Baphia nitida, also known as African sandalwood, is hard‐wooded shrub that thrives in the tropical regions of central west Africa. It has simple leaves and small clusters of delicate flowers. Its finely colored wood has a soft, warm, smooth fragrance, and it is prized by woodcarvers for its touch and scent. Its name comes from the Greek “to dye,” because the heartwood of this tree holds a secret: its extract makes a brilliant, but unstable, red dye.

Our Baphia is a luscious cowl. Like its namesake, this Baphia is a potent combination: exquisite fibers, smooth contours, and delicate details. Worked in two rich shades of a DK weight yarn in a delicious cashmere blend, Baphia blends brilliant good looks with a lover’s touch. Keep it close to your pulse, or work the longer version to be positively draped in luxury. There’s nothing unstable about this soothing and sumptuous knit. The only risk is that you may never love another one more.

This pattern was designed for a Why Knot Fibers’ knit-a-long. An image of the sample cowl will not be published until 2017.

Yarn: Why Knot Fibers’ Siren DK, a heart meltingly luscious cashmere blend, 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(240) yards of each color to complete Baphia.

Instructions: Baphia includes fully written-out instructions.

Modifications: Baphia is easily modified to make a longer cowl.

Techniques: Knit (k), purl (p), knitting in the round, and changing colors between rounds (but working only one color at a time).