Samhain is the first of a collection of accessories inspired by the Wheel of the Year, the turning of the seasons, the celebration of the harvest. Samhain (pronounced Sa-win) marks the end of the harvests and the beginning of winter, a time for bonfires, for honouring the ancestors, and for entering the quiet part of the year, when the earth sleeps and humans (and animals) need warmth and shelter.

A snug triangular shawl or cowl will keep you warm until the year turns and the earth awakens. Samhain is a right-angled triangle knit from the pointy end, which can be made in any size, from casual cowl, to large shawl, and in any weight of yarn. It can be made in one or two colours and, because of the double-sided construction, it is very warm. The samples shown are in light fingering, 4ply/fingering, DK and bulky weights; the DK sample is knit in two colours.

It is a nice rhythmic knit, with increases along one side only, an integrated i-cord edge, and a neat i-cord bind off.

Samhain can be made to any size you want. A single skein of 4ply/fingering gives a good sized cowl to showcase a shawl pin or treasured brooch. Two skeins of 4ply yields a large shawl. The bulky weight version, shown here in Malabrigo Mecha (colour Polar Morn), knits up really quickly and takes less than 2 skeins of yarn.

Further details of the samples shown here can be found on my website, together with photo tutorials for some of the techniques used.

This pattern has been thoroughly professionally tech edited, but has not been test knit except by me. Full pattern support is available by emailing me at the address supplied in the pattern.

This pattern is also available from my Payhip Store.