Please note: This pattern is specifically designed for using handspun singles yarn, spun in both “S” and “Z” direction. You will not attain the same effect by using commercial yarn.

Many thanks to Fiona Gardner and her vast spinning knowledge. Her meticulously culled flock of registered Haunui Halfbred sheep are the only true New Zealand Haunuis, a distinctive wool bred specifically for its fine spinning properties and array of delightful natural colours. However, other wools labeled NZ Halfbred, on the other hand, may vary in their traits.

This pattern idea was inspired by my favourite spinning fibre, a medium-staple Haunui Halfbred. It’s lovely to spin to most any gauge, and the finished yarn is next-to-skin wearable (for most). I am especially enamoured of the array of natural colours.

While the target yarn is DK weight, you will have similar results with a sport or worsted weight yarn, so long as you spin the whole lot with fairly consistent results and change up your needle size accordingly. (I used a 5mm circular to attain gauge.)

In light of the current world health epidemic, this pattern is free. Should you like to spin for your cowl using the fibre that helped to inspire it,