This pattern was originally published as Close Knit’s contribution to the 2018 Rose City Yarn Crawl, March 1 – 4, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. Each shop’s pattern(s) will be available free with purchase at that shop during the Rose City Yarn Crawl. All patterns will also be available for download individually or as part of our 2018 Collection: Waterways: 2018 Rose City Yarn Crawl Pattern Collection.

The Zigzag River is a rugged mountain river that originates on the slopes of beloved Mount Hood at the Zigzag Glacier. The glacial waters of the Zigzag drop almost 6,000 feet as it descends from Mt. Hood’s rugged and snowy flanks to join the Sandy River as one of its tributaries. The nature of the Zigzag River is represented here through the Gansey tradition of patterning. The cowl motifs are reminiscent of mountains, rocks, and meandering (or zigzagging) water paths. Especially if you squint to see this knitted picture of knits and purls! The cowl is knit in the round with native Oregon wool, Imperial Stock Ranch Yarn, from Columbia Sheep that graze on the eastern side of Mt. Hood’s towering slopes.

Yarn
(3) skeins Columbia by Imperial yarn (100% Wool; 2 ply aran - 170yards/4 oz)

Finished Measurements
50” round unblocked, 60” round blocked, 10” tall blocked

Gauge
16 sts = 4” in stockinette stitch

Needles
US #8/32” circular needle

Notions
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Skill Level
Beginner