Hi friends, Don't look now, but I finished that stole – just in the nick of time. I was up until 1 am, carefully threading blocking wires through the borders and pinning, pinning, pinning. It's a lot of work (especially in the wee small hours of the morning), but it's totally worth it. I love the way the stitch definition smoothes out, and the ruler straight borders are nice, too. This was a super-satisfying knit. I struggle with shawls – there's something about typical triangular shawls, with their ceaseless increases, that makes me feel like I'm never ever going to finish knitting. Indeed, I've got about three half-knit shawls abandoned on my coffee table right now. The rectangular stole, on the other hand, is a different story. The stitch count stays the same and the pattern repeats take on a pleasing rhythm; they're a pleasure to knit. And stoles can be used as everyday scarves or as fancy-occasion wraps, so they're ultra versatile, too. Here are five cosy stoles that would make perfect fall/winter accessories:

• The Fairview Scarf from Tanis Fiber Arts (in TFA Red Label)
• Gateway, by Canadian Living contributor Glenna C. (in Ultra Alpaca)
• The classic Clapotis from Knitty
• Topiary, from Brooklyn Tweed (in Shelter)
• Stonecrop, also from Brooklyn Tweed (in Loft)

So many great knits, so little time (and only two hands)! Do you have a favourite scarf, stole or shawl pattern?