Burton Bear Cowl (First knitting project)

When I saw a picture of this bear cowl, I decided then and there that I would learn how to knit. Just look at it!

So I purchased the pattern, and with a little help from some YouTube videos, I made my own. Actually, I made two. The pattern is made by Heidi May and can be purchased here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/burton-bear-cowl.  Both of my cowls used the same materials:

Needle: U.S. 13 (9 mm) 24 inch circular needle, U.S. 11 (8 mm) double pointed needles, U.S. size M crochet hook

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Solids in Charcoal

Looking back at these photos now that I have a lot more knitting experience, I can see that I completely messed this first one up! As it was my first knitting project, I didn't even know how to visually identify the difference between a knit an a purl stitch. The top portion of this cowl should not have had purl stitches on the right side! It still came out cute though.

Unfortunately, it was much too big for my two year old (I made the child size because he has a large head for his age). It kept falling over his eyes and was super baggy on his shoulders. So I ended up gifting it to a friend with slightly older children, and it was received excitedly with love.

 I still wanted a bear cowl for my boy obviously, so I tried again.

This bear cowl was made in the toddler size instead of the child size. It came out much better this time. The only thing I am not happy about is how the crocheted frame around the face looks. Do you see how it kind of droops over his left eyebrow? I'm tempted to figure out how to undo the stitching to try again, but on the other hand...it's not so bad.

Perhaps one day I will make this cowl again and perfect it (third times a charm right?), but my son and I are both pleased with how warm, comfortable, and fun it is and I am sure it will get a lot of use and love.