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PATTERN NOTES: This cowl is knit from the bottom up. A separate neckline trim is knit first and set aside until the cowl is knit up to the neckline where the two are joined before binding off. You may choose to knit the cowl with an I-cord cast-on and bind-off or with ribbing to start the piece.

Once upon a time and a long time ago, when the many lands of crafts did not get along, it was told that warriors would cry out, “Up with your Needles!” as they dashed into battle. These words have taken on new meaning ever since peace was settled; practicing sewing and crochet and weaving and spinning and knitting — the art of handcrafts — have been known to bring calm and stillness to the lands they inhabit.
It has also been told that in this land of many crafts, there were eight good women who lived in the land called “Knitting.” Each of the women, in their own time, had an idea that they were creative in their own way and decided to set out on a journey into the land to share their arts. They called on their friends from “Knitting” for support and, because this was a good and generous land, they received much kindness in return. It seemed the more they gave, the more they received, and the circle of friends kept on growing and growing, and everyone was surrounded by kind feelings toward one another. Now then, there is not a big bad ogre in this story, but if these 8 women hadn’t reached out to 8 more good folks who then reached out to 8 more, how would a lost soul find the land of “Knitting?”

This cowl was designed in the hope that you will bedeck yourself with one or more jewels (aka stitch markers), and then reach out to a new friend and teach them, or knit with them or recognize them in the wild because they, too, are wearing a special maker or two that they love. And let’s remember the ancient battle cry, now a call to peace and unity for all good crafters: “Up with your Needles!”

ERRATA: Last 3 lines of pattern (update done 10/26/18)

FINISHED SIZES: Circumference at bottom edge:
34“ (86 cm) depending on edge chosen. Circumference
at top edge: 21“ (53 cm). Height: 9“ (23 cm)

Sample was knit with approximately 320 yds (293 m)
of Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes (75% superwash
merino/25% nylon; 463 yds/423 m per 100g) in the
colorway: Sweater Weather

NOTIONS: Stitch markers, tapestry needle.

This pattern was written for personal use, please honor the copyright. Do not reproduce.
Tech edit by Ellen Silva and graphic layout done by Erica Gunn. Photography by Anna Stauber. Model was Johanna Smith.
Test knit by Amy Schulze, Megan Williams, Jeanne Lawrence and Sally Hendricks-Bauer.