Pattern of the Week: The Simple, Scrumptious Blake Shawl
Confession: when I first saw the cover of this year’s knitscene Fall issue, I let out an audible squeal. Not just because of the promise of a Q&A with Krysten Ritter (though, love her!), not just because of the incredible styling of the model, but because I want that shawl!
The Blake Shawl, designed by Laura Reinbach, is a wide triangular shawl with long tails, perfect for styling a variety of ways.
“Knit this shawl in your favorite color,” the cover suggests. Done. That shawl is already in my favorite color. Not a fan of the olive-green yellow colorway (evocatively named “Autumn Leaves”) used in the sample? Brown Sheep Company Nature Spun Fingering comes in a wide variety of lovely colors so the Blake Shawl can fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.
Now let’s talk about the knitting itself. Most of the shawl is worked in a fun, textured stitch pattern that’s secretly mostly stockinette. You’ll be doing easy increases along the sides as your shawl grows and grows. Then, just at the moment when you’ll be really itching for something new, enter seed stitch!
Seed stitch is my absolute favorite stitch. It’s a little bit time consuming, since you’re knitting into your purls and purling into your knits, but it’s super easy to keep your place in the pattern because the stitches tell you what to do. You just look at the stitch in front of you and do the opposite of what you see there! More importantly, the result is a stunningly textured fabric that is cozy warm with beautiful drape.
Pattern Details
Finished Size 83” wide and 21” tall.
Yarn Brown Sheep Company Nature Spun Fingering (100% wool): #148 autumn leaves, 4 balls.
Needles Size 4 (3.5 mm): 32” circular. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Tapestry needle.
Gauge 25 sts and 42 rows = 4” in body patt.
So what do you think? Will the Blake Shawl be on your needles this fall?
Yours in Stitches,
Andrea
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