Jeu d'Eau

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Long allées radiate outward in perfect symmetry, each path lined with embroidered carpets of boxwood, grass and stone, revealing another fountain performance. Water plays in sculpted basins, some gentle and contemplative, others bold and theatrical. Droplets catch sunlight and scatter into rainbow mist.

The Jeu d'Eau cowl translates this orchestrated beauty through flowing lace patterns that surge and retreat like water jets. Textured accents capture the sculptural detail of fountain figures. Flowing decrease lines echo fountains at play. The purple-blue tones evoke water’s ever-shifting reflections in basins.

Embrace the magic of formal gardens and wrap yourself in liquid elegance.

Jeu d’Eau is French for “water play” and carries a double meaning. While “jeu d’eau” literally translates to “water play”, it also creates a wordplay with “water jet” (or “jet d’eau” in French). This French expression evokes fountains, dancing water streams, transient arches, and the ephemeral beauty of droplets catching light. The cowl is inspired by the fountains of the Versailles palace in France, and the name suggests both the architectural grandeur of formal fountain installations and the whimsical, ever-changing patterns that water creates.

For best effect, use a smooth, round yarn with reasonable stitch definition. Yarn weights ranging from Fingering to Worsted would be suitable. As for colorways, I would recommend solid, semi-solid, or single skein gradient yarns.

Do you like the Jeu d'Eau cowl? You might like those patterns too: The Yonâh cowl, and the La Merveille scarf / stole. For endless fun with texture effects! Check them out!

Yarn
Fyberspates Vivacious DK (DK; 100% Merino; 230 meters / 252 yards per 115 grams); 1 skein; sample uses 109 grams in color 828 Blueberry.
Alternative yarn:
Skeinwalker Yarns Interstellar (DK; 100% Superwash Merino; 230 meters / 252 yards per 115 grams); 1 skein.

Needles
3.5 mm (US size 4) 80 cm / 32 inches circular needle or size to obtain gauge.

Gauge
21.5 stitches and 29 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch, unblocked.
14 stitches and 26.5 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stitch Pattern B – Jet, blocked.
Note: obtaining the gauge given is not crucial but will affect the finished size and the yardage needed.

Notions
Removable stitch markers: 1 in color A (beginning-of-round marker), 15 in color B (optional). Tapestry needle. Blocking pins. Blocking wires (optional).

Size
One; easily customizable.

Final measurements
Circumference (c): 114 cm / 45 inches, height (h): 24.5 cm / 9.75 inches.

Skill level
Basic stitches, increases, single and multiple decreases (knits and purls). Relatively easy to memorize stitch pattern. Easy patterning on all rounds. Lace patterning on odd rounds only. Elastic BO.
Video tutorials are provided for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern notes
This pattern is worked in the round. The stitch count remains constant throughout the whole pattern. Suggestions are given to customize the pattern.
Charts and written instructions are provided, as well as clear video tutorials for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern support
For questions about this pattern, please PM me on Ravelry or send me an email. Contact details are provided.

Thank you note
I’d like to send a big thank you to my truly awesome test knitters on Ravelry: Myllim. Thank you so much for your time and dedication, for helping me make this pattern even better and for showing how the pattern would look like with different yarns!

Want to get a free cowl? Read on!

We all love knitting, right?! I certainly do! I'd like to gift you a cowl and doing so spread the love for knitting even more :-) This gift is available to everyone.

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