Surly and I often are inspired to knit the same things. Recently we fell in love with Old Compass Cowl, designed by Trin-Annelie. The subtle colors and unusual styling called my name!! The pattern had not yet dropped, but the kits were available directly from Holst Garn. At the time, the kit cost $17.49. Yes, you read that correctly. $17.49. With shipping, it was $32. I just checked, and now it’s about $22.50. The kit had enough yarn for two cowls, with the exception of the dark blue — one more skein would have been enough to knit the second!!
The yarn is strange — very thin with a dry, string-like texture. It wasn’t unpleasant to knit with, but blocking really softened it up!
The following picture shows my jog correction. Can’t see it? That’s the point!! 😉 I get asked how I correct the jog. It is a process! Basically, I rechart the last repeat of the round.
While visiting Surly in Tucson, we went to a mercado and saw some really cute Old Compass necklaces. We hadn’t made our cowls yet, but the necklaces were adorable. Lo and behold, Surly sent me a necklace as an early birthday present!
It’s less than 3/4″ across! I just love it!
PS to Anne: the designer did mention the spinning oils in the yarns and suggested starting the blocking process with a hot bath. I did that and the water turned really murky. Then I soaked it in tepid water per usual. I don’t know if a double soak was necessary, but whatever I did really softened it up!
Yes those are really lovely colours! The inside stripe is very striking.
I really like the old compass necklace as well.
Comment by Lisa R2 — April 24, 2025 @ 4:40 pm
That’s a lovely cowl, and I’m a big fan of compasses, too.
Re the yarn, as I understand, it’s still got spinning oils, but washing/blocking lets the yarn bloom. A friend has made several sweaters with it, and I’m planning one, too.
Comment by Anne C. — April 25, 2025 @ 12:13 pm
What a lovely gift! How often do we get the inspiration to give something that just hits the spot! (We may have a bright idea but then can’t actually find it. Surly did both!)
Comment by Chloe — April 27, 2025 @ 7:45 am