This is a second version of a pattern done (the first version is a lightweight, lace cowl, but the pattern works just as nicely in two color brioche) after a friend went on a vacation to Scotland.
While touring National Museums Scotland in Glasgow, she photographed the bust of Lord Kelvin that was currently residing there. The ideas of science, engineering, learning, progress, transportation, modern idea transmission, and ingenuity rattled around my mind for a few days while I cast about trying to come up with a new knitting project.

The fact she’s a professional photographer taking a photo of Lord Kelvin’s bust with modern technology is a lovely, small nod to scientific progress and a testament to her sense humor.

While not an entirely accurate representation of Kelvin–Helmholtz waves, it’s the best descriptor I could come up with in the moment for the stitch pattern, and it seemed an apt tribute to my friend’s vacation and the memories she shared.

The yarn amount listed (fingering weight yarn in 2 colors - 220 yards (201m) & 175 yards (160m)) should make a cowl approximately 11”(28cm) tall by 25” (64cm) circumference.