Second design in my Peppercorn Cowl Series! Release date is November 15, 2015. Each month for 6 months a new cowl design will be released on the 15th of the month!

The mustard plant is a harbinger of spring in the Napa Valley. The plant, with its bright yellow floral mantle blankets the valley in the late winter. Father Jose Altimura is credited with the introduction of mustard to this area.

There are two versions to this story. The first one claims the priest loved the condiment so much he scattered mustard seeds everywhere he went, including Napa Valley. According to the second version, Altimura was said to have a poor sense of direction. Those who tell this story underscore his inability by saying, “Altimura could get lost in a closet.” The legend claims Altimura would leave a broad, but discreet, trail consisting of a large swath of mustard seeds whenever he had to venture away from the expedition party or their encampment.

Altimura is a cowl that knits up quickly in a soft, chunky yarn such as Mecha. The pattern is easily remembered and lends itself to a wide range of yarn choices. Once you’ve established the pattern the rest is easy! Add a shawl pin or closure to give it some more spice and sass.

A fun to knit cowl suitable for beginners with an appetite for a little adventure and varied enough for knitters of intermediate and advanced skill levels.