As the world begins to wake from its deep freeze, magical things happen underground. Groundwater freezes and expands, causing the upper layer of thawing soil to swell and split. Many of us see the effects of frost heaving as buckles in the road—nature’s speed bumps. But in open fields, the resulting mounds of dirt and stone that appear out of nowhere are simply fascinating. Frost Heaves Cowl mimics the heaving and breaking apart of the ground. Intuitive lace and deeply furrowed ribs lead into latticed cables that are just as mesmerizing as frost heaves themselves. I-cord edges worked as you go balance the cables and give a nice finish.

This heavy-worsted weight cowl is worked lengthwise with two options for joining the ends. The Intrepid version is bound off and sewn together; the Heroic version combines a simple provisional cast-on, duplicate stitch, and Kitchener for a flawless finish. I’ve made videos for both, so I’ll be there to lend a hand either way.

Every knitter has a bit of bravery inside. How brave are you?
You can determine which version you want to knit by previewing the videos for seaming the ends together.

Intrepid (bound off and sewn): https://youtu.be/vLT1v9XvGw0

Heroic (provisional CO, duplicate stitch, and Kitchener): https://youtu.be/iho_0X7DZgo

Sample in Okie Dokie Artichokey used about 140 yd. (128 m), or 78 g.

Width: 5.5 in. (14 cm)
Circumference: 24 in. (61 cm)
Cabled section (98 rows and including i-cord edges): 5.5 in. (14 cm) wide and13.75 in. (35 cm) long, blocked