How to knit a triangle (that's a neckerchief, or a Hilda-Ogden-homage headscarf)

As a knitter, I'm a bit crap. I like instant gratification and get confused following complicated patterns. (Having said that, I haven't yet followed one that's that complicated.) It's safe to say, I like to keep it simple when it comes to knitting.

So I'm happy to report that I have new creative inspiration for a manageable project for me. It came via the That's Not My Age blog, where Alyson posted on a knitted neckerchief range by knitwear designer Jo Gordon. She's a Scottish designer who produces gorgeous machine-knitted items – including her neckerchief/headscarf.

It's gorgeous and as I looked at it, I thought: 'what a brilliant shape, and a new headgear idea...and a simple shape...a simple shape that I could knit...a simple triangle to wear around the neck or on my head.'

So, five minutes later, I've cast on. Fuchsia-pink fine angora yarn from my stash, so it's label-less, and 7.5mm needles. A quick online check reveals how to knit a triangle from the wide end: cast on stitches to reach your desired width (I wrapped my tape measure around my head and pretended to tie it in front: 70cm - I have a big head). Then k1, k2 tog at each end of every row, to decrease the piece to a triangle shape.

I'm sure I'll wear my scarf around my neck tied at the back, but surely the headscarf is due for a revival, as an alternative to the ubiquitous beanie-with-big-pompom? How about in homage to Hilda Ogden? (I won't be sporting rollers with mine, though.)

Three days later, it's finished. As I predicted, I won't be wearing it headscarf style... Unless it's really cold...

Sewing for myself: the Sorbetto top from Colette Patterns

There are, of course, lots of free sewing patterns online, but one of the most popular must be the Sorbetto top from Colette Patterns. It's a simple loose-cut sleeveless top with two pattern pieces, bias binding around the neckline and armholes and a front pleat detail. It's supplied as a 'patchwork PDF' that you stick together to make the pattern. The instructions are easy to follow, the pattern pieces are easy to put together, and it's very quick to make. And here's my finished top.