The stitch pattern on this cowl reminds me of feathers (plumage) and of a trail of smoke billowing up from a chimney or campfire (plume). The Plumed Cowl pattern is suitable for someone who is comfortable with knitting in the round and has done some lace. Uncommon stitches, k4tog and ssssk, are introduced. However, I give easy ways to do both stitches that even a relative beginning knitter can master quickly.
This pattern makes a cowl/snood/shoulder warmer. To achieve all three functions, there is a lot of negative ease (about 20-30%) and size flexibility when used as a shoulder warmer. Casey, my lovely model has a 36″ bust and the yellow one she is wearing is the middle size. The brown one is the small size. You can make a cowl of any size by adjusting various pattern and yarn elements. I give guidelines to adjust size within the pattern.