When Imperial Columbia yarn and Bulky 2-Strand yarn arrived at Loop last spring, we all felt an immediate attraction. Columbia is rustic and wooly with a handsome twist. The plump cakes of Bulky 2-Strand dare you not to squeeze them. Laura took one of each home and we didn’t hear anything about it until this fall, when she showed me the cowl she’d knit.

I love it. I love the colors, I love the clusters of plied Columbia against the unspun Bulky 2-Strand roving, and I love how it holds itself up and stays close to your neck and face. I love it all. I asked Laura to make another one with a different background color and she kindly obliged.

To make your own, you’ll need 1 hank of each yarn. You can go subtle and pair up two similar shades or go bright and find two colors that really pop.

Whatever you choose, Daria (as we’ve now named it) is a cool way to stay warm!

DARIA COWL

SIZE
approx 12″ tall and 22″ around

MATERIALS
Yarn A – 1 hank Imperial Bulky 2-Strand yarn (shown in dusty rose and osprey)
Yarn B – 1 hank Imperial Columbia yarn (shown in cactus blossom)
16″ US 10 circular needle
1 US 10 dpn
stitch markers

GAUGE
3 sts = 1 inch, but gauge is not critical for this project

ABBREVIATION

C2 – cluster 2 – slip the next 2 sts to DPN, with Yarn B wrap 5 times counterclockwise (looking down from the top) around these stitches under the DPN; knit 2 stitches from the DPN.

NOTE: Once Yarn B has been joined to work, carry it loosely in the back of the work throughout the project. You do not need to cut and rejoin.

PATTERN
Using the circular needle, CO 60 sts with Yarn A. Place marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Work in k1, p1 rib for 6 rounds.

Round 1 and 2 – knit.

Round 3 – *K2, C2; rep from * to end.

Rounds 4 and 5 – knit

Round 6 – *C2, K2; rep from * to end.

Repeat rounds 1-6 seven times.

Knit 2 rounds.

Work 6 rounds K1, P1 rib.

Cast off loosely. Weave in ends.

Wear and enjoy!