This cowl was inspired by the harsh, rugged landscapes of Iceland and Hannah Kent’s beautiful, evocative novel, Burial Rites. It is named after the novel’s central character, Agnes Magnusdottir.

The design features a bulky braided rib cable pattern down the centre back that ties together strands of ribbing and then fans them out, reminiscent of the powerful waterfalls (or foss) of Iceland. The front is balanced by two columns of smaller cables. The cables pop from a chunky, simple garter stitch background. The edge of the snood is elegantly rounded, as a natural result of the pattern and does not require deliberate shaping.

The cowl (or snood) is a quick and easy knit. The pattern is fully written out and all cables are explained in detail, making it suitable for beginners who can knit in the round and do simple cabling. Chunky baby alpaca makes it luxuriously soft, light and warm. It can be worn around the neck or over the head for extra warmth and protection from harsh winter winds.