Eleanor of Aquitaine was Queen of France and Queen of England. During the Middle Ages, she was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women. Her beauty was described as perpulchra, which meant more than beautiful, as well as “gracious and lovely, the embodiment of charm”. She was an avid horsewoman and considered the most eligible woman in Europe. When her first husband, King Louis VII of France led a crusade to the Holy Land, she persuaded him to allow her and her ladies to accompany him. He showed ineffectual leadership, while Eleanor proved her wisdom and strength.

Eleanor had 10 children with her two husbands King Louis VII and King Henry II, her second husband. King Henry imprisoned her for supporting their son Henry the Young King when he attempted to overthrow him. Eleanor was imprisoned from 1173 to 1189 when her third son Richard I ascended the throne and freed her in one of his first acts as King. It was said she may have supported him as her power in Aquitaine had been constrained and possibly over King Henry’s terrible treatment of their sons.

During Richard’s Crusade, Eleanor was vice-regent of England as the Queen Dowager. After his death, she still held considerable power in England and did until her death at 82 in 1204.

Gauge: 9 stitches/inch using US 1 (2.25 mm) circular needle.

Yarn: 100 grams of fingering-weight sock yarn.

Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering: Fingering: 440 yards 75% Merino/20% Cashmere 5% Nylon. Merry Berry Colorway.

Needles: Size US 1 (2.25mm) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge. 32 inch is recommended, but use the size that is the most comfortable for you.

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker (optional), cable needle (optional).

Note: This pattern is written for magic loop, but can easily be changed to DPNs. Use 2 needles for N1, and another 2 for N2