Every knitter has a special skein of hand-dyed yarn that seems almost too pretty to use. The Empress cowl is the perfect pattern for a skein of a sumptuous yarn like Mini Maiden. It is named for the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, which boasts beautiful Château Style architecture and a magnificent view. This simple cowl is a great travel project and makes the most of a special skein.

Our sample has a striped effect. Each colourway and skein will look different when knit up, and your cowl may have stripes, pooling, or random variegation.

SIZES
One size. Approx. 30 cm (12”) wide, 53 cm (21”) deep, measured flat

YARN
Approx. 499 m (546 yds) of lace to light fingering weight yarn

Sample shown used 1 skein of Hand Maiden Mini Maiden in ‘Bullrush’

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS
3.5–3.75 mm (US 4–5) 40–60 cm/16–24” circular needles, or size to obtain gauge
1 stitch marker
Tapestry Needle

GAUGE
27–28 sts x 40 rows = 10cm/4” in stockinette after blocking. Gauge is not critical but will impact finished size and meterage required.

SKILLS REQUIRED
knit, purl, cast on, bind off, working in the round