I went to New York for the first time in 2006, and whilst wandering around some thrift stores in Brooklyn found a gorgeous ball of wool for 99c. It was black blending into blue and purple...gorgeous. Even though I hadn't knitted since I was a kid I just couldn't resist buying the wool and then using that as my motivation to begin knitting again!

I did a little bit of knitting last year but didn't feel confident enough to set to work with my special wool. So for nearly 3 years that wool has remained, unused and tucked away in a plastic bag until I decided the other day to try and use it at last.

As is my usual way, I had no set idea or pattern to follow but had a rough idea that I wanted to make a sort of short scarf that fastened at the front. I also wanted to work out a quick and easy present to make for my best friend for Christmas so I cast off and as I was going guessed I'd need about 40 stitches on 9mm needles (I chose these cause currently they're the biggest I have).

I just figured out the length dependent on how much wool there was, and was lucky there was just enough to make a good length. I think I knitted about 20 or 25 rows, but really it's just best to knit to the length you want, dependent on how long your neck is.

I finished off the piece by adding two decorative, vintage buttons I had lying around. I attached these to to the lower corners so they'd help the piece to sit straight.

I then added one final button to attach the cuff around my neck and voila. One super cool, super cheap, super cute knitted neck cuff to see me through the winter. Now all I have to do is replicate it for my best friend!