Anna and Luba are two separate patterns, both double knit cowls, sold together with all profits going to benefit Ukrainian charity Razom for Ukraine (RazomforUkraine.org).

Anna is my version of sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine. The pattern is named for my maternal grandmother, a survivor of Stalin and then the nazis.

Luba is named for my mom (I’m sorry, mom! I know it’s a tractor and a tank, but hear me out!). Mom’s the toughest, most resilient, smartest person I know. If anyone out there would take on a Russian tank for the people she loves, it’s my mom. And she’d kick ass doing it.

Patterns are suitable for adventurous beginner. If you can knit 1x1 rib, you can double knit in the round.

Luba in particular only has one repeat and a whole section of “rest” knitting where you don’t have to look at the pattern.

Double knitting in the round is easier on my brain than double knitting flat and a good introduction to the technique. No pesky reversing the pattern in your head as you flip from back to front - the color you see on the chart is the color you knit first! No worrying about selvedge edges! What could be better!

Notes about the pattern:

Charted

Two colors of yarn are needed with approximately 150-175 yards per color per cowl are needed.

Size 8 needles used for Anna on Malabrigo Worsted.
Size 7 needles used for Luba on Plymouth Superwash Merino.

Links to videos are included for basic double knitting techniques, as well as cast on/cast off variations for a little more customization of your cowl.