This cowl is easy to make, all you need to be able to master are simple increases and decreases, knit and purl stitches, but the result is something that looks far more complex because of its unique construction.

In the first flush of a connection couples may get carried away, this cowl can be worn to deal with the embarrassing aftermath of love bites (hickeys) gained during a heated encounter. The original cowl was impregnated with arnica, so that it not only hides the offending bruises on the wearer’s neck, but also promotes healing through the use of a traditional herbal remedy. The construction is a woven pattern, based upon the letter X, referencing the kisses they received the night before and the notion of their love bites being kissed better.

The original cowl was part of a series about science, relationships and how making can empower knitters during romantic interactions. The piece was exhibited at Stitched Science, held at London’s Science Museum in 2011.