The Bloodwood cowl, a unisex, two colour, two skein fingering-weight cowl is inspired by the bushland in Australia. The zig zag pattern reflects the unmarked trails and, in winter, the large puddles that dot their paths.

I live backed onto bushland. Kangaroos roam through the gardens in summer and the trees, predominately Marri, also known as Red Gum, weep a blood red sap as if they are crying. The Bloodwood cowl, a unisex, two colour, two skein fingering weight cowl is inspired by where I live. The zig zag pattern reflects the unmarked trails as they weave in and around trees in the bush, and in winter large puddles dot their paths. It’s a very different type of landscape and nothing like forests in the northern hemisphere. It’s irrational, ancient, and at times spooky.

The Bloodwood Cowl reflects all of this and knit in Oxblood and Charcoal, colours inspired by the sap and the bush fire burnt bark of the trees, both sides will be revealed when it’s looped around your neck. Knit in your favourite colour combination, whether it be wisteria, birch, pumpkin, midnight or raspberry, the Bloodwood Cowl will make a striking and versatile addition to your fall and winter wardrobe.

materials
1 skein SweetGeorgia Yarns CashLuxe Fine in Oxblood (400 yds / 365 m per 4 oz / 115 g skein; 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Cashmere, 10% Nylon); Main Colour (MC).

1 skein SweetGeorgia Yarns CashLuxe Fine in Charcoal (400 yds / 365 m per 4 oz / 115 g skein; 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Cashmere, 10% Nylon); Contrast Colour (CC).

needles
2 Size US 3 / 3.25mm circular needles, 16” / 40 cm long or sets of five of double-pointed needles or size needed to achieve gauge. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

notions
2 stitch markers, 2 lengths of waste yarn, 2 tapestry needles, crochet hook

gauge
34 stitches by 36 rows over 4” / 10cm in charted pattern using size 3 US / 3.25 mm needles or size needed to achieve gauge. While an exact gauge is not critical, a different gauge will result in a different size cowl and may require a different amount of yarn.

size
One size only (but easily adjusted): approximately 6” / 15.2 cm wide by 52 ¾“ / 134 cm long (before grafting).

skill level
Intermediate

skills required
Working in the round; Reading a chart; Knitting on dpns, magic or traveling loop; Two colour knitting; and Two colour kitchener stitch.