Knitted Fretted Band Cowl

Imagine a cozy, stylish accessory that combines the warmth of a cowl with the intricate design of a fretted band. This unique piece is handcrafted using a knitting technique that results in a beautiful texture and pattern. The cowl is not only functional for keeping you warm during the colder months, but also adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. The attention to detail in the knitting process ensures that each cowl is a one-of-a-kind piece that stands out from the rest. Whether you prefer to wear it draped loosely around your neck or wrapped snugly for extra warmth, this cowl is sure to become a staple in your winter wardrobe. The combination of the soft, cozy knit fabric and the intricate fretted band design makes this cowl a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication to their cold-weather ensembles.

Yarn: SMC Select Reflect (52% Viscose, 48% Cotton; 131 yards [120 meters]/50 grams); #4108 - one skein (color A), SMC Select Violena Colori (50% Cotton, 50% Modal; 109 yards [100 meters]/50 grams); color #4307 (color B)

Needles: One 20" circular needle in size 6, two double pointed needles (dpns), also in size 6

Notions: Tapestry needle, two stitch markers

Gauge: 21 stitches = 4 inches
So let's get this thing started! To begin, use your color A yarn to cast on 144 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll knit a couple of edging rows, as follows:
Edging row: using color A, * k2, p2, k2; rep from *
Knit the edging row three times, and then we'll transition to our slip stitch pattern, which is a variation on Fretted Band Pattern from page 67 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. We'll be slipping all stitches with the yarn in the back. And we'll proceed like so:

Rows 1 & 2: using color B, knit

Rows 3 & 4: using color A, * slip 1, k5 *
Rows 5 & 6: using color B, * k1, slip 1, k3, slip 1 *
Rows 7 & 8: using color A, * slip 1, k3, slip 1, k1 *
Rows 9 & 10: using color B, * k3, slip 1, k1, slip 1 *
Rows 11 & 12: using color A, * k4, slip 1, k1 *
Knit rows 1 - 12 three times, and then knit the following transition rows:
Transition Rows 1 & 2: using color B, knit
Transition Row 3: using color A, k72, place marker, and knit until the end of the round
And now that those are done, clip the tail on your color B yarn, since we'll be knitting everything with color A from this point forward. It's also time to transition to the mesh at the top of the piece, which will go like so:
Row 1: * yo, k2tog * until you reach marker, slip marker, then * ssk, yo * until end of round
Rows 2 & 4: k2tog, then knit until you reach marker, slip marker, then continue knitting until there are only two stitches left in round; end ssk
Row 3: k1, * yo, k2tog * until you reach marker, slip marker, then * ssk, yo * until you're one stitch before end of round; end k1
Knit rows 1 - 4 four times and bind off loosely. Tuck in ends and block. Finally, using your dpns and whichever color you damn well please, work a three stitch i-cord until it measures roughly 20" in length. Style as desired.