Athame

Athame, designed in collaboration with Crow and Crescent Yarn, is named after a ritual object that dates back to the Middle Ages, used in several Pagan and Druidic traditions. Always a double edged blade, and often with a black handle, these daggers were originally used to sharpen writing quills, but have been adapted by followers of the old ways as an important tool for ceremonies and spell work. On a personal note, I recently started working at a 12th century castle that was once inhabited by King John. It is well known for being the most haunted castle in the UK, housing notorious criminals and conducting grueling witch trials. As I wander the corridors, I often think about what it must have been like for all the people, women in particular, who had to hide their beliefs and practices for fear of persecution, who had to cast their enchantments in secret, under shrouds in the deepest, darkest forests.

This pattern is inspired by the ancestors who came before, the ones who risked everything to pass their knowledge down so that it would not be lost or forgotten, the ones who survived. It is a symbol of honor for every healer, seer, warlock, mage, and sorceress who has been hunted, and a symbol of protection for all those who are finding their way back to magic. We will not be burned this time.

This hooded cowl is knit from the shoulders up to the crown and features a dagger created with faux intarsia. Two color brioche along the front edge, as well as the attached infinity scarf, bring everything together for a medieval themed accessory that also remains modern and functional.

Yarn

Weight: DK

Yardage: 690 (460 MC and 230 CC)

Needles

Loose Knitters:

US 1 (2.25MM)

US 2 (2.75MM)

Tight Knitters

US 2.5 (3MM)

US 4 (3.5MM)

Gauge

4x4 inches = 20 stitches and 28 rows

Knit flat with larger needles, in stockinette, after blocking

Finished Measurements

Height of Hood: 13 inches

Depth of Hood: 12 inches

Length of Scarf: 60 inches

Notions

Stitch Markers

Tape Measure

Tapestry Needle