The new Lorica Cowl is a joy to knit...not too complex to where you cannot multitask, but just stimulating enough to stay engaged through each repeat. This pattern uses 2 skeins of our 2-ply sport, tweed yarn, and it is so fun to watch the marled strands play against each other in the slip stitch colorwork sections. This cowl is knit in the round and contains 2 lace work sections to create the beautiful chevron patterning, and 3 yarn over sections that create the colorwork patterning. The knit cowl showcasing natural greys is the gypsum/flint option, and the second knit option showcases the rose tweed/gypsum color.

Designer

Kathleen Buckley is the designer for this accessory. Kath, as we know her by, is our very own “in-house” knitting expert. Kath designs patterns and knits projects, many of which are inspired by Wyoming's beautiful landscapes.  

“I started this cowl so MMW could have a cowl pattern for the sport Tweed yarn, using two 2-ounce skeins of the sport tweed in contrasting colors.  The 2-color pattern band was designed to “read” like a third color, in a band that was a mix between the dark and the light.  The bands are positioned at the bottom, middle and top of the cowl.  Two larger bands, one dark, one light, is sandwiched between the 2-color pattern, in an openwork design.  If you use a little imagination, maybe you can picture a trail that a deer might leave.  The deer’s trail is a nod to the name of a poem or prayer, “Cry of the Deer”, and I nearly named the pattern “Trail of the Deer.”  But Lorica the pattern became. 

Another name for the prayer is “Lorica of Saint Patrick”.  Also known as the Breastplate of St. Patrick.”  I finished the cowl near St. Patrick’s Day, so St. Patrick was in my thoughts.  Lorica is a prayer for protection, and if a guy ever needed one, St. Patrick did, as he had many obstacles and enemies to deal with.  As I knit it (when I didn’t have to concentrate on a part), I thought of all the times God protected me, I am sure many times without my knowing it.  I thought of my family and all of whom are in need of protection every day.  From this, I can be grateful that my prayers are heard.  God’s big enough for the job.  He loves me.  He loves all the ones precious to me, more than I can fathom.  In gratitude, I give you Lorica.”

Specs

• 2 skeins of MMW 2-ply Sport Tweed (185 yds = 2 oz) 
• Gauge for US 5 needle size lace work section, 10 st = 2in 
  
• Suggested Needle Sizes: US 6 & US 5 (needles not included)
• Knitting Pattern
  
• Packed in the Mountain Meadow Wool Craft Bag

Care Guide

• Hand wash by soaking in lukewarm water with a mild detergent
• Let the fabric soak for 15 min, gently squeeze out excess moisture
• Roll fabric between clean dry towels to remove moisture
• Lay flat and shape to air dry