High tides of spring and autumn give rhythm to the life of coastal lands. This is a returning event where Nature shows its power, both to destruct and create, being a blessing and a curse. The Acqua Alta cowl is inspired by this duality. Smocking stitches take centre stage, pulling and pushing columns of stitches apart; distorting the clean vertical lines but at the same time creating highly textured diamonds and gathered stitches.
The Acqua Alta cowl uses easy-to-remember stitch patterns. The smocking stitches are fun to work and create a reversible texture that is perfect for a cowl that you will twist around your neck for warmth and comfort.

Yarn
Malabrigo Arroyo (Sport; 100% Merino; 305 meters / 335 yards per 100 grams); 1 skein; sample uses 91 grams in color 855 Aguas.

Needles
4 mm (US size 6) 80 cm / 32 inches circular needle or size to obtain
gauge.

Gauge
20 stitches and 26 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, unblocked.
20.5 stitches and 19.5 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in stitch pattern A, blocked.
Note: obtaining the gauge given is not crucial but will affect the finished size and the yardage needed.

Notions
Removable stitch markers: 1 in color A (beginning-of-round marker), 23 in color B (optional). Tapestry needle. Blocking pins, (optional: blocking wires).

Size
One; easily customizable.

Final Measurements
Circumference (c) 97 cm / 38 inches, height (h) 30 cm / 11.75 inches.

Skill level
Basic stitches, increases, decreases, smocked stitches (video tutorials given). CO and elastic BO in pattern (video tutorials given). Video tutorials are provided for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern notes
This pattern is worked in the round. Suggestions are given to customize the pattern.
Charts and written instructions are provided as well as clear video tutorials for the used stitches.

Pattern support
For questions about this pattern, please PM me on Ravelry or send me an email. Contact details are provided.

Thank you note
I’d like to send a big thank you to my truly awesome test knitters on Ravelry: juanitanoble, rainbowcurly, sgmensing.
Thanks a lot for your time and dedication, for helping me make this pattern even better and for showing how the pattern would look like with different yarns!

Want to get a free cowl? Read on!

We all love knitting, right?! I certainly do! I’d like to gift you a cowl and doing so spread the love for knitting even more :-) This gift is available to everyone.

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