While Manchego sheep featured prominently in part 2 of my virtual tour of Spain and Portugal, cheese rather than wool was my initial introduction to this breed of sheep.  I first tasted Manchego cheese years ago when hosting an annual wine and cheese fundraiser with friends.  With its buttery, slightly tangy flavor, it paired nicely with a robust red wine.  We always designed our menus around 5-6 wines (sweet to dry) that were available without special orders to a vineyard, as well a selection of individually prepared hors d’oeuvres and less common cheeses. 

This time, rather than the edible byproduct of this Spanish sheep, the Purls on the Promenade cowl is a blend of Manchego and Merino wool purchased from The Woolly Thistle.  This latest design from Marie Greene features a mix of knit and purl stitches that create a subtle wavy design.  As I began knitting with this rustic yarn, I was a little worried that the final product might be rough or scratchy around the neck but after a good soak and blocking, the design pops and this cowl is soft to the touch just in time for chilly fall temperatures.

Happy Knitting!