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This late Renaissance motif is a simple but effective adornment. Offset embellished diamond shapes, with internal square cut-outs, snuggle together to create an interesting stitch pattern in this cozy neck cowl. Bywen is an Old English word that means “to brighten or adorn.”

Difficulty - Advanced Beginner

Skills used - Knitting in the round, colourwork

Sizes - One size

Finished measurements
Circumference: 72 cm / 28.5 inches unstretched; 98 cm / 38.5 inches stretched
Height: 31.5 cm / 12.5 inches

Gauge – blocked
11 stitches and 10 Rows = 5 cm / 2 inches in lace stitch pattern on US 8 (5 mm) needles

Approximate yardage
Main Colour (MC) est. 94 g / 3.32 oz. (166 m / 182 yds)
Contrast Colour (CC) est. 71 g / 2.50 oz. (86 m / 94 yds)

Yarn Used
Main Colour (MC) Patons Classic Wool Worsted 177 m / 100 g (194 yds / 3.5 oz), 1 ball. Colour 00225 Dark Grey Mix. Any currently available Worsted (#4) yarn with similar yardage may be substituted.
Contrast Colour (CC) A to Z Alpaca Bulky 242 m / 200 g (265 yds / 7 oz), 1 ball. Colour Light Orange. Any currently available Worsted (#4) yarn with similar yardage may substituted.

Needles - US 8 (5 mm) circular, 56cm /22” long, or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions - Stitch markers, tapestry needle