A recent review of my Ravelry project page confirms what I already knew – – I like cables. River Cowl was finished just today and features a subtle cable pattern that draws the eye from top to bottom.

While 1/1 cables usually are not my favorite construction element (I prefer a more robust design), I was intrigued by the subtle shifting of just one stitch either to the front or the back used to create the River Cowl. I discovered pattern designer, Tamara Moot, and I share a love of Dr. Who and River Song (the inspiration of this design) is a favorite character for both of us. Moot shares:
These elegant yet simple cables evoke River Song with the added bonus that the stitch pattern closely resembles the symbol for water or river found in the Southwest desert petroglyphs.
Cables are created by knitting groups of stitches out of order. Stitches held in the back result in a right leaning twisted column and, if held to the front, the twist will lean to the left. The larger the number of stitches shifted, the larger the fold in the resulting fabric.
Each of my three Building Block Shawls (2013-2014) had at least two squares or panels with cables. Churchmouse’s Following Seas Cabled Scarf and Reversible Cable Scarf have been go-to patterns for me. Between these two, I have gifted a combo of seven scarves. All the while knitting a creative collection of cabled cowls, hats, fingerless mitts, two sweaters and even a pair of mystery knit-a-long socks.
My project queue holds an intricate Celtic Cable scarf and a shawl that incorporates a beautiful Irish Saxon Braid border. So many patterns, much yarn, so little time…
Reversible Cable Scarf – 2017 Garden Cable Cowl – 2019 Ruisseau Socks – 2020