I have a confession to make. I have a strong aversion to “cowls”. Knitters everywhere are enamored with making and wearing “cowls”, and I just cannot get into this spirit. I have two reasons.
Reason the first
A cowl is defined as a hood. Most, if not all knitted “cowls” are not cowls at all.
See how the front of the cowl forms a drape around the neck? That’s called a cowl neck, the drapey part of the hood. Some sweaters have cowl necks, which imitate this drape.
Reason the second
“Cowls” remind me of dickeys and wimples. I dislike dickeys very much.. I used to be forced to wear such things under sweaters etc. Mom used to say it was the warmth of a turtle neck without the bulk. Which is fine, but I didn’t even like turtle necks. I have nothing against wimples, except that I don’t care for them. It’s not a dislike, I just don’t see myself looking very good in one.
In conclusion, most “cowls” are really neck warmers. If you like to make and wear neck warmers, by all means go for it. However, I still think they remind me too much of Dickeys. Personally I would rather make and wear a scarf or shawl.
Funny thing, last night I decided to make a “cowl” with my name across it. I’m still getting the kinks out, but I’ll be sure to call it a neck warmer when I actually post about it!
I was thinking about writing a tutorial and calling it “Custom Cowl,” too, but I don’t want to be incorrect!! “Custom Neckwarmer” doesn’t sound as catchy…
No worries, this is just my little pet peeve. I’m sure others will continue to use term “cowl” and it shouldn’t stop you from using it either
I agree…I don’t like cowls, making or wearing them
Oh, this definitely struck a cord with me!
I don’t particularly like cowls either.
I have been known to wear a neckwarmer (as you have linked) made out of fleece. But this is normally
a) in the snow / heavy cold weather
b) I’m already in various layers
c) a scarf/shawl with dangly ends can be very unweildy, especially when you’re carrying gear, such as photography equipment or handling large animals (i.e. horse) and you *really* don’t want it to fall off.