Abrus precatorius, commonly known as the love pea, is a climbing plant that thrives in warm to tropical regions. It has fernlike leaves, delicate pink or white flowers, a distinctive seed pod, and a dangerous secret. The leaves and stems of the plant are used in Siddha medicine as an aphrodisiac. Its flowers make a seductive tea. And its beautiful seeds—hard shelled, glossy, and colorful—are used around the world for jewelry. But pierce a seed through the heart, and you’ll find inside an incredibly fatal poison with no known antidote.

Our Abrus is a luscious cowl. Like its namesake, this Abrus is a potent combination: exquisite fibers, delicate twisted stitches, and elegant curving forms that blend killer looks with a lover’s touch. Keep it close to your pulse, or work the longer version to be positively draped in luxury. The only real danger is that you may never love another knit more.

Yarn: Why Knot Fibers’ Slack, a heart meltingly luscious blend of yak down, silk, and Merino. You’ll need one skein each of the Silver and Inara colorways. The total required yardage is split approximately 50/50 between two colors; that is, you’ll need about 120 yards of each color to complete the close-to-the-pulse version of Abrus, and a full skein of each to complete the longer version.

Instructions: Abrus’ two-color stranded pattern is charted only. The remaining instructions are written out.

Modifications: Abrus is easily modified length- and width-wise.

Techniques: Knit (k), purl (p), knit through the back loop (ktbl), 1x1 cables or twisted stitches, knitting in the round, and two-color stranded knitting.