This cowl pattern is inspired by the ceiling detail and the rows upon rows of columns in the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul (built in the 6th century, when it was Byzantium). Istanbul is one of my favourite cities in the world and this cistern, with its mood lighting and shadowed ceilings, its Ionic, Corinthian and Doric columns, its inverted Medusa heads (inverted to avert the power of the gorgons’ gaze), is a truly magical place.
The heavily textured cowl is actually easier to work than it looks, if you are comfortable working 1x1 cables without a needle. It is worked top down, in the round, in one piece with gentle increases along a centre column of stitches. The design is written for 300 yards of sport weight yarn, sample shown is The Blue Brick Rideau Sport in the colour “Flint”. The lofty base is perfect for stitch definition and buttery soft, lending itself to the waffle-warm nature of the cowl itself.
You will need:
- 1 Ladybug sized skein of The Blue Brick in Rideau Sport, or about 300 yards of sport weight yarn
- 4 mm circuar needles, 12”
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Size:
Upper circumference: 17”, Lower circumference: 29”
Depth at centre point: 12.5”
Gauge:
24 stitches = 4” in blocked 2x2 rib
