This tapered cowl was designed for the 2025 Longest Day campaign sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org)–an annual fundraiser that take place in conjunction with the summer solstice. For every pattern sold during the 2025 campaign (ending August 31, 2025), $5 will be donated to Alzheimer’s (and other dementia) research.

The stitch pattern consists of expanding cables separated by eyelet lace that, to me, represents the convoluted memories and lost awareness experienced by the victims. I chose a teal-to-gray gradient to represent how those afflicted with dementia become ghosts of their formerly vibrant selves.

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

Finished Size: About 18.5″ (47 cm) circumference at top, 27.5″ (70 cm) circumference at bottom, and 11.5″ (29 cm) tall with edges allowed to roll.

To adjust the circumference, add or remove stitches from the cast-on in groups of 13 (one pattern repeat). Every 13 stitches added or removed in the cast-on will increase or decrease the circumference by about 1.75” (4.5 cm) around the top and 2.75” (7 cm) around the bottom (when each repeat has increased to 19 stitches).

To adjust the length, identify sections that are repeated in the written instructions or the chart and work them more or fewer times than given. Every 4 to 5 rounds added or removed will lengthen or shorten the cowl by about .5” (1.3 cm). You may also just repeat the last 2 rounds of the pattern as long as desired, ending the pattern when enough yarn remains to work the bottom edging and the bind-off.

Yarn: Alexandra The Art of Yarn Diamond (80% superwash Merino, 20% silk; 437 yards 400 meters/100 grams) in a limited edition colorway called Fading Memories 2025. The limited-edition yarn is available only through Longmont Yarn Shoppe, though any fingering weight yarn could be substituted.

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

Notions: Stitch markers; cable needle; tapestry needle.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 22 rounds = 2″ (5 cm) in Cable and Lace pattern, worked in rounds. Exact gauges isn’t crucial but will affect the size and drape of the cowl.