Clickimin Cowl

Discover the exquisite design of the 2018 Lerwick Up Helly Aa cowl, an exceptional piece created for our family during a memorable year in Shetland. This year held special significance as my first cousin’s husband took on the celebrated role of lead Viking, known as the Guizer Jarl. In celebration of this momentous occasion, my cousin commissioned me to design and knit unique hats and cowls for the wives and girlfriends of the Jarl’s squad. This particular cowl features a motif inspired by the squad’s distinctive outfits, showcasing a blend of creativity and tradition that honors the festival's rich heritage.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of creating this cowl was experimenting with color. I love blending vibrant colors, particularly in corrugated ribbing, but I challenged myself to incorporate purple, a color I rarely use in my knitting. The combination of purple with other jewel tones creates a striking, warm, and uplifting effect that truly stands out. This cowl is expertly knit in the round, ensuring a seamless finish, with no more than two colors used in each row for smooth transitions.

The cowl features a beautifully folded picot hem, enhancing its elegant design, along with a corrugated ribbing both above and below the Fair Isle motif. Throughout the crafting of this cowl, I employed various techniques including knitting in the round, intricate colorwork, and stylish corrugated ribbing. Notably, the only rows where I ‘caught a float’ are rows 3 and 13 of chart B, which feature a stretch of seven background stitches, making this an easier Fair Isle knit ideal for those who are venturing into colorwork. Embrace the beauty and craftsmanship of this cowl and add a truly unique piece to your knitting repertoire!