[Jan in CA]

There are so many different types of cowls it's hard to know what you (or she) wants. Some are tight to the neck, some so loose they are more of a decoration than warmth. Here's a few, but check Ravelry and narrow down the choices by appx weight of yarn, free or not, etc..

http://ilikecake.org/?p=142
http://www.loopknits.com/2010/10/28/...nd-swirl-cowl/
http://www.knittedfox.net/?page_id=591

Only on Ravelry -
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/greyhaven
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/darkside-cowl
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...ntinental-cowl
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ilean
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ithacowl

This one gets used a lot in my knitting group as a gauge swatch because you can use it later as a cowl!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...-reliable-cowl