Currently this pattern and the comprehensive class notes that accompany it are available exclusively to Knit Stars 6 Masterclass Owners. The class itself will always be exclusive to Knit Stars 6 Masterclass owners, but plans are afoot for an updated and expanded edition of the pattern to be self-published by KNITSONIK LTD. in winter 2023/2024.

This cosy, soft cowl is long enough to wrap twice around your neck. Beginning with a provisional cast on, it is worked from start to finish in the round from a sequence of twelve charts, each of which celebrates the creative impetus of a different artist. Once the stranded colourwork portion of the cowl is complete, the provisional cast on is unzipped, and the ends are grafted together. This produces the illusion that the cowl is seamless and continuous.

Each of the charts included in the pattern comes with accompanying design notes. These notes provide opportunities to learn about different creative approaches and a wealth of amazing artists; they are also conceived as a way of exploring how colours and patterns interact in multiple ways, while also ending up with something that is warm and wearable.

Three yarn palettes - each inspired by a different woman artist - are suggested, however useful notes on creating your own palette are also supplied, along with notes on adapting each portion of the cowl in line with your own levels of confidence and personal interests.

This pattern provides an accessible starting-point for representing our lives in stranded colourwork. It is divided
into twelve sections, each of which speaks to the practice and approach of a particular artist. This Knit Stars project was conceived to be an engaging and imaginative knit and to meet you, the knitter, wherever you are in your own creative journey. Make it exactly as charted and enjoy learning about different artists and their work, or use the helpful prompts provided throughout to support you with altering elements of the design.

This pattern celebrates, and is dedicated to, our creative foremothers:

Alma Thomas, Althea McNish, Ann Southam, Bobby Baker, Daphne Oram, Dorothy Grebanak, Georgia O’Keeffe, Geta Brătescu, Jane Wight, Wendy Carlos, Yayoi Kusama - and to all the unnamed and undercelebrated artists on whose shoulders our creative stitching stands.