The stained glass windows in a German gothic cathedral are nothing short of breathtaking. On a recent trip to Germany, I learned that most of the stained glass in these cathedrals has been replaced over time due to damage from fires and bombings during the wars. The replicas are carefully designed to match the original windows, but you can usually tell the difference because the colors in the newer windows are bright, clear and vivid. The original stained glass - if you’re lucky enough to see any - is much darker, because of age and oxidation. The oldest known stained glass windows in their original setting are known to be at the Augsburg Cathedral in Augsburg, Germany, dating back at least 1,000 years. This cowl was inspired by those original stained glass panes - dark, though they may be - which have defied the odds to survive for centuries. Oh, the stories those windows could tell!

In this pattern, the main color represents the lead channels in the stained glass, and the contrast color represents the colorful panes. Variegated or color-changing yarns are perfect for the contrast in this pattern!

Skill Level
Intermediate (or Adventurous Beginner)

Size
One Size

Gauge
28 sts in 4 in (10 cm) in slipped st pattern, blocked
(Row gauge is not critical)

Yarn
(Main Color) Fingering/sport | Merino (or similar) | ~400-420 yards in 100 grams | Note: Less than half of a full-size skein is required for this project

(Contrast Color) Fingering/sport | Zauberball: Crazy, Edition 3 or Starke 6 | Note: You’ll use slightly less than 100 g; if you use Edition 3, you’ll need 2 balls.

Needles
US Size 4 (3.5 mm) 16 in (40 cm) circular needles
Note: You will need two of these same size needles (or a second one of a similar size) to work the grafted edge.

Finished Measurements
A) 24 in (70 cm) circumference
B) 12 in (30.5 cm) top to bottom

The pattern includes a 10-minute video tutorial.