Materials:
About 350-400 yards of worsted weight wool (I have used both Brown
Sheep and Cascade 220, a Peruvian 2-ply wool which comes in nice colors).
The important thing is that it be soft, since it will be worn around the
neck and face.
16" US#8 circular needle
Ring or scrap of contrasting yarn for marker.
Gauge:
5 st/in in st st
Pattern:
Cast on 126 stitches. Join, being careful not to twist. Place marker
at beginning of round.
Garter stitch border:
Round 1: knit
Round 2: purl
Repeat these two rounds for the next 4 rows (for a total of 6 rows), slipping the marker when you come to it.
Lace panel (purse stitch variation):
Round 7: *K2tog, yo*
Round 8: Purl
Repeat these two rounds, slipping marker as before, until the wimple measures about 5-6" from beginning.
Switch to st st and work even till wimple measures about 18" from beginning.
Garter stitch border:
Work 6 rows as before.
Weave in tails.
Variation for those who live in less windy climes: leave out st st portion and knit entire piece in the modified purse stitch, retaining the garter stitch border at each end.