This beanie+cowl duo is a perfect solution for staying comfortable every day during colder months.

The beanie has a lovely fit that is loose enough to appear effortlessly chic, but not too loose to fall off your head.

You can style it as a slouchy beanie or as a tuque with a wide brim. Because this project is reversible, that gives you four ways to wear this hat.

The cowl is not too wide and can be pulled up to protect the lower part of the face from wind and frost.

Both projects are knit with three colours, so you can choose any colour combination you like.

For a more subtle look, choose colours that are close in shade, like the shades of red used to make the beanie and cowl shown in the photos.

For a brighter look, choose more contrasting colours. That will make a cheerful duo for kids and fun-loving adults.

Both projects are worked in the round from the bottom up with a faux seam at the back. The faux seam allows for a smooth transition between colours and offers a neat way to carry the yarn up.

The stitch pattern is quite simple. Once you establish the pattern, working on these projects is pure joy. Changing colours and elements of helix knitting keep you from getting bored, and the simple slip stitch pattern gives the pleasure of meditative knitting.

You can use any wool yarn that has the equivalent of 150 m / 164 yds in 50 g / 1.7 oz (it is consistent with DK weight that is marked by digit 3 on the yarn label)

The beanie and cowl shown in the photos are made with Knitca Delight yarn (100% superwash merino wool) in burgundy, chocolate and crimson colours.