Luminous Beings Are We
Cowl Pattern Release Day!
My newest knitting pattern, the Luminous Are We Cowl, is available today!!!
I adore this cozy, structured, and easy-to-wear cowl. In addition to being a beautiful warmer for your neck and shoulders, you have some flexibility in how you wear it. Keep the cowl close to your neck, style it as a no-fuss shawl, or even wear it lower around your shoulders as a fitted capelet!
The color structure is created through slipped stitches and makes for an uncomplicated though engaging project.
You may recognize the similarities between Luminous Are We Cowl design and the Deci Scarf. My two newest patterns are certainly siblings. And not just in techniques. Both patterns stem from my desire to represent with yarn some good and inspirational ideas.
If you didn’t read my pattern release post for the Deci Scarf, be sure to check that out. (I’ll link it at the end.)
You may already know the quote for which this new cowl is named. If not, let me share with you my favorite of Master Yoda’s pearls of wisdom.
My ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us, binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force flow around you. Here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, yes, even between the land and the ship.
When Yoda says this to Luke in The Empire Strikes Back, he is teaching the apprentice about the nature of the Force. I have always felt that the Force within the Star Wars realm can be used as a metaphor for a variety of ideas and things that exist within our real world.
The way I read, “Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter,” is that we humans are capable of so many beautiful possibilities, be it through our souls, our thoughts, or our actions. Yes, our flesh and bones are crude matter, but we are so much more than just that.
Luminosity Battles Grief
I don’t know how the Timing Gods worked this one out, but my week has been filled with the grief of loss. Somehow, someone on high heard that I have this pattern arriving this week and wanted to remind me of how defeatable our crude matter really is in life. Through death. And more than one.
I’m not going to wallow here in the details of my grieving. However, I will tell you that this reminder of the inevitability of death inspires me to pursue the luminosity of life that Yoda promises. Our days are numbered, and so we should pursue daily the wide range of opportunities for loveliness and goodness in our lives.
Let’s get back to the Light Side…
As I considered Yoda, the Force, and the Jedi Order, I wanted to create a cowl with a funneled shape—the shape of learning, focus, and wisdom.
I wanted to explore the play between two contrasting colors. The Light and Dark Sides are engaged in a constant dance. Additionally, the lines of color run sideways and upwards just as the Force flows around and through us.
Finally, I incorporated converging lines that reminded me of both the towers of tradition as well as the iconic shape of the Jedi cloak.
As always, this pattern has been tech edited and test knit. It includes written instructions as well as video tutorial support.
Pattern Details
One Size: Finished Height: 21”/53cm; Finished Circumference—At shoulders: 42”/106.5cm; At neck: 23”/58.5cm
Gauge: 28 sts x 37 r = 4”/10cm in slipped stitch pattern; Gauge is blocked
Yarn: 2 - 100g skeins fingering weight yarn; One skein each of two contrasting colorways
Sample uses: Wonderland Yarns Mary Ann (85% Superwash Merino/15% Nylon); 475 yds/113g: 1 skein each: “Rocking-Horse-Fly” (C1) and “Mock Turtle” (C2)
Suggested Needles: US 3 (3.25mm); 24”/61cm circular needle
Optional Crochet Hook (For cast on): 3.50mm
Notions: Removable Stitch Markers, Darning Needle, Measuring Tape
DISCOUNTS!
Remember to read to the end of this section for full details.
Friends, you will find the Luminous Are We Cowl Pattern on both Ravelry and Etsy!
Standard 30% Discount
You can take 30% off the regular price now through Friday, May 10, 2024 (11:59pm EST). No code needed on Etsy. On Ravelry, use code: MAYTHE4TH
Substack 40% Discount
Since you visited me here on Substack, you can take 40% off the regular price now through Friday, May 10, 2024 (11:59pm EST). On Ravelry and Etsy, use code: JEDIMASTER
Substack Elite 60% Discount
If you are checking out this post in the first weekend, you get to take 60% off the regular price now through Monday, April 29, 2024 (11:59pm EST). On Ravelry and Etsy, use code: USETHEFORCE
💖 If you choose to purchase this pattern, please know how much I appreciate your interest and support. 💖 And if you don’t, I still appreciate that you joined me here on Substack and read all the way to the end of the post!
For more patterns by Jocelyn Peters (plus knitting tutorials and inspiration), check out Mountain Song Designs on…
