My blog now features a photo tutorial on the applied crochet chain technique used to create the vertical stripes. Find it at: http://woolly-wits.blogspot.com/2014/05/crochet-chain-applique-tutorial.html.

The Gait’s Haire Cowl & Wrap are featherweight accessories worked in a knitted plaid pattern. What makes them so lightweight is the yarn, a luxurious combination of mohair and silk spun into a lace weight, but knitted with a double strand on large size needles.

The plaid patterning is achieved through a combination of two techniques: intarsia and applied crochet. The garments are worked with two strands held together with one changing along the row to create the wide vertical bands of color. The narrow contrast stripes are created by two methods. The horizontal stripes are knitted into the garment, while the vertical stripes are added as a crochet chain after the knitting is completed.

The wrap features an optional added strap to slip the other end through and hold it on the shoulders. The cowl is knit flat and then seamed to make a round.

Why Gait’s Haire? This is Gaelic for the hair of the goat, or mohair. But it also a Scottish term to describe a puffy cloud. So, this phrase covers not only the composition, but also the substance of the designs.

Skills Needed to Successfully Complete This Pattern:
cast on, knit, purl, intarsia knitting, spit splice, crochet chain stitch, sew seam, weave in ends.

DIMENSIONS
Cowl: 12”/ cm high by 43”/ cm around
Wrap: 22”/ cm wide by 68”/155 cm long

Substitute any of the lace weight mohair & silk blend yarn, such as Shibui Silk Cloud, Rowan Kidsilk Haze, Debbie Bliss Angel or Elann Silken Kydd.

Only a small amount of the contrast color is used, so it’s a good use for a leftover skein.