Pattern of the Week: Harper Cowl

After knitting four sweaters, two stockinette, one lace, and one colorwork, I’m in the mood for some cables! I still have two sweaters on the needles, so I’m in the market for something small.

In preparation for writing this post, my marching orders were to look through all of the scarves and cowls we have to offer. Umm, okay. There are hundreds! But I really took one for the team and dove in. And looky here—the Harper Cowl! Cables + smocking + a cute side slit = GET ON MY NEEDLES. Oh, and did I mention cashmere? Yeah. It’s a no-brainer.

This is a Norah Gaughan creation, so it’s no surprise that my search stopped here. I love her designs so much; several are awaiting wearing this season, and they’ve always been among my favorites to knit. In Gaughan tradition, the Harper Cowl combines elegance with easy wear, looking good no matter how it’s styled.

It’s loose on the top, so you can see the reverse side. Norah makes this gorgeous too, by making the cowl longer than normal so you can fold the top edge over and tack it down, creating beauty inside and out.

The smocking stitch really adds a lot to the cables—that extra something that Norah is known for.

To make the side slit, the bottom of this cowl is worked back and forth to form a slit, then the cowl is joined and the top is worked in the round.

The Harper Cowl really shows off the beauty of sumptuous Cardiff Cashmere Classic. This gorgeous stuff is 100 percent cashmere, and so special. I’m a cashmere connoisseur, and this is one of the best. You deserve it!

Project Details

FINISHED SIZE 28 1/2″ circumference and 9 1/2″ tall.

YARN Cardiff Cashmere Classic (100% cashmere; 120 yd [110 m]/? oz [25 g]): #608 coral, 5 balls. Yarn distributed by Trendsetter Yarns.

NEEDLES Size 3 (3.25 mm): 24″ circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS Marker (m); cable needle (cn); tapestry needle.

GAUGE 32 sts and 43 rows = 4″ in charted patt.

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