A little lace, a lot of practicality… a bit of elegance, but a big dose of comfort. Calculated Stars is an asymmetrical bandana-style cowl inspired by the women of The Calculating Stars, a novel by Mary Robinette Kowal. Like the book, this pattern presents some challenges and takes unexpected turns, but it also results in something incredibly satisfying.

Difficulty level: Intermediate - pattern includes increases, decreases, lace, blocking, and seaming.

Yarn substitution: Don’t want to use the featured yarn, or don’t have it available? Pick a light, lofty worsted-weight yarn (either a woolen-spun yarn like Harrisville Highland or another yarn with a blown-wool core), or a fingering- or sport-weight yarn held double with a fuzzy laceweight alpaca or mohair yarn. You’ll need at least 70 grams for swatching and completing the project.

20/5/2025: Hi everyone! We’ve got some clarifications and minor corrections coming down the pike this week. Stay tuned for the updated file, and thank you so much to everyone who came by and picked up the patterns during the Puget Sound Local Yarn Shop Tour!