Murano Hat and Cowl

Featuring stranded colourwork knitted in the round, this cowl and hat are inspired by the twelfth century mosaic pavements in the Basilica of Santa Maria e San Donato on the Venetian island of Murano

 

YARN 

The Border Mill Alpaca Rose 
50% Alpaca, 50% Rose Fibre, c.175 m (191 yd) per 50g
2 x 50g skeins Electrum (A)
1 x 50g skein Amethyst (B)
1 x 50g skein Ruby (C)
1 x 50g skein Onyx (D)
The above quantities are for making both the cowl and hat. One skein each of yarns A, B and C may be sufficient for the cowl alone, although depending on gauge, an additional skein of A may be needed.

 

NEEDLES & NOTIONS

Cowl
3.25 mm / US 3 circular needle, 40 cm / 16” long
Stitch markers, tapestry needle for finishing
Hat
3.25 mm / US 3 circular needle, 40 cm / 16” length
Set of 4 DPNs for working centre of crown
3 mm / US 2.5 circular needle, 40 cm / 16” length 
4 stitch markers, tapestry needle for finishing

GAUGE

Cowl
30 sts and 32 rows to 10 cm / 4“
Hat
24.5 sts and 33 rounds to 10 cm / 4” at widest part of crown on larger needle. Gauge is 30 sts to 10 cm / 4” immediately above ribbing on smaller needle.

 

MEASUREMENTS

Cowl
Length 31.5 cm / 12.5” 
Circumference 64 cm / 25.5”
Hat
Diameter of crown 27 cm / 10.5”
Circumference of ribbing 50 cm / 19.5” to fit head of 55-60 cm / 21.5-23.5”.  The hat is shown on a head size 59 cm / 23”.

 

SKILLS REQUIRED

Both patterns use stranded colourwork, requiring the anchoring of longer yarn floats behind work. Other techniques for the cowl include the Channel Island cast-on and matching bind-off for a decorative edge.
The hat uses German twisted cast-on and corrugated ribbing. Knowledge of backward loop cast-on method is assumed.