Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Madeleine Cowl and Beret Knitting

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Madeleine Cowl and Beret

Cowl

Project Overview: The Madeleine Cowl is a versatile neckwear accessory designed by Teresa Chorzepa, featuring elegant cable work and twisted openwork detailing. This knitted cowl measures 24 inches in circumference at the neck and 7 inches in length, making it a refined layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Construction Method: The cowl is worked flat on straight needles using a bottom-up construction technique, then seamed to create a seamless wearing experience. This approach allows knitters to easily adjust the length by purchasing additional yarn if desired, providing flexibility in the final garment dimensions.

Stitch Techniques: The pattern incorporates several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• Cable stitches including C3B (cable 3 back) and C3F (cable 3 front) manipulations that create dimensional twisted effects
• Twisted Openwork Pattern combining knit and purl stitches with yarn overs to produce an intricate, lacy appearance
• Increases and decreases including M1 (make 1) increases and K2tog (knit 2 together) decreases for shaping
• Stockinette stitch edge stitches for clean finishing

Materials and Gauge: The cowl requires 2 balls of S. Charles Collezione DIAMANTE yarn in color #10 amber. This premium yarn blend consists of 63% wool, 32% nylon, and 5% polyester, with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces and containing 104 yards. Knitters should use size 8 (5mm) needles and work to a gauge of 17 stitches and 21 rows per 4 inches in the Twisted Openwork pattern. Additional materials include a cable needle and yarn needle for seaming.

Beret

Project Overview: The coordinating Madeleine Beret is a classic hat design that pairs beautifully with the cowl. The beret measures 20 inches in circumference and 9 inches in height, creating a flattering, traditional silhouette suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.

Construction Method: The beret is worked in the round using circular or double-pointed needles, allowing for seamless construction from the cast-on through the crown shaping. This method creates a continuous fabric without interruption, resulting in a polished finished garment.

Stitch Techniques: The beret employs a structured approach to shaping and patterning:

• Twisted Openwork Pattern as the primary stitch pattern, creating visual consistency with the matching cowl
• Strategic increase rows (Inc Row 1 and Inc Row 2) using M1 increases to expand the fabric from 77 stitches to 101 stitches, creating the distinctive beret crown expansion
• Decrease techniques including K2tog and specialized cable decreases (C3B-dec and C3F-dec) to shape the crown and create the gathered top
• Ribbing sections using knit and purl stitches for the brim edge, providing elasticity and structure
• Stockinette stitch edge stitches for neat finishing

Materials and Gauge: The beret also requires 2 balls of S. Charles Collezione DIAMANTE yarn in color #10 amber, matching the cowl for a coordinated set. The same premium yarn composition of 63% wool, 32% nylon, and 5% polyester provides warmth and durability. Knitters should use size 8 (5mm) needles and maintain a gauge of 17 stitches and 21 rows per 4 inches in the Twisted Openwork pattern. Additional tools include a cable needle, stitch marker for tracking rounds, and yarn needle for any necessary finishing.

Pattern Characteristics

Design Cohesion: Both the cowl and beret feature the same Twisted Openwork Pattern as their primary design element, creating a unified, coordinated accessory set. The use of identical yarn, needle size, and gauge across both projects ensures consistent texture and appearance.

Skill Level: This pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters with experience in cable work, working in the round, and managing multiple stitch techniques simultaneously. The combination of cables, openwork, and shaping requires attention to pattern instructions and stitch manipulation.

Yarn Characteristics: S. Charles Collezione DIAMANTE is a premium blended yarn that