Historical motifs and stitch patterns are among my favorite to recreate. It always leaves me with a feeling of awe to think of people and the items they made using this very pattern so long ago.
The brocade-like stitch patterns on this plush Fair Isle Cashmere cowl are taken from an antique book of Russian embroidery motifs found in my favorite used book store and translated into knitting charts. The pairing of a solid cashmere with a hand-painted colorway give the illusion of complicated color work when truly only two yarns are used, so you have a fast, beautifully colorful, satisfying knit.
This cowl is knit in the round using the stranded colorwork and the yarn is held double throughout for a thick, cozy cowl. Skill level is for advanced beginners.