Hiraeth (here-EYE-th) is a Welsh word, with no direct English translation, but is commonly understood to mean a longing for one’s homeland. More than simple homesickness, it encompasses a yearning for a physical place, its inhabitants and way of life, and one’s own place within it. After many years living on Barry Island with my family, I have come to know and understand the true meaning of hiraeth, and wanted to try and capture some of that feeling in a series of knitting patterns. This cowl is the first of them.

The Jackson’s Bay Cowl is inspired by the beautiful cove of the same name that is my favourite of the three beaches on the island. Its golden sands are embraced on one side by the arms of the harbour wall with its lighthouse, and by the warm curve of the cliffs around the rest.This pleat stitch cowl echoes the feeling of encirclement and cosyness the cliffs give to this stunning little beach.

There are two versions, both using a little under one 100g skein of aran weight yarn.
Option A : short cowl, knitted entirely in the round, approximately 22.5” / 57cm in circumference and 5.5” / 14cm in height.
Option B: mid-height for added snugglyness, with a buttoned placket, knitted partly in the round and partly back and forth. Approximately 20.5” / 52cm in circumference and 6.5” / 16.5cm in height.

Purchasers of this pattern will automatically be messaged via Ravelry with a discount code for the subsequent Hiraeth patterns, as they are published. If you have any queries regarding this pattern, please contact me by email at hipinsandneedles@gmail.com

Skills Required
Casting on and off.
Knitting and purling flat.
Knitting and purling in the round.

Yarn & Notions
Option A: 1 skein of Owl About Yarn in Happy Owl Aran ‘Fast Lane’, 100% BFL, 166m / 181yds.
Option B: 1 skein of West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft Shetland Tweed Aran in Heylor 754, 100% Shetland Island Wool, 166m / 181yds.
4.5mm, 60cm circular needle (US7, 24”) OR the size required to meet gauge.
Stitch marker or scrap of waste yarn.
Four 0.75” / 2cm diameter buttons for Option B.

Gauge
4 – 4.5 stitches and 6-6.5 rounds to 1” / 2.5cm in stocking stitch, in the round. Getting exact gauge is not essential for this kind of accessory, it’s more important that you like the feel of the fabric it makes, bearing in mind the pleat stitch will make it quite structured.

I would love to see your finished Jackson’s Bay Cowl, so if you post a picture on social media, please use #jacksonsbaycowl