A marine layer is an air mass that forms over the surface of a large body of water which often creates fog within itself. This quick to knit coordinating set is inspired by this weather pattern. Create either a scarf with matching mitts, or a buttoned cowl and two sets of mitts with colors reversed, with only a few skeins of yarn. Using twisted rib and two complementary colors in “singles” yarn to imitate layers forming over water and fog enclosing fog, these accessories combine visual appeal with coziness and warmth. Perfect for fall knitting!
Materials
Main Color (MC): 2 skeins Malabrigo Merino Worsted (100% Merino Wool, 210 yards / 192 meters, 3.5 ounces / 100 grams per skein)
Contrast Color (CC): 1 skein Malabrigo Merino Worsted (100% Merino Wool, 210 yards / 192 meters, 3.5 ounces / 100 grams per skein)
Samples knit with Violettas and Orchid (purple set), and Vaa and Vetiver (green set).
Please see note for more detailed information about yardage
Needles
Size 6 (4.00 mm) needles for flat knitting (or size to achieve gauge)
Notions
Stitch marker or scrap of yarn to mark beginning of round
2 – 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) buttons for cowl
Gauge
26 sts and 40 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on smaller needles
30 sts and 32 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in unstretched twisted rib on larger needles
Size
One size, Average Adult Woman
Cowl – 5 1/2 inches (13.75 cm) X 27 inches (67.5 cm); about 17 inches (42.5 cm) in circumference when buttoned
Scarf – 5 1/2 inches (13.75 cm) X 42 inches (105 cm)
Yarn requirements are given for making one set of mitts and a scarf, or two sets of mitts with the colors reversed and the cowl. If you wish to make all pieces, two sets of mitts, the cowl and the scarf, you should purchase an extra skein of the CC. When I made the cowl set, I used almost every yard of the CC; and when I made the scarf set, I had about 20 yards left of the CC. Even small differences in gauge can affect yardage requirements, however, so if you are uncomfortable with this margin, or wish to have more yarn for swatching, please purchase an additional skein of the CC. If you like playing yarn chicken as I do, you can take your chances with one. I have included yardage estimates including an extra 10% with each part of the pattern, so you can assess your own requirements, as well. If substituting yarns, please choose an Aran or heavy worsted weight yarn with lots of spring in solid, semi-solid, or tonal colors. I preferred these pieces knit with loosely spun yarn, but they would look equally beautiful with a plied yarn.
Abbreviations
Please see our standard abbreviations
Cowl Instructions
[Yardage requirements: MC – 131 yards (120 meters), CC – 100 yards (92 meters).]
Using larger needles, with CC, CO 44 sts. Change to MC.
*K1tbl, p1; * repeat from * to end of row. Repeat this row until piece measures 9 inches (22.5 cm).
Change to CC and continue in twisted rib for an additional 9 inches (22.5 cm), or until piece measures 18 inches (47.5 cm), making sure to leave at least 28 inches (70 cm) of yarn to bind off in pattern at end.
Change to MC and continue in twisted rib for 8 3/4 inches (22 cm) more.
Make buttonholes
(K1tbl, p1) 6 times, k1tbl, p2tog, yo, (p1, k1tbl) 6 times, p1, k2tog, yo (k1tbl, p1) 7 times. 2 buttonholes made; no change to st cnt.
Work 1 row in twisted rib as est. Bind off in pattern with CC.
Weave in all ends, wash and lightly block (being careful not to overstretch the ribbing).
Sew buttons on outside edge of the opposite end of the cowl to align with buttonholes.
Scarf Instructions
[Yardage requirements: MC – 145 yards (133 meters), CC – 145 yards (133 meters).]
Using larger needles, with CC, CO 44 sts. Change to MC.
*K1tbl, p1; * repeat from * to end of row. Repeat this row until piece measures 11 inches (27.5 cm). Scarf can easily be lengthened by increasing the MC sections here and at the end. Be sure to keep track of how much yarn you will need, so you don’t run out of it.
Change to CC and continue in twisted rib for an additional 22 inches (55 cm), or until piece measures 33 inches (82.5 cm), making sure to leave at least a 28 inch (70 cm) length of yarn to bind off in pattern at end.
Change to MC and continue in twisted rib for 11 inches (27.5 cm) more. Bind off in pattern with CC.
Weave in all ends, wash and lightly block (being careful not to overstretch the ribbing).
ABOUT THE DESIGNER: RANÉE MUELLER
Ranée Mueller has been knitting since 1987 and designing as Arabian Knits Designs since 2004. She loves working with texture, cables and lace, and using color in unexpected ways. Her designs can be found on Ravelry and in Storey Publishing’s One Skein Wonder series. She writes about her love of knitting, cooking, and family at https://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for your comment! If you make it, I’d love to see how you interpret the design.
Very nice. Understated and attractive. It looks like the perfect way to keep warm at the coast while waiting for the sun to clear away the fog.
I’m so glad you like it!
I’m considering making one for myself. I love the idea of using fun buttons on it!