Basilico Cowl and Mitts

Featuring stranded colourwork and twisted stitches in stripes of two colours, with Channel Island cast-on and bind-off edges, these mitts and cowl are inspired by the striped architecture of Italian churches such as the Duomo of Orvieto.

 

YARN 
The Border Mill Alpaca Rose, 50% Alpaca, 50% Rose Fibre
175 m (191 yd) per 50g skein
2 x 50g skeins Electrum (A)
2 x 50g skeins Pewter (B)
The mitts or cowl may be made using one skein of each colour but, depending on gauge, a second skein of A and/or B may be required for the cowl.

 

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
Cowl - 3 mm / US 2.5 circular needle, 40 cm / 16” length
Mitts - 3 mm / US 2.5 preferred needles for small diameter knitting.
Stitch markers, stitch holder, tapestry needle for finishing

GAUGE
Cowl - 34 sts and 34 rnds to 10 cm / 4”
Mitts - 43 sts and 38 rounds to 10 cm / 4”

 

MEASUREMENTS
Cowl - Length 24 cm / 9.5”, circumference 59 cm / 23.5”
Mitts - Two sizes: Length 16 cm / 6.5”, palm circumference 19.5 (21.5) cm / 8” (8.5”)
The smaller mitts are shown on a hand with palm circumference 19 cm / 7.5”

 

SKILLS REQUIRED
The pattern uses stranded colourwork along with increases/decreases (cowl) or twisted stitches (mitts) to create slanting stripes in alternating colours. 
Other techniques include corrugated ribbing (cowl) and Channel Island cast-on and matching bind-off for a decorative edge.
Knowledge of backward loop cast-on method is assumed.