This versatile cowl is based on a stitch I found in a 1887 baby sock pattern. It is similar to the “crazy stitch” so popular in Victorian times for mufflers muffatees, but it is worked in the round and is called “panel stitch.” It is a 1 Round pattern repeat that is easily remembered, with only 3 parts to each sequence. It is worked in a continuous round without joining. Bonus: a pattern for “Faux Fringes”--removeable, adaptable, fun!

Queen Victoria encouraged the art of crochet and sometimes gave away items she made. In the last year of her life she personally crocheted 8 scarves to be awarded to the best all-round men taking part in the 1899-1902 South African War, also known as the Boer War. This honour was simply called “The Queen’s Scarf.”

It is easy to imagine the matriarch of the Downton Abbey TV-series, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, making items to present as gifts to those she thought worthy. She certainly went out of her way to try to help Mr. Molesley in his time of employment difficulties; if he was the recipient of one of her regal handmade gifts he would undoubtedly have received a useful item to give him comfort, especially as she was aware he was working outdoors ill-prepared for the rough work and inclement weather. “Mr. Molesley’s Roadworks Cowl” would be an admirable choice for Molesley or any other man or woman who wants warmth and style!

You can adjust the size of this cowl easily, by adding or subtracting stitches in multiples of 2. Therefore, you can also use any yarn--just make the starting chain the length you want your cowl to be, remembering to make it an even number and that you are working the long-ways loop.

I hope you will link your project to my design, and post photos showing your finished cowls!

As always, if you need any help or find any errors please write to me here on Ravelry, or on my website, or on my Facebook page and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Blog post: West Coast: Super, Natural
Facebook: West Coast: Super, Natural