Pattern of the Week: Arctic Willow Wrap

Usually when I cast on a shawl, I have weeks or months of delightful knitting ahead of me. But wouldn’t it be great to start a wrap now and wear it soon? Like in the same season you started it and not the fall or winter of next year? Well, I have a project for you.

It’s the Arctic Willow Wrap by Donna Kay, from Interweave Knits Gifts 2019. This gorgeous lacy wrap is knit from worsted-weight yarn, and that makes all the difference. You can start this beauty today (okay, probably this weekend by the time you get the yarn sorted) and finish it in two or three weeks. I really think you can do it! And you most certainly will want to try, because it’s stunning.

Something to note about this wrap is that it’s 76 inches long. I’m only 5′ 2″, so that’s too long for me. I’d probably make it about a foot shorter, which would make it even speedier to knit—bonus for shorties!

The yarn, Peace Fleece Worsted, is a wool-and-mohair tweed, all rustic elegance and warmth, and such a unique pairing with a lace pattern. I just love it. Speaking of the lace pattern, it’s a super-easy chart that you’ll have memorized quickly. The Arctic Willow Wrap could easily be social knitting project once you’ve completed a repeat or two.

I can’t think of a more wintry, sophisticated project to wear this holiday season!

Product Details

FINISHED SIZE 15½” wide and 76″ long.

YARN Peace Fleece Worsted (75% Native/non-Native American fine wool, 25% Texas mohair; 200 yd [183 m]/4 oz [113 g]): Volgassipi Blue, 4 skeins.

NEEDLES Size 9 (5.5 mm): 24″ circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS Stitch holders; spare size 9 (5.5 mm) or smaller cir needle; tapestry needle.

GAUGE 16 sts and 19 rows = 4″ in lace patt.

Cast on some coziness!