Rotunda Hat & Cowl by Nigel Pottle

Designed by Nigel Pottle, this cowl and hat pay homage to the columns, ribs and vaulted arches of architecture from the Romanesque period. The vertical, slip-stitch pillars and brick-like garter stitch striping recalls those beautiful buildings and the comfort they bring to those who visit them. The choice of an all- natural yarn (100% wool Epic Yarn or 100% alpaca El Rio) makes this combo warm and cozy.

Note: Epic and El Rio yarns have been discontinued. 

For Epic substitutions, we recommend Cascade 220 which is also a 100% Peruvian wool, for the closest fibre match. Alternatively, Berroco Ultra Wool or Rowan Pure Wool Worsted would also be good matches if you are interested in a superwash wool substitution.

For El Rio subsititutions, we feel Blue Sky Baby Alpaca (100 % baby alpaca) would be the closest match. 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

Cowl

• In Epic Yarn: 71⁄2 ins / 19 cm high; 28 ins / 71 cm in circumference, blocked.
• In El Rio: 71⁄2 ins / 19 cm high; 28 ins / 71cm in circumference, blocked.

Hat

• In Epic Yarn: 171⁄2, (181⁄2, 191⁄2) ins / 44.5, 47, 49.5) cm in circumference; 73⁄4 (8, 81⁄2) ins / 19.5 (20.5, 21.5) cm in height, blocked.
• In El Rio: 171⁄2 (181⁄2, 201⁄2) ins / 44.5, (47, 52) cm in circumference; 73⁄4 (8, 81⁄4) ins / 19.5, (20.5, 21) cm in height, blocked.

GAUGE:

Using Epic Yarn: 17 sts and 22 rows = 4 ins / 10 cm over Main Pattern, after blocking.

Using El Rio: 17 sts and 21 rows = 4 ins / 10 cm over Main Pattern, after blocking.

Note: El Rio knits up at a slightly tighter gauge than Epic Yarn but is easily blocked to the correct size. Take the time to check gauge and adjust needle size if necessary.

MATERIALS:

River City Yarns Epic Yarn; 194 m / 212 yds per 100g ball; 100% virgin wool

MC: 1 ball in Morning Sky (#410) for either the Cowl or the Hat

CC: 1 ball in Navy (#400) for either the Cowl or the Hat

or

River City Yarns El Rio; 200 m / 219 yds per 100g skein; 100% Baby Alpaca:

MC: 1 skein in Light Grey for either the Cowl or the Hat

CC: 1 skein in Burgundy for either the Cowl or the Hat

or

To make both (Cowl and Hat) projects: 2 balls/skeins of MC & 1 ball/skein of CC.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS:

Using Epic Yarn: US size 7 / 4.5 mm circular needle suitable to work a small circumference, or 32 in / 80 cm circular needle for working Magic Loop.

For Hat only: Set of five US Size 7 / 4.5 mm dpns.

Using El Rio Yarn: US size 6 / 4 mm circular needle suitable to work a small circumference, or 32 in / 80 cm circular needle for working Magic Loop.

For Hat only: Set of five US Size 6 / 4 mm dpns

Also:

• Stitch Marker to indicate end of round
• Tapestry needle for sewing in ends