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Hayfields and harvested grain fields have a special beauty. An open field allows one to view the forest from the outside, and gives the opportunity to appreciate all the myriad species that make up the woods—this edge effect allows many trees to develop beautiful full shapes with branches and leaves almost to the ground. I especially appreciate the chance to hike through a field when the hay is baled but still on the ground—the fresh, dry smell makes me feel thankful—for a good harvest and the prospect of warmth and coziness indoors when winter arrives, both for people and livestock!

This design evolved from a trip I made to Aroostook County a few years ago. It was mid-September and many of the hay and grain fields had recently been harvested. It was late afternoon, and the sun was low in the sky. Every corner I came around, or hill I crested showed another glimpse of beauty in colors that amazed me—blueish green, cranberry red, bright yellow, and the loamy brown of the potato fields. In addition to all the different colors, the textures were stunning—stubble from crops that had been sown in contours on hilly fields, tractor paths criss-crossing the land and windrows of fluffed up hay waiting for the baler.

This design is my attempt to pull together some of this seasonal beauty. The instructions are for a tubular moebius-style cowl. It is worked in the round, beginning with a provisional cast-on, given a half-twist, and then finished with your choice of Kitchener stitch or 3-needle bind off to join the two ends together. The design calls for just two colors, one of which could be a variegated or tonal yarn, the other a contrasting solid, and two charts are given, light on dark, and dark on light.

SIZES: One Size
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Circumference: 36 inches
Width (across doubled fabric): 8.5 inches
GAUGE: 22.5 sts and 24 rnds = 4”/10cm on gauge size needles (over blocked colorwork pattern).
NEEDLES:
US size 6 (4.0mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
Choose needles based on your preferred method for working small circumferences in the round..
YARN: DK or Light Worsted Weight yarn.
The sample used Junction Fiber Mill’s Making Tracks 100% American Wool, 210 yards = 100g (325 yards) and Rauma Garn Fivel, 100% Norwegian Wool, 109 yards = 50 g (275 yards)
NOTIONS: stitch marker, tapestry needle, smooth waste yarn for provisional cast-on, crochet hook
SKILLS USED: working in the round, using a chart, 2-color colorwork, grafting (Kitchener Stitch) or 3-needle bind-off, provisional cast-on.

This lovely yarn can be sourced at The Woolly Thistle, an on-line shop specializing in woolly wool. This is an affiliate link which generates a small commission for me at no additional cost to you!

Thank you for supporting my work by using this link to purchase your yarn, and for choosing one of my designs!