NOTE: If you downloaded prior to March 5, 2012, a corrected version of the pattern is available. Please download the updated version by clicking on the link above.

This was inspired by Uptown Purl’s Lotus Hat. I wanted a cowl/scarf to match this fantastic hat, but a long cowl is too cumbersome to work in the round, so I modified the pattern to be worked flat, and I thought I’d post my mods for the benefit of other like-minded ravelers, since I’m trying to learn how to write patterns. The credit for the concept goes to Uptown Purl, although I notice that when worked flat, the design has a different effect--for one thing, it now gives the effect of thorny stems and branches (hence the name).

The pattern suggests using kitchener stitch to graft together the 2 ends of the cowl; if you’re not familiar with it, I really like the tutorial at The Purl Bee. Of course, you could always skip this step and make it a scarf (using your preferred cast-on/off method instead of the provisional co and graft).

Hope you like it!