Video tutorials, including a segment about modifying size and fit, are available on YouTube in a playlist created for the Junction Fiber Mill KAL: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SKf3kp3kM2QFczL43zjs...

Nourishment Cowl is designed to celebrate farm yarn and friendship. Junction Fiber Mill in Vermont is a women-owned business that started as the dream of two kindred spirits, Peggy Allen and Amanda Kievet. Hear the remarkable origin story of their friendship and business partnership on their Millcast, episode 18 at the 10:45 mark.

I first encountered JFM yarn at the Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market, Farm Fiber Days in 2022. The yarn was stunning. Learning that the people responsible for it were as beautiful as the fiber itself inspired me to create and name this cowl. Peggy and Amanda’s positive energy is magnetic, their enthusiasm infectious, their modesty refreshing, and their love of the fiber community apparent.

To nourish is to promote the growth of, to furnish, nurture and sustain. Friendships require nourishment. And so does our environment. We are experiencing renewed interest in slow fashion and sustainable practices. My knitting journey has led me to a place of deeper connection with farm yarns, and as a designer, I aim to shine more light on natural fibers and locally produced yarn.

Meadowfed Lamb Signature Series Finn Worsted is a 100% Finnish Landrace (Finnsheep wool) from Preservation Orchard in Hadley, MA. Undyed, it is spun by Junction Fiber Mill as a 3-ply yarn. Yardage varies by color from 190-216 yards in 113g (174-200 meters in 4 ounces). If selecting an alternative yarn, look for one with similar specifications and characteristics. Junction Fiber Mill Farm Fresh yarns work well and have been tested with this pattern.

Junction Fiber Mill’s Making Tracks is a 2-ply, hand dyed yarn, featuring long color changes. The wool is from finer breeds – Merino, Targhee, and Corriedale – sourced by R.H. Lindsay in Canton, MA.

The cowl is knit seamlessly, from the top down. Designed to fit over the shoulders, it is knit in the round and finished flat with a split hem that allows for freer arm movement. Bands of seed stitch represent actual and metaphorical seeds – those from which we grow plants and those from which we grow ideas and relationships. The shape of the Beam Stitch symbolizes growth and blossoming. It is complemented by lines within the Florentine Frieze pattern in both the lower cowl and the upper neck.

The pattern has been professionally tech edited and tested. It includes a schematic and both video and photo tutorials. Instructions are both written and charted. Additional tips are also mentioned throughout the pattern.

Important note about yardage: A full skein of Making Tracks (and nearly a full skein of Finn Worsted) is required for the pattern. For this pattern, a yardage buffer is not included. It is designed to maximize your use of these precious skeins. Save your swatch to unravel, modify as needed (and noted in the pattern), or purchase a second skein(s).

Size and Dimensions: Top circumference 23” (58.5 cm); upper cowl circumference 22” (56 cm); bottom width 24.5” (62 cm) for both front and back, separated by a split hem; upper neck length 6” (15 cm); total length 14.25” (36 cm). Option to shorten upper neck to 5” (12.5 cm), making total length 13.25” (33.5 cm).

Gauge: All measurements in 4” (10 cm) square, after blocking. Stockinette, 17 sts x 28 R; Seed Stitch and Beam Stitch, 18 sts x 24 R; Florentine Frieze, 19 sts x 45 R; Twisted Rib, 18 sts x 26 R.

Notions: 3 stitch markers, a crochet hook 1-2 sizes smaller than gauge needle, and a tapestry needle.

Like podcasts? Check out my Knit Kind vlog on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@knitkind

Let’s knit kindly and knit together!