So after some prodding from a dear friend, I am publishing my first crochet pattern.
Really, its just a guideline to making something cool... but here it is.
Enjoy!
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Luxurious Neck Cozy
So you have a ball or two of yarn that caught your eye at the store and you’ve got no idea what to do with it now... Or maybe you’ve got remnants of awesome yarn that won’t add up to enough for something on your list of things to make?
Well, here is my free-styled method to making a neck –cozy. I suppose you could call it a cowl, but with a little extra here and there, it could become whatever you need: add a hood, make it longer like a scarf, keep it small and it could be a head-wrap or something.
You make the magic. Here we go:
The Yarn:
There are really no rules here.
I would suggest that you stick with a hook sized somewhat close to the hook suggested on the ball band if you want to create a fabric that will have enough mass to cuddle you, and likewise choosing a hook that is much larger than suggested will create a lovely airy fabric that can be soft without making you too hot. If going with 2 strands, go bigger.
In these examples, I have used 2 strands of Lion Brand Suede that was left over from previous projects- probably close to the 78gram/2.75oz ball, and used my 11.5mm hook because the chenille was so darn grippy (but so very cozy).
Just try it out and see what happens.
No Rules - Guidelines:
If you want to make a warm cozy that wraps around your face, we’re going to make a chain that is roughly from the tip of your nose, around your head and ears (take into account if you wear your hair in a ponytail that will be over/inside it)and back to the tip of your nose. Customize this to fit by adding a finger or two or three to the tip of your nose and adding enough chains to go around the face comfortably. The more fingers you add into the equation, the looser the cozy, and the more it will drape loosely around your face & neck. 
Go ahead and start crocheting your first row using your favorite stitch, using the appropriate amount of chains to create proper stitch height. Maybe you’ll do all your rows in the one yarn color; maybe you’ll switch off randomly or make a pattern. Crochet as many rows as suits your creation: Is it tall and close and meant to keep winters’ chill away? Is it loose and delicate, protecting your neck from the rough wool of your jacket?
With this purpose in mind, you may have a clearer idea of how to bring it all together- a kilt pin or shawl stick can let you free-style how you wear it. Buttons can create firm lines or provide anchor points for even the most delicate of cozies. You could even be a rebel and join the whole thing into a solid tube or try twisting it first to give it that sophisticated Mobius look!
I personally found it easier to create button holes by chaining where I needed holes and then solid edging on along the sides, but you can do it however you want. No rules – no, really!
Oh yeah, weave in those pesky ends.
What if it doesn’t turn out the way I want?
Take a deep breath.
Have you learned anything from working on this project that could make you a better crafter going forward?
Does crafting help you to relax or feel good about yourself? Did you enjoy the simple pleasure of working with yarn?
As far as I am concerned, your time/materials have been well spent if you enjoyed even a little of your time making something; and if your project turns out to be less than fantastic you could consider donating your creation to a local charity.
Copyrights & Jazz
I don’t own this idea. This is just a guideline to help you get inspired to make something that just might be awesome. Make gifts, share your crafty skills with others and hopefully share some of the goodness that crafting makes you feel with your community somehow.
Volunteer, donate - do good however it feels best to you.
This project was shared with love by Jen Gray (aka: wigglygirl on Ravelry) - February 2012.
