New pattern: Field of Stars

The first of my two new cowl patterns is now out in the world - hooray!
This golden starry-textured cowl is called Field of Stars, and it's now available for download on Ravelry.



I used one 100g ball of Outlaw Yarn's Vanitas DK, a luxurious blend of 90% alpaca and 10% organic merino, the colour 'Wealth'. If substituting a different yarn, I recommend a DK-weight yarn with good drape and stitch definition (e.g. an alpaca or silk blend).

Features:
  • textured stitch patterns including moss/seed stitch borders and an array of stars
  • a photo tutorial is included for the special star stitches
  • one size (short and cosy), with simple instructions for re-sizing both height and circumference if desired
  • a one-skein project: you will need 180 yards of DK-weight yarn
  • full charted and written instructions, so you can follow your preferred type.


The arrangement of stars on the cowl is inspired by the beautiful starry ceilings of some 14th and 15thC chapels and cathedrals. Here are a few of my favourite examples:

Scrovegni Chapel, Padua (source)

Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence (source)

Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome (source)
 
I have a sudden yearning to knit something blue-and-gold!

Educational ear candy

If you're at all interested in music history, the BBC's 'Sacred Music' (2008) is an excellent documentary series, and it's all available on YouTube. It's nicely in-depth, and best of all, the musical examples are sung by The Sixteen, an awesome and very experienced early music choir.

The first series covers Medieval chant and organum through to Bach's cantatas and passions. It's great to watch for the music alone! There's also a second series which covers later music, which is on my to-watch list.
We're really enjoying our documentaries at the moment. :)

Episode 1: The Gothic Revolution


Episode 2: Palestrina and the Popes


Episode 3: Byrd & Tallis: Singing the Lord's song in a strange land


Episode 4: Bach and the Lutheran Legacy