosh it’s absolutely stunning!!! The photos are magnificent Julie and the light is just perfect. That colourway is to die for and works so well with this cowl and fringe. Love your Arika so much!!
ohhh! Super pretty! Love the colors and the light in the photos.
Love it Julie…it looks perfect on you.
It looks great on you, Julie! I love the back light shining on your hair, especially in the second photo. So pretty.
Great cowl! I love that it looks like a fringed scraf but it won’t unwrap from the movement of the bulky yarn, the way a scarf would. Into the queue!
Julie this shawl is just gorgeous and you are right… waiting for just the right light is so important. Your pictures are so incredibly beautiful. I love the way sunlight reflects off snow also. True Beauty.
Ooh! It looks awesome on you. And you definitely got the right light. 🙂
love, love, LOVE it!
and you hair?! SWOON! xx
Gorgeous cowl Julie. You are looking great too, I love your comment about snow being a natural Photoshop tool 🙂
Amazing photoshoot! (does that mean no funny pictures?) Love this cowl, it looks like a satisfying knit to be honest and perfect for the last bit of snow at your parents.
I was so excited to see your finished Arika Cowl! It’s absolutely beautiful, especially in Big Squeeze. Such a lovely color choice. This pattern is going to the top of my cowl list. Love all of the pictures, especially that last one. Your husband is an amazing photographer!