This tapered cowl was designed for the 2022 Longest Day event sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org)--an annual fundraiser that takes place on the summer solstice.

For every pattern sold, $5 will be donated to Alzheimer’s research.

The stitch pattern consists of expanding cables separated by eyelet lace that represents convoluted memories and lost awareness. The dark-to-light gradient represents how those afflicted with Alzheimer’s become ghosts of their former selves.

Worked in rounds, this small top-down cowl widens from the cast-on edge to the bind-off edge to for a type of loose collar.
The yarn used here Fiber Optic Yarns Split Unified Gradient Kashmir (80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 255 yards 233 meters/65 grams), which is a smaller skein than the regular Unified Gradient Kashmir.

Both row-by-row and charted instructions are provided.

Finished Size: About 19 1/4” (49 cm) circumference at top, 26” (66 cm) circumference at bottom, and 7” (18 cm) tall with edges allowed to roll.

Yarn: Fiber Optic Yarns Split Unified Gradient Kashmir (80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 255 yards 233 meters/65 grams): 1 skein Smoke Stacks. The cowl shown used nearly the entire skein of yarn.

Needles: Size U.S. 4 (3.5 mm): 16” (40 cm) circular.

Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle.

Gauge: 12 1/2 stitches = 2” (5 cm) in cable and lace pattern at start of cowl (12-stitch repeat) and 14 stitches = 2” (5 cm) in cable and lace pattern at end of cowl (18-stitch repeat), both worked in rounds. Exact gauge isn’t crucial but will affect the finished size and drape.