Featured FO: Neck Truffles!!

The neck truffle was one of my very first patterns. It originated when I was working at a lovely LYS in Chicago called Nina.

Inspiration came from blustery winter days and an instinctual need to knit with the bulkiest, warmest yarns in sight.

An interesting way to transform the simplest-shape-to-knit rectangle is to attach the bind off edge to the side edge, creating an asymmetrical piece that can be worn inside a winter coat, or used as a snuggly office neck warmer.

Seeing the variations people have created on Ravelry has been a delight - with over 250 projects, I've discovered solid and rainbow, multicolored versions, as well as truffles laced with ribbons and fastened with buttons and toggles!

Today's featured FOs are lovely examples of how different the neck truffles can be styled. First, a simply beautiful version from ThatKnitChick (Jenn).

(C) ThatKnitChickJenn used Malabrigo Rasta in Archangel and simply seamed the bind off edge to the side of her finished rectangle. Viola! A classic, unfussy variation on the original pattern. I love it!

Next, we have a few truffles knit up by pnason (Patty).

(C) pnasonWhat great photos - look at the color variation and stitch definition Patty got using Malabrigo Rasta in Porrinho. Gorgeous! The pink ribbon on this version makes it very sweet ;)

(C) pnasonPatty also worked up a teal version of the neck truffle using Malabrigo Rasta in Teal Feather.

(C) pnasonI really like the size of this FO - it's got a nice large, slouchy quality to it.

(C) pnasonMany thanks to Jenn and Patty for letting me using their beautiful images!

Neck Truffle Free Pattern - Quick Holiday Gift Knitting

Published in January 2009, my Neck Truffle pattern seemed to be a hit at the yarn shop where I was working at the time. It's super quick, and the stitch pattern simple enough for beginners to master.The ribbon lacing makes it special, luxurious, and great for gift giving.

It's been almost a year since the pattern was launched and there are now over 100 Neck Truffle projects on Ravelry!

It's very flattering to have other knitters like my designs enough to knit their own! I'd like to feature a few of my favorite Neck Truffle patterns...

Michelle is knitting a Neck Truffle with Malabrigo Rasta - one of my favorite super bulky yarns. This colorway is gorgeous!

 Photo Courtesy of mikki552 on Ravelry

How about buttons instead of the ribbon? Looks great! I'm always a fan of toggles :) and it seems like a lot of us are lovers of Malabrigo Rasta!

It's so inspiring to see the color choices and different embellishments on these projects.

Photo Courtesy of rejennarate on Ravelry

The simple monochromatic color theme used in this version is stunning. This is a classic that would fit into anyone's wardrobe.

Photo Courtesy of dottieschmat on Ravelry

It's so fantastic seeing how people customize my patterns for themselves. I hope all of my designs evoke the 'beautifully simple' theme, allowing knitters to put their own personality into their creations. The ability to modify this pattern keeps it interesting and makes for individualized gifts.

What are you knitting for Holiday gifts this year?