I’ve always been a farm girl at heart, no matter where I’ve lived. I grew up in a community of just 1000 people, on an 8-acre hobby farm, nestled among my great-uncle’s 2,000 acre ranch. We raised horses, calves, a sheep, chickens and pigs at various times in my life, and watching cowboys still makes my heart flutter a little.

This pattern (originally titled “You Can’t Take the Country Out of the Girl,” but I found that to be a little too long!) is a bit of an homage to my roots. It’s got a bit of western flair, and I think it looks particularly good with my worn jean jacket.

This pattern uses crossed stitches for the main body of the cowl, and elongated stitches for the openwork areas. Please keep your work loose, otherwise the body will be particularly frustrating! You will also use short rows (the twin and turn, aka shadow wrap, technique), and an i-cord bind off. If you are unsure about any of these techniques, you can find pattern support on my website: bit.ly/KBW-CGsupport.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit for clarity and errors, but if you run into trouble, please contact me at Sarah@KnitaBitofWhimsy.com.