A Cowichan Sweater was the very first thing I learned how to knit.  I bought the wool in the basement of an  Eaton's store in Red Deer Alberta,  and it was 4 strands which needed to be woven while knitting.  Might as well start with the hardest knitting and graduate to easier patterns.  Now finding that Cowichan wool is practically impossible to find - maybe available in Duncan who knows.