This is my design. Well, there are two of them actually.  I can imagine the Cwtch Cowl knit out of something luxurious, which you might only have in small quantities  it doesnt use much yarn at all.It would also be easy enough to knit it in a more robust yarn.  

I designed the Cwtch Cowl out of a more practical need for something warm around my neck for the cooler months, especially when I go out running. The i-cord ties are useful for adjusting the amount of warmth and ventilation.  

Once I get warmed up, sometimes I end up pulling it up from around my neck so I can wear it on my head as a beanie.What can I say? Sometimes it gets quite chilly in Wales.

The cowl inspired the design of the Cwtch Skirt, at editor Kate Heppells suggestion. Luckily, Ive knit skirts before, so that experience came in quite handy.  Still, it was quite the learning curve for me, especially working out how to nip it in the waist and still maintain those lovely vertical waves.  

I hope people like these designs, which I think lend themselves well for very exciting colour combinations. Click here to visit the patterns in Ravelry.  So pleased! Thanks to editor Kate Heppell, and to tech editors Joeli Caparco and Ruth Garcia-Alcantud. P.S. Cwtch is Welsh for cuddle.  

You can read more about Ivy's designs on her blog. Knit Now 22 is out now in newsagents, supermarkets and selected independent knitting shops, or available online on the More Mags website.