Arachne in the Pines Cowl

I love contrasting something complex (looking) with a simpler pattern, don’t you? This snuggly cowl gives you the opportunity to improve your colorwork by beginning with a simple gingham pattern (that goes on the inside) before graduating to the larger (but truly not harder), traditional Spider in the Boughs pattern from the Selbu knitting tradition of Norway. Cast on provisionally and close up the tube by grafting stitches together for a seamless cowl. Choose a cashmere-blend yarn for maximum snuggle factor.

P.S. This is a great sock yarn stash buster! you could play around with different contrasts for the Spider section or flip it and use one contrast color and different main colors. I’m already thinking about my next one ;)

Note: Both Gingham and Spider colorwork stitch patterns are presented in chart format only.

Finished Measurements
Circumference: 26 inches / 66 cm
Height: 6¾ inches / 17 cm

Materials
Yarn: Hampton Artistic Yarns H.A.Y. Snorgle (Fingering weight: 80% SW Merino / 10% cashmere / 10% nylon, 435 yd / 398 m g per 3.5 oz / 100 g skein), 1 skein each
-MC: Cinnamon Rose (approx. 200 yd)
-CC1: First Blush (approx. 155 yd)
-CC2: Conch Shell (approx. 100 yd)
Needle: US3 / 3.25 mm 24-inch / 60 cm circular needle or size needed to achieve gauge plus a second circular needle the same size or smaller for grafting (longer circular needle can be used with Magic Loop technique)
Notions: Waste yarn, stitch marker, tapestry needle

Gauge
29 stitches x 30 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm in colorwork pattern in stockinette stitch

Thanks!
Photography: Nicholas Dames
Tech Editing: Laura Cameron
Test Knitting: drypointprinter, K1teach2 , minimoebius, sjwearscardigans