The Lioness in Winter Cowl Pattern

I adore medieval history, art, and architecture. It’s not surprising, then, that one of my very favorite movies is “The Lion in Winter,” with Katherine Hepburn as the aging Eleanor of Aquitaine. What? You haven’t seen it?? Oh, you are in for a treat!

In any event, this cowl is a tribute to the redoubtable Eleanor of Aquitaine. The design was inspired by beautiful gothic cathedrals and cloisters, with pointed arches rising to the sky, and rose windows.

This lovely cowl, using one strand of fingering and one strand of a silk/mohair laceweight yarn, will keep your neck warm while not being too heavy. If it’s really chilly, it can double as a hood! The base is flared so that it will lie nicely around the base of your neck. A series of decreases are worked to make the remainder of the cowl a little more fitted.

Yarn

Lichen and Lace 1 Ply Superwash Merino Fingering Weight (100% Superwash Merino; 400 yds [366 m]/100g): Color Rainy Day, 1 skein, Lichen and Lace Marsh Mohair (72% mohair, 28% silk; 459 yds [420 m/50g] Color Rainy Day, 1 skein.

Needle/Hook

Size US 7 (4.5mm) needles, 16" (40cm) circular

Or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge

20 sts and 28 rnds = 4" [10cm] in St st

Size

18.5” [47cm] long and 34” [86.25cm] wide at the base, measured along the curve, circumference. The main body of the cowl is 20” [50.75cm].

Notions

Stitch markers (including one that is unique for BOR), tapestry needle.

designed by Jill Bickers for Knotions Magazine