Do you have a friend who is more than wonderful? A friend who is, as Gibran wrote, “your needs answered?” I have a friend like that named Marion and although she lives in the Netherlands and I’m in southern California, she is one of my closest friends, someone who has flown halfway across the world to visit me for just a few days, because I was ill and she only had a few days off from work. So for Christmas I decided to design something special for her using the most luxurious yarn I could find. I found that at Great Northern Yarns. It’s their 70% mink, 30% cashmere blend. The yarn blooms in your hands and absolutely comes to life when washed. Very light and soft! Like holding a cloud in your hands! So if you can use this yarn for the project, I think you’ll be ecstatic with the result, but of course any nice DK/light worsted weight yarn will work.

Marion’s hat and matching cowl were made with one skein of the yarn. The pattern stitch is very easy, with a 6-stitch repeat. They are both knit in the round and are quick knits.

As with all my designs, I’m always available to help and answer questions that may come up as you work.

NOTE: I’ve included a photo of my dear friend Marion and me. Marion’s the gorgeous Dutch girl in the white blouse. Sadly, I’m the other one. What can I say? Marion chose her familial genes very well!