This cowl is the second in a series of patterns inspired by teachings in Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ Women Who Run with the Wolves. Estés tells us to rely on our instinctive nature, and uses the story of Vasalisa’s visit to Baba Yaga to illustrate this counsel. Vasalisa has journeyed deep into the forest to find the witch’s enchanted hut. Pausing before it, she summons her inner strength in order to face the menacing ways, shifting whims and wild life force of Baba Yaga. Determined, even though she is afraid, Vasalisa makes her request for fire and persists until she masters Baba Yaga’s peculiar list of domestic tasks. Vasalisa holds her flame aloft as she emerges from the forest, having acquired some of the fearsome Yaga’s wisdom and power. She returns home with a sense of knowing, which she can rely on when she confronts future challenges and decides whom she can trust. The story of Vasalisa and Baba Yaga reveals to us what can happen when we grow to depend on our wildish intuition.

With bands of alternating color and a highly-textured pair of mushroom motifs, this cowl begs to be knit up in yarns of rich, autumnal color. The pattern includes instructions for knitting in two different weights, so that you can customize this accessory to wear on crisp fall days or during the deep chill that signals winter’s approach.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.

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FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
fingering weight version
height: 12.5“ (32cm)
circumference: 24” (60cm)
worsted weight version
height: 10” (25.5cm)
circumference 22” (56cm)

YARN
The samples pictured were knit with Hudson + West Co. Weld (70% US Merino / 30% US Corriedale)
fingering weight version (photos 4, 5 & 6 on left)
approximately 400 yards (365m) Weld
Colors A: Raven (20g) B: Ash (36g) C: Red Feather (40g)
worsted weight version (photos 1, 2 & 3 on left)
approximately 400 yards (365m) Weld (held double)
Colors A: Charcoal (15g) B: Fawn (50g) C: Gold Leaf (35g)

NEEDLES
fingering weight version
US 3 (3.25mm)
worsted weight version
US 6 (4.00mm)
(or size necessary to obtain gauge)

GAUGE
fingering weight version
27 sts and 36 rnds = 4” (10cm) in reverse stockinette
worsted weight version
19 sts and 26 rnds = 4” (10cm) in reverse stockinette

NOTIONS
stitch marker
tapestry needle

PATTERN NOTES
This cowl is worked in the round from the bottom up in alternating bands of color. The mushrooms are highly textural and emerge from a reverse-stockinette background in three-dimensional relief. Once you have knit this charming motif into your cowl, you may be tempted to add it to sock cuffs, mitten bands, or sweater yokes. The six-stitch repeat makes the motif quite versatile.