LOUGHCREW COWL
Loughcrew in County Meath is the site of Neolithic passage tombs that date as far back as 3000 BCE, making this megalithic cemetery over 5000 years old! Also called the Hills of the Witch (Sliabh na Caillí), legend says that the Cailleach created the cairns when stones fell from her apron while she attempted to leap across the four hills. Her ‘seat’ is still located at the top of the hill, and folklore says if you walk around the cairn three times and then sit in her chair, the wish you make will be granted. Only folklore? Perhaps, but I can say the Cailleach granted me a lifelong wish after I visited!
Inspired by ancient passage tombs and how their stones contrast with the green grass that surround them, the Loughcrew Cowl uses mosaic knitting for extra texture and dimension. This pattern will appeal to knitters of all skill levels, creating a maximum drama piece in minimal time.

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Materials:

• Main Colour: 1 Skein of Malabrigo Rasta (100% single-ply Merino Wool) or 51 (90) yards/47 (82) metres of another super bulky yarn (Samples shown in Malabrigo Rasta in Immortal and Paris Night)
• Contrast Colour: 1 Skein of Malabrigo Rasta (100% single-ply Merino Wool) or 36 (90) yards/ 33 (82) metres of another super bulky yarn (Sample shown in Malabrigo Rasta in Gris and Rosalinda)
• US13/9.00mm, or size needed to obtain gauge, 20”/50cm circular knitting needles
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge
11 sts x 15 rounds in main pattern, worked in the round = 4” / 10cm

Please note that while exact gauge isn’t critical to this project, any amendments may affect the final dimensions of your piece and the yardage required.

Pattern notes
This pattern is written in the round, with round counts resetting to Round 1 for each section of the pattern. This pattern is written for two different sizes, with sizes listed in the instructions as: Size 1 (Size 2) and measurements provided in inches and then cm. Centimeters are rounded to the nearest 0.5cm and inches are rounded to the nearest 1⁄4”.

Want to adjust the pattern to make an in-between size or work to a different gauge? The main thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to cast on sts in multiples of six. It is also worth noting that, as you make this cowl wider, the more likely the strands carried across the back on the wrong side will be visible.

The cowl height can be easily adjusted by working fewer rounds to make it shorter, or more rounds to increase it. This cowl is fairly close fitting. Keep that in mind if you want to increase the height as the cowl may end up rubbing against your face (and any makeup, if you wear some!).