This cowl was inspired by the phalaenopsis, or moth, orchid. The phalaenopsis orchid has a special place in my heart. Not only are they my favourite flowers but they always remind me to be grateful for the beauty that life has to offer. One of my moth orchids had a flower stem that was accidentally broken twice in one season, and each time a new one started to grow just below the break. This orchid that kept flowering, despite the setbacks, served as a reminder to me to never give up. This cowl was designed as a representation that the world needs us to bloom despite the problems and struggles that come our way.

Materials:
• One 4mm / US size 6 circular needle, 60cm / 24” in length, or size needed to meet the required gauge.
• 3 Stitch markers, optional, one of which is used to mark the beginning of round.
• Tapestry needle for sewing in threads.
• Blocking materials.
• Worsted weight yarn in two colours, approximately 160m / 175yds of the Main Colour and approximately 85m / 93yds of the Contrast Colour. The sample is knitted in Malabrigo Rios - 100% merino wool, 192m / 210yds per 100g, and is shown in colourways Teal Feather (Main Colour) and Frank Ochre (Contrast Colour).

Size:
One size, the cowl measures 69cm / 27” in circumference and 28.5cm / 11.25” in height.

Gauge:
20 stitches and 24 rows = 10cm / 4in in stranded knitting, knitted in the round, and blocked. Knitting to gauge is important to ensure that your knitted item is the correct size, and to ensure that yardage requirements are similar to those stated in the pattern.

This pattern has been tech edited and tested, thank you to my amazing testers - I appreciate it so much!