One may not see knitting as a dangerous pastime. Beyond the semi-sharp needles, what is there to worry about? A rogue strand of yarn getting untucked? An unwanted increase or decrease? The risk is much higher than that, my friend. Let me back up a bit though.
I bought this Cross Stitch Cowl pattern about 7 years ago and have used it for a ton of cowls. My first was knit out of a purple and maroon sock yarn.
![](https://peaceoutandin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/purple-quilted-cross-stitch-cowl-1024x682.jpg)
Another was this teal and grey cowl I knit out of a silk blend given to me by a close knitting friend.
![](https://peaceoutandin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/teal-and-grey-quilted-cross-stitch-cowl-1024x682.jpg)
Then, I had some brightly-colored Shawl in a Ball yarn (not an affiliate link) left over from a small doll dress I knit up, so I made this rainbow-colored cowl.
After I knit a shawl for a friend, I had some left-over Cupcake yarn (again, not an affiliate link), so I decided I could handle making another cowl. The colors don’t suit me, but I think it will be nice for a friend or a donation recipient (I haven’t decided yet).
![](https://peaceoutandin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/forest-cowl-closeup-1024x768.jpg)
Well after the cowl was done, I still had yarn left over, though not enough for another cowl. I decided I’d try a hat.
![](https://peaceoutandin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Starting-a-hat-1024x768.jpg)
I didn’t know if I had enough yarn for a hat, but I had to try. A funny thing happened–the more I knit, the smaller the yarn ball got. Ok that is what always happens with knitting, but the rate at which the yarn ball was disappearing was scary.
I unwittingly joined a game of “yarn chicken.” What’s going to “bail” first–the project (as it’s finished) or the yarn? Unlike playing chicken where 2 cars race toward each other until the first person bails off the road, yarn chicken can take a serious amount of time. Every single row, you look at the project and then the yarn ball, the project, then the yarn ball.
Am I going to make it? Am I going to have to unravel all of this work? Do I have any matching scrap yarn? Am I willing to go out and buy a new skein if I run out? None of the options were looking good.
After hours of agony, I was at the crown.
![](https://peaceoutandin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/crown-undone-with-extra-yarn-1024x768.jpg)
When you’re this far, you’ve got to keep knitting.
There’s always that possibility that the yarn will last. If it does, that hat will be so cute.
![](https://peaceoutandin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/me-wearing-hat-768x1024.jpg)
And finally . . . done! The project finished before the yarn ran out–this time.
Here’s what’s left:
![](https://peaceoutandin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/left-over-yarn-1024x768.jpg)
Living dangerously has its benefits. Here’s how the paired cowl and hat turned out. Nice!
![](https://peaceoutandin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/hat-and-cowl-1024x768.jpg)
Needing some peace out (and in),
Julie
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7 COMMENTS
.Lisa
4 years agoIf you run out next time just leave a hole for a ponytail! They are all the rage😁
Julie
4 years ago AUTHORGood idea! I’ve never knit a pony tail hat and I don’t know how to end it off. When I had just the very top to go, I had a bunch of “live” stitches, and I would think that ending it off the normal way may not be strong enough. It’s definitely something I want to look into. 🙂
I don’t think I see you in a pony tail much. 🙂
Deb S
4 years agoBeautiful work! Sometimes it pays to take a risk.
Julie
4 years ago AUTHORThank you, Deb. Very true! Even if I had had to take it all out, trying the hat would likely have inspired me to do it again–with more yarn that time!
JMFL
4 years agoI thought this was gonna be a “if you give a knitter a scane (sp?), she’s going to have to…” kind of story. Then–WOOSH–90 degree turn. Roller coaster from start to finish. 11/10
Julie
4 years ago AUTHORSkein is spelled, well “skein.” I have no idea where the word came from. There are lots of words for bundles/groupings of yarn from skein to hank to ball and more.
I’m glad the twists and turns were satisfying enough to receive an 11/10. If a dog were in my post, maybe I could get it up to a 12/10?