In J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, mithril is a very rare, strong but lightweight metal. The wizard Gandalf appraises Bilbo’s fine mithril coat (later inherited by Frodo) as “greater than the value of the whole Shire and everything in it.”

While you might not need the same protection as a hobbit on a long journey, surely a fine lace cowl will provide some beauty along your own path. This pattern has two versions: a complex lace and cabled cowl, or a simpler lace and stockinette cowl.

Thanks to Vivian Aubrey for the photos and Sorren Kerr for the modeling :)