The “Storyteller’s Gift Cowl” is so named as the knitter creates the gift of a story to the recipient. Use the charts here or create some of your own. Many here are versions of ones used in many of the hats in my World Cultures Hat Series - motifs from around the world, many not meant as knit motifs, but created from folk motifs. Knit a cowl using the charts shown here or make up a new combination of charts. When finished, wear it. When the right time comes, find someone who can use the warmth of a hand knit hug. Gift the cowl to that person, wrap it around his or her neck. It may be someone you have never met, or someone you know quite well, someone in need of your hand knit support. That person may choose to pass it on in the future. One day you might receive one back…

The first cowl I made to give away has a special story. A friend lost her adult son in a workplace accident. In the family’s grief, they did courageous thing and donated his organs. Four people were saved. Many of her motifs are here: a happy pup, Mingus, her son’s favorite; music motifs representing his work and love of music; stars, sun & moon, a connection to James Taylor’s song “Close Your Eyes”; the word MOM (WOW upside down) as she is both to me; an anchor for hope.

Please note: all motifs from Erica’s Cowl are not included here, many are, but some are not. They were just for her. A photo of her cowl is on the last page.***

100% of all pattern sale proceeds for one year will go to NEDS, New England Donor Services, a charity that helps families through the difficult decision to donate a loved one’s organs.

This cowl is knit as a tube, applied Icord is optional. If desired, work the cowl in 2 or 3 colors - or use different background colors but make all motifs white or cream…. Or choose just one motif and 2 colors and repeat all the way through. Design notes are included in the pattern.

Materials for Gift One Cowl:
About 525 yds odds and ends Cascade 220, or other similar worsted yarn
15 yds light purple
20 yds medium purple
20 yds deep purple
15 yds teal
20 yds rose
50 yds red
20 yds maroon
40 yds white
20 yds light grey
20 yds deep grey
30 yds pale blue
110 yds medium blue (applied Icord)
40 yds deep blue
10 yds yellow
15 yds beige or tan
30 yds brown
15 yds pale green
25 yds pine green
2 yds contrasting waste yarn, Stitch Marker, Sharp Darning Needle
US Size 8 / 5 mm Circular 16 inch needle (a second set will be needed for grafting ends)
US Size 8 / 5 mm DPNs (only 2 needed for Applied Icord Edging)
Gauge: (not critical, but here it is) 4.5 - 5 sts per inch

Materials for Gift Too Cowl:
110 yds Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Raspberry (for motifs and applied Icord)
120 yds Cascade 220 Superwash Merino White
60 yds Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Aqua
40 yds Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Lime
40 yds Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Medium Teal
40 yds Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Deep Teal
50 yds Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Periwinkle
10 yds Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Candy Pink
2 yds contrasting waste yarn, Stitch Marker, Sharp Darning Needle
US Size 6 / 4 mm Circular 16 inch needle (a second set will be needed for grafting ends)
US Size 6 / 4 mm DPNs (only 2 needed for Applied Icord Edging)
Gauge: (not critical, but here it is) 5.5 - 6 sts per inch