The Habi Series is a Collection of patterns inspired by Traditional Filipino Weaving Motifs from the Northern Highlands of the Cordilleras and the Southern Plains in Mindanao. Through this series, I will highlight the various weaving motifs that inspired me. Some are a direct transcription of the motif from the woven to the knitted, but others are a derivation or a reimagining.

The first in the series is the DANAO COWL. DANAO takes its name from “Ranao” or “Lanao” meaning lake, from the Maguindanao and Maranao people who live on the flood plains of Mindanao, the Southern Island of the Philippines. As their name suggests, they are the People of the Lake.

This cowl takes its inspiration from the traditional Maguindanaoan garment called “Malong” which is a large tubular piece of fabric that was used in many different ways. It was large enough to be a blanket, a skirt, a privacy curtain, a baby carrier, a bag, etc. The Ancient Malongs were often very ornate and featured a variety of motifs. The motif which inspired the Danao Cowl is the “Seko Karawang” meaning Right Elbow. The motif consists of zigzag lines with protruding stylized arrow heads.

GAUGE:
24 Stitches and 28 Rows for 4”x4” stockinette in the round using 4mm Needles
The row gauge is more important than the stitch gauge to obtain proper depth.

YARN AND YARDAGE:
DK weight in 2 Colors
S: MC=190m, CC=125m (M: MC=280m, CC=185m) L: MC=370m CC=245m

SIZES: S (M) L
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: Circumference 20” (30”) 40”, Depth: 10”