The Reveal: The Crazy Crushed...

Notice something odd with this cowl?

That's right! I bet you notice everything. I am wearing it on my head.

I started noticing that things weren't exactly as I'd imagined them right about after I finished sewing the major pieces together. Honestly, there was really nothing wrong. But as I was trying on the unfinished cowl in the mirror, I paused with it on my head. Hmmm... there were definitely possibilities there.

From that point on, I couldn't keep the hat idea out (or off) of my head. I already mentioned in an earlier post that I'd concluded that the color combination was a bit too subtle for my taste. Wearing this creation on my head brought the whimsy back!

And yes, it can still be worn as a cowl.

But here's the thing: In order for this piece to reflect the spirit of the Nakamichi's original "Crushed Can" (See pic.), it would've had to fit tightly, like a turtleneck and not a cowl. Let's face it, a turtleneck is much too difficult to remove in public. But pulled around my much thicker head (compared to my neck, that is ;) ), the crushed canny-ness comes through.

What I liked most about this project is that I got to learn or brush up on several skills:

• Placing paper patterns and weights on sweater knit fabrics
• Power cutting and seam allowances 
• The use of binder clips to hold sweater knit fabrics together
• Serging sweater knit fabrics
• Sewing sweater knit fabrics on a regular sewing machine
• Serging inside corners and outside corners
• Steaming odd shapes
• Overstitching

I plan to discuss each of these topics in future posts. 

Now to figure out what this article of clothing is called. Is it still a cowl? Is the term "ear warmer" appropriate? Perhaps this is a head gaiter? Or a topless hat or cap. What do you call it?

Whatever it is, if you've got a sense of humor and you like this... accessory... and want to make one of your own, listen up. I'll be including the pattern (I'm sure it'll have a name by then.) with detailed instructions for the very low price of free in my first issue of the Cut & Sew Chronicles newsletter. Just sign up with the form in the right sidebar. The Cut & Sew Chronicles will be delivered to your inbox once a month starting in December.

O!